Wow! What a great event! On Monday, September 24th, over 40 Maine Township High School Music Students from Chapter 1,458, and 737 got together for our first mixer. The students had planned to eat pizza, hear about the History of TRI-M and its co-founders Alexander and Frances Harley and then to participate in the first annual (we’re definitely doing this again) TRI-M Olympics. We divided the students up by grade level and had them form teams. We played Color Guard Flag Javelin Throw, Rock Stop Discus Toss, and Get the Pencil in the Milk Jug. At the end, medals were awarded to the sophomores who managed to get 11 # 2 pencils in a milk jug in under five minutes. At the end of the evening, the students were asked if they wanted us to plan another one of these mixers and the response was an overwhelming and enthusiastic yes.
One of the best observations I made during the evening was how well the students from three very diverse high schools interacted with each other. There was none of the “sports teams” rivalry. I heard students talking about what ensembles they were in, what instruments they played and if they were trying out for All State.
Once again, another idea shepherded by the teachers but organized, planned and executed by our students. The less I do, the more the students do.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any information on how to create this event, or one like it, in your chapter.
Pat Barnett
National TRI-M Chair
