In the orchestra room, members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society gather together, enjoying snacks and each other’s company before diving into a discussion for their next service project, senior Emma Yang, Tri-M’s Vice President, said. The club works to help the community, making a difference throughout South with their music, she added.
Tri-M, which meets bi-monthly, seeks students who share a passion for music and are dedicated to active community service, Rachel Atlas, Orchestra Director and Tri-M Club Sponsor, said. Started by Dr. Mark Maranto, Assistant Principal for Student Activities in the 2019-2020 school year, this service-oriented honor society brings together the 70 top musicians across band, orchestra, and choir to foster a sense of unity and leadership, Atlas explained.
“[The club has] become a community, [and] it feels good to have students that [share] a sense of belonging,” Atlas said.
As a part of their community service mission, Tri-M ushers for many events, meaning that they aid people in locating their seats and various amenities, as well as making sure the event runs smoothly. Throughout the school year at Arbor Terrace, an assisted living facility in Glenview, playing holiday music for the residents, junior Mitchel Lee, Tri-M member explained.
“You feel good about [volunteering], and it’s a fun time playing with your friends,” Lee said.
Tri-M is commited to both musical excellence and community service, junior Jenny Yoon, Tri-M Historian said. As a Tri-M Historian, she keeps track of service credits which can be acquired from volunteering at various music-related events.
“My favorite thing about Tri-M [is] the diverse community of bright, talented individuals who use music [to help] society,” Yoon said.
Each spring, Tri-M hosts an induction ceremony, at which members are recognized for their service and commitment, Atlas said. Although students are considered members of the club before the induction ceremony, to be officially recognized as part of the Honors Society, they must attend at least six club meetings and earn four service credits, Atlas said.
“The induction ceremony is a celebratory moment,” Atlas said. “[The students have] helped the music program in [a] special way.”
By giving students the experience of playing for others, Tri-M not only fosters a sense of community and service, but also plays a significant role in helping members build connections, Atlas said. Through bringing together the top students from different musical disciplines, the club creates opportunities that might not have happened otherwise, Atlas explained.
“[Tri-M allows] students to [form] friendships they may not have had,” Atlas said. “Those types of opportunities follow [you for] the rest of your life.”
