What is Music in our Schools Month® (MIOSM)?
Each year in March, National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapters across the country, celebrate Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM). MIOSM helps to increase awareness and celebrate the many benefits of music education by engaging educators, students, and communities.
MIOSM began as a single day in New York in 1973, and eventually evolved into what is now known as Music In Our Schools Month in 1985. This year, marks the 30th anniversary of MIOSM, and it grows as a program every year! We have a variety of ways Tri-M Chapters can participate in MIOSM activities! Tri-M Chapters are encouraged to come up with creative ideas and submit them to NAfME.
How Can My Tri-M Chapter Get Involved?
Buddies Program
Host or travel to a local elementary school and create an instrument showcase (or “zoo”) where elementary students can see many different instruments and learn more about how each instrument works and sounds.
Tri-M members can also offer music lessons to elementary students.
Not only do these programs help other students, but it also generates interest in your music programs, your Tri-M Chapter, and strengthens the relationship between two schools in your community.
Tri-M Chapter Piper High School from Kansas hosting a dance party
Musical Performance
Tri-M Chapter members can create a musical performance for each week of MIOSM. Your chapter could organize events so that each week is focused toward a music program in your school. Each week can highlight band, orchestra, choir, and smaller group ensembles (guitar, jazz, string quartet, etc.).
Or, create an event for the entire school to participate in. One week can be a performance of pop songs where the audience is encouraged to sing along. Another week you can host a karaoke event. Remember, you can also reach outside of your school and perform in your community!
Tri-M Chapter Mainland Regional High School from New Jersey performing at a Nursing Home
Celebrate the History of Music Through the Eras
The Chesterfield School Tri-M Chapter created a tribute to the 30th anniversary of MIOSM with different eras of music for each week of MIOSM. Weeks were celebrated with 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and even Country Western music.
Each week began with music from the era filling the speakers in the lobby as students arrived to school. A costume contest was held and students were awarded points for participation. Classrooms competed to earn the most points each week and era-themed prizes were given out.
Tri-M Chapter Ranney Middle School from New Jersey hosting Musical Jeopardy
How do I submit my Tri-M Service Project to NAfME?
- Apply for the Chapter of the Year Scholarship. Fill out the Chapter Summary Form and submit it to NAfME.
- Submit the project to Tri-M@nafme.org and we will feature it on our Tri-M Facebook page
If you need help setting up projects, please refer to our Tri-M Webinar How to Set-up a Tri-M Service Project for a step-by-step guide or send any questions to Tri-M@nafme.org
Did this blog spur new ideas for your music program? Share them on Amplify! Interested in reprinting this article? Please review the reprint guidelines.
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) provides a number of forums for the sharing of information and opinion, including blogs and postings on our website, articles and columns in our magazines and journals, and postings to our Amplify member portal. Unless specifically noted, the views expressed in these media do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Association, its officers, or its employees.
Brendan McAloon, Marketing and Events Coordinator, January 23, 2015. © National Association for Music Education (NAfME.org)
