Maine West students record recital to share with seniors

Since the Tri-M Music Honor Society at Maine West High School cannot do many of the typical service events this year, the officers brainstormed an opportunity for Tri-M students for December.

Students in Tri-M were asked if they wanted to submit a solo/duet of any song (holiday themed or not), which is being compiled into one large Maine West Tri-M virtual recital. In addition, the students also included well wishes and messages of encouragement to the area seniors during this unique holiday season. The recital and uplifting messages will be shared with local nursing homes and senior centers so they can share with the residents.

"We thought this would be a really beautiful way to share good will during this season, particularly with the pandemic," says Maine West Choral Director Jim Schiffer.

Students submitted their videos last week and the final Maine West Tri-M virtual recital was distributed this week to the Frisbie Senior Center, Brookdale-Des Plaines, Generations at Oakton Arms and Lee Manor. The link with all the music and performances can be found at youtu.be/UeAVgpjtM9M.

Tri-M stands for Modern Music Masters, but it started at Maine East High School and was originally named the Maine Music Masters. The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership.

Tri-M is designed to serve the school and larger community through community service and other service projects. Through more than 4,500 chartered chapters, Tri-M has helped thousands of young people provide years of service through music in schools throughout the world.

Tri-M was founded in 1936 at Maine Township High School (Maine East today) by Alexander and Frances Harley. It was incorporated and renamed Modern Music Masters in 1952. In 1983, it was recognized as the Tri-M Music Honor Society, a program of NAFME (National Association for Music Education). For details, visit musichonors.com.