During the first block of the school day, on Monday, Jan. 27, the Tri-M Music Honors Society (Tri-M) put on a recital for WHS students and faculty in the theater to kick off Winter Week. The concert consisted of multiple string and brass instrumental pieces with only a handful of performers playing at a time.
Winter Week is a WHS tradition, where students can enjoy performances and activities following mid-year exams.
Tri-M is an international selective musical group for high schoolers. To be accepted, students need to meet certain musical and academic standards. The society combines community service and musical talents to teach students about leadership.
“[Tri-M is] for students who have demonstrated excellent proficiency in their musical capabilities,” Co-President of Tri-M senior Joshua Nuspl said. “We want to spread the music throughout the community and serve the community.”
Along with hosting recitals in the theater, Tri-M also organizes community gatherings and events. During each fall season, Tri-M holds their annual “Trunk or Treat” concert that is a combination of middle and high school performers.
“We get to put on this trunk [or treat] event where we have this event in the high school cafeteria where we give out candy to kids,” Nuspl said. “Then, we like to show them what these musical instruments do and what music is.”
While some may assume that Tri-M is a club, it is actually a musical organization. Students who participate in Tri-M practice their tunes outside of school, with the group occasionally meeting in the theater.
“I had a piece I was already playing for a recital that my private-lesson teacher runs, which I’ve been practicing for the past month or so, and I just decided to play that,” junior Matthew Tan said. “I found another member of Tri-M who played the piano to accompany me.”
The Wayland Public School’s orchestra program begins in third grade, while the band program begins in fourth grade. Tri-M member and junior Alexander Lu has played the cello since third grade. Lu stated that after many years of experience he has felt calmer because he now knows what to expect during a performance.
“We just share a love for music,” senior Tri-M treasurer Joshua Proctor said.
