As music educators, we have the opportunity to work with some of the best students in our schools.  We strive for excellence within our music programs and encourage students to reach their musical potential, but how often do we take time to recognize, compliment, and promote those students who step up to the plate and  really evolve as leaders within our music programs?  We all appreciate a pat on the back from time to time as a way of showing appreciation for our hard work and dedication to our field of interest, so why would our top music students feel differently?  It is with this in mind that I strongly encourage you to consider implementing a Tri-M chapter within your high school music department this year. 

WHO:  Any high school music educators in South Dakota wishing to strengthen their music department and looking for a way to show their students that hard work pays off! 

WHAT:  Tri-M is more than just another music club or activity.  It is a Music Honor Society which was developed to motivate students, recognize their efforts, and honor their accomplishments.  Founded in 1952, the Tri-M Music Honor Society has almost 5,200 chartered chapters worldwide!  It is a program of MENC, the largest arts education association in the world.

WHY:

• A Tri-M chapter provides recognition for students’ accomplishments and service activities to motivate them to achieve on a higher level.
• It increases the visibility and prestige of your school’s music program.
• Tri-M builds awareness of the importance of music in your school and community through service and outreach.
• Working together on Tri-M activities increases teamwork among your instrumental and vocal students and faculty.
• Tri-M offers leadership opportunities for music students and faculty.

HOW:

• Activate Your Chapter:  Complete a Chapter Activation Form and submit it with the $100 activation fee to MENC.  (Visit www.menc.org/tri-m to obtain the form.)  The Tri-M Manual, which you’ll receive once you’re activated for the year, will guide you through everything!  MENC has truly laid out the ground work for you by providing this wonderful resource to help you get started with your own Tri-M chapter.
• Select Your Members:  Select the members for your chapter based on music participation as well as character strength and academic achievement. 
• Order Membership Materials:  Upon activation, you will receive the Tri-M catalog from which you can order pins for new members, certificates, graduation cords, tassels, insignia, etc.

WHEN:  No better time than the present!  New chapters may activate any time through May 31, 2011.  (Renewing chapters must activate by October 31, 2010 to prevent a late fee.)  Feel free to contact me if you have questions.

A Word from the Founder:  “If we strive to cultivate musical sensitivity and perception in our students, we must likewise give adequate recognition for their efforts and achievements, and we must inspire them to strive for higher goals. In what better way than by bestowing upon them life membership in a worldwide honorary organization for musical youth?” 

– Alexander Harley, Founder, Tri-M Music Honor Society

STACY GROSS
Stacy.Gross@k12.sd.us
Tri-M Chair