Music In Our Schools Month

Over 40 years ago the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) deemed March the month of Music in Our Schools (MIOSM). This initially began in the year 1975, but it lasted only one day until 1985, when it was changed to be the entire month of March. The National Association for Music Education had started this awareness month to promote the benefits of being involved in music. This observance also encourages people to be more creative when composing music. Because people involved in music tend to be more on the shy and secluded side so it's hard for people not to know who they are( but that ´ s just my own opinion at least). If a musician isn't able to express who they are as an artist then the world is robbed of meaningful art..

Our school, Nashua North, has an honors society dedicated to promoting the development of music educators and the advancement of all forms of music creation, performance, and literacy. They are called Tri-M, they focus on creating future leaders in music education and music advocacy. They teach people in Tri-M how to achieve this by having them do things like their yearly recital and having them be required to complete a certain number of volunteer hours specifically related to music which for our school is 10 credits of volunteer work. To apply for an officer position you have been in Tri-M for at least a year and for our school you can only apply to even enter the honor society once you are in your Sophomore ,Junior or Senior year. Being in a leadership role means that you run all the meetings and handle the MIOSM plans while also logging down everyone's volunteer hours.Tri-M chapters recognize outstanding,academically excellent musicians within their schools and the importance of music educators. Which Tri-M is the only music honor society that allows middle and high school students in the United States. This information comes from the National Association for Music Education https://nafme.org/student-opportunities/tri-m-music-honor-society/about-tri-m/ by Yoko Co.

Tri-M is split up into two different chapters, which are the junior and senior chapters. The junior chapter is mainly composed of grades 6-8. While the senior chapter is composed of grades 10-12. If you are in ninth grade, you have the choice of either chapter, but it all depends on your school's structure. As previously mentioned, at Nashua Highschool North, you must be a Sophomore to apply.

If you are interested in joining Tri-M, here are some of the requirements that you will need.

• You must be involved in any type of music, whether that consists of you being involved in your school's choir or band, or being involved in one of the smaller bands and choirs that are offered outside of school hours.
• You must keep an A average in your music-associated class, and in any other class, you must be keeping a B or above average and a gpa requirement average of 3.5..
• You will also be judged on your character in school and outside school. You must be able to demonstrate respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

Tri-M also stands for Modern Music Masters also known as the three M's. They are a program of the National Association for Music Education. That recognizes students for their musical achievements, leadership, and service activities.

They have an upcoming spirit week for our school which will take place March 9-13. The honors society members have chosen 5 different themes such as.

Along with these themes come matching music for each day that will be played over the intercom when walking around the school from class to class.

They also have yearly recitals which could include classical aria from traditional tribal choral songs all the way to up beat marches all the way to classical songs which are more slow and relaxing. Their recital this year will take place on May 21st in the auditorium.

If you have any other questions regarding this, then feel free to come down to the A wing just behind the Auditorium and talk to the choir teacher, Ms. B, or the band director, Ms. Olsen. You can reach them at Biastoffb@nsd42.net or Olsenk@nsd42.net.