2026 Tri-M® Awards, Scholarships, & Recognition

Celebrating Excellence in Music, Leadership, and Service

Tri-M® Music Honor Society proudly recognizes chapters and students who demonstrate outstanding achievement, leadership, and service through music. From national chapter honors to individual student recognition, these programs celebrate the meaningful impact Tri-M members make in their schools and communities.

Chapter of the Year Scholarship Award

The National Chapter of the Year Program honors exceptional Junior Division and Senior Division chapters that exemplify leadership, service, scholarship, and audience engagement through music.

Each year:

  • Three Junior Division and three Senior Division chapters receive national recognition
  • One chapter from every state is recognized as a State Chapter of the Year
  • Over $140,000 has been awarded since 1985 to support chapters making a difference

All active chapters are eligible, click here to apply.

Evaluation Criteria

Chapters are reviewed based on:

  • Audience engagement through music
  • Chapter leadership
  • Chapter service
  • Scholarship

The 2025–2026 National Chapter of the Year will be selected through review of the Chapter Summary Report, submitted online via the Award Force platform beginning March 2, 2026 at 12PM (ET). Emailed or mailed submissions will not be accepted.

Application deadline: March 30, 2026 at 12PM (ET)

Chapter Summary Report: Please use this document to see application questions and evaluation rubric.

Scholarship Awards

Senior Division

  • Chapter of the Year: $1,000
  • 1st Runner-Up: $800
  • 2nd Runner-Up: $600

Junior Division

  • Chapter of the Year: $800
  • 1st Runner-Up: $600
  • 2nd Runner-Up: $400

National winners receive an engraved permanent service plaque. All participants receive a certificate of recognition.

Scholarship funds must support professional development opportunities such as clinicians, master classes, conference travel, field trips, or summer music program scholarships.

State winners receive:

  • A personalized commemorative banner
  • Recognition on the Tri-M homepage and social media
  • Announcement at the National Leadership Assembly

Winners and runners-up are featured in NAfME national news media the following fall.

Recognition of Excellence

Tri-M Chapter Advisors are invited to recognize students who go above and beyond in service, leadership, and commitment to their chapter.

Advisors may submit nominations through the online Recognition of Excellence form beginning March 2, 2026 at 12PM (ET). Each selected student will receive a certificate honoring their extraordinary work ethic and dedication. Emailed or mailed submissions will not be accepted.

Submission deadline: March 30, 2026 at 12PM (ET)

Tri-M Individual Awards

Within every chapter are students whose dedication stands out. Individual recognition awards may be purchased through the Tri-M Store.

Master Musician

Recognizes students who excel in performance, demonstrate strong musical knowledge, earn honors at local, district, or state levels, and actively perform in school and community settings.

Tri-M Leadership Award

Honors members who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their school, chapter, and community organizations. Recipients need not be award-winning musicians but must exemplify exceptional leadership.

Tri-M Outstanding Service Recognition

Presented to students who demonstrate exemplary unpaid service on behalf of others, particularly through school, chapter, and community involvement.

Honor Ensemble Achievement

Recognizes Tri-M members selected to represent their schools in state, division, or national honor ensembles.

Student Scholarships and Grants

Tri-M members are encouraged to pursue individual scholarship and grant opportunities that support their continued musical and academic growth.