Making a Difference in Communities: Music Honor Students Recognized with Tri-M Chapter of the Year Honors

About the National Chapter of the Year Award

The Tri-M National Chapter of the Year program is designed to motivate and reward chapters that develop active service projects, encourage chapter officers to perform their duties properly, and bring about more awareness and interest in what other Tri-M chapters are doing. Winning chapters receive scholarship funds for summer music study. The 2008-2009 Chapter of the Year Winners and Runners Up are:

Senior Division

• Winner: Villa Maria Academy, Chapter #1227 of Malvern, Pennsylvania, advised by Joyce Prichard
• 1st Runner Up: Nazareth Academy High School, Chapter #2096 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, advised by Margaret Lafferty
• 2nd Runner Up: Unionville High School, Tri-M Chapter #2351 of Unionville, Ontario, Canada, advised by Dennis Beck
   

Junior Division

• Winner: Ranney Middle School, Chapter #4410 of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, advised by Lillianne Torrente
• 1st Runner Up: Alma Middle School, Chapter #3585 of Alma, Michigan, advised by Patrick DeWitt
   

The winning chapters have lived up to Tri-M's values by working hard all year in their schools and communities. Here are some examples of their accomplishments and contributions.

Senior Division Winner: Villa Maria Academy

The chapter at Villa Maria Academy was the 1st Runner Up in last year’s award program, and this year they won it all! This past school year, the Tri-M students organized and attended a number of school, community service, and musical events.

One of the highlights of the year for their chapter was their organization of a charity called “Reindeer Romp” to benefit the Special Olympics of Delaware County. Over 160 participants helped raised $3500, walking (in the cold) around Villa Maria’s campus. “Reindeer Romp was a perfect way for students to experience what joy it brings to give to others in such an unselfish way,” says Joyce Prichard.

Another highlight of this chapter’s year was participating in Penn State University’s THON program. THON is a program that raises money to help families of children with cancer to offset their medical treatment costs. It’s a two-day no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon, and Villa Maria’s Tri-M chapter helped by contributing $500 to the THON program.

This very active chapter attends plays and musicals throughout the year, participates in orchestra, band and choral performances, writes welcome letters to incoming freshman at their school, and does various fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for local and national charities.

Villa Maria Tri-M Chapter Web site

Junior Division Winner: Ranney Middle School

Ranney Middle School had an active year, making it this year’s Junior Division Winner. One of the highlights of the year was the “Toys for Tots” drive. After raising $500 through fund-raising efforts throughout the school year, Tri-M students purchased “musical toys” for the U.S. Marine’s “Toys for Tots.” Students enjoyed working together to help children in need during the holiday season and donated nearly 70 musical-themed toys.

One of their innovative activities during the year was their Daily Musical Trivia Contests during what they termed “Music In Our Schools Week.” Chapter members would broadcast a different musical trivia question every morning, and students would fill out a ballot slip with their official answers to be determined the next day. Prizes included $10 gift cards from various businesses. With questions such as “What patriotic song was originally titled ‘Defence of Fort McHenry?’” (answer: “The Star-Spangled Banner”), this chapter made sure that music was at the forefront for the students at their school.

From attending plays to “Buy a Music Dress Down Day” to movie screenings and St. Patrick Day’s dances, this Tri-M chapter’s members kept themselves busy all year long with musical activities and service projects.

--Shauna Leavitt, July 30, 2009, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education