Founding the Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter at my school has been the most fulfilling and transformative experience of my high school journey. From the initial planning stages to witnessing the vibrant music community that has flourished, Tri-M has become more than just an honor society — it has become a home for musicians to connect, grow, and give back to the community.

When I first embarked on this endeavor, I quickly realized that launching a chapter required planning and a strong foundation to ensure its sustainability beyond my time at the school. I worked to assemble a steering committee that could help structure the organization, set membership criteria, and define our mission. From the beginning, my vision was clear: Tri-M should not only celebrate musicianship but also use music as a tool for service, bringing people together and making a meaningful impact.

As the chapter took shape, we introduced events that strengthened our musical community, such as Acoustic Friday, a bi-weekly session where students could casually perform and enjoy music in a relaxed environment. Seeing students step out of their comfort zones and embrace the joy of performance has been incredibly gratifying.

We also had the privilege of organizing large-scale events, including last year’s Performance Showcase and the LowStrung charity concert. These events showcased our talented musicians and reinforced our mission of using music to serve the community. This year, we continued that tradition with the Tri-M Showcase Dinner, a fundraiser that combined performance with community engagement. Organizing these events required careful planning, logistical coordination, and teamwork, all of which helped me develop invaluable leadership and problem-solving skills.

Beyond performances, Tri-M has also fostered mentorship and support for younger musicians. Our involvement in the primary school concerts allowed us to guide and encourage the next generation of performers, reinforcing the importance of nurturing a love for music from an early age. Witnessing their excitement and growth was a reminder of why I started this chapter in the first place.

Looking back, my time leading Tri-M has been a journey of perseverance, collaboration, and passion. The growth of our music community, the successful events we have hosted, and the impact we have made through service are testaments to the power of music in bringing people together. I am confident that Tri-M will continue to thrive, inspiring and uniting musicians for years to come after I depart from the RIS music program.