I joined Tri-M by mistake, and it was probably one of the best mistakes I have ever made in my life. Our chapter was brand new when I joined so there was a lot of precedent to be set. Tri-M taught me how to be a leader by planning fundraisers, finding volunteers, and creating successful events.

It was definitely one of the highlights of my high school career and shaped a large part of who I am. Probably one of my favorite memories from Tri-M was when we got a group of volunteers together to clean up the music room (which was absolutely filthy) and our music directors were so happy that they talked about it for months afterwards.

The clean-up was one of our very first events and its success led to our brand new chapter being noticed by the student principal. Some of our other events included penny wars, fundraisers at bookstores, pizza sales, and performances at local senior living centers. I had so much fun being in Tri-M, and I’m honored that I was able to gain that experience.

Mari Dowling, Tri-M Alumnus
International East Academy
Troy, MI
Tri-M Advisor: Andrew Shankles

Back to School with NAfME 2025 images of music students

Published Date

March 23, 2023

Category

  • Tri-M Honor Society

Copyright

March 23, 2023. © National Association for Music Education (NAfME.org)

Virtual Symposium on Music Education and Students with Disabilities and/or Living in Poverty. Saturday, November 15, 2025. A free, virtual event for music educators
Crayola Creativity Week. Join the free celebration January 26 to February 1, 2026. Sign up now button
Get to know the 2026 NAfME National and Division President-Elect candidates