Many of you know our National Honor Society, better known as NHS, as an organization that gathers upstanding students who put in the effort to make a difference in our community. This year, the Suffield Music Association has brought in a similar organization that is specific to band students, called Tri-M. This title stands for Modern Music Masters, and the students chosen for this opportunity represent that name.
The students were reviewed for the minimum membership requirements (ensemble participation, minimum grade requirements in all classes, and minimum grade requirements for music). The Tri-M applicants had to send in an essay, which an independent committee of teachers were asked to look over for admission. The students were asked to write about their time spent dedicated to music and the band community, as well as why they love being a musician. The whole of the application process included a review of academic standing, citizenship in the SHS music program, and the students’ demonstration of leadership, service, and character.
Tri-M is currently composed of 14 dedicated members from both the choir and band. I asked some of our members what Tri-M means to them and what emotions are evoked. When interviewing the Vice President of our organization, Nayan Tummalapaly, he stated, “I think it’s fantastic and means a lot to me because we finally were able to push for something to recognize everything we do… all of our achievements and going forward to recognize other students’ achievements.” This was very well-stated, as many other students in this organization share the same sentiments.
Tri-M has a lot of goals and aspirations specifically focused on bringing music to the community and our school sports. When interviewed, both the President and VP spoke on bridging the gap between sports and music. Nayan Tummalapaly specifically focused on “having a pep band installed at, say, basketball… a group just playing the national anthem and things like that, just pushing for a greater voice.” The President of Tri-M, Kylie Tinnirella, agreed, saying, “We want music to be involved in more than just the band room in our school… There can be collaboration and mutual respect.”
Tri-M’s purpose and mission are to strengthen the district’s music program by inspiring and connecting the public school music community, recognizing the musical and personal achievements of musicians in SHS, and providing service opportunities for Tri-M members to give back to the community through music. As Tri-M builds its foundation, it will continue to strive for these goals and bring music to everyone.
