TRI-M: SHARING PASSION FOR MUSIC WITH THE COMMUNITY - Justin Caithaml

TRI-M: SHARING PASSION FOR MUSIC WITH THE COMMUNITY

Justin Caithaml, State Tri-M Adviser

As we find ourselves over halfway through the 2020-2021 school year, you might be wondering how the Tri-M Music Honor Society can continue to support your music department within the uncertain realities of COVID-19.

First of all, please make sure you have activated your chapter for the current school year by going to musichonors.com and clicking “Activation Form” in the menu at the top of the page.

The national Tri-M website, musichonors.com, has a dedicated page of COVID-19 resources, with a list of virtual volunteering opportunities, virtual meeting ideas, and even suggestions for how to hold a virtual induction ceremony. I would highly recommend these resources to chapters across the state as we continue to advocate for the value of music education in our communities.

Even though music education may seem different this school year, it is important to remember the value our students find in being recognized as leaders in the music department through Tri-M. In preparing to write this column, I asked one of the seniors in the chapter I advise at Midview High School to reflect on her experiences in Tri-M throughout high school. I believe her words should guide us as advisors to clarify why this transformative program is so important in the lives of our students.

As I reflect on what being a member of Tri-M means to me, it is very evident that it has played a very significant role in shaping the person that I am today. In schools, I tend to see that the emphasis is placed on sports and academic success. However, one thing I realized is that the football games, pep rallies, and other events would not be as fun without the band and of the other ensembles. This is just allegorical to what Tri-M means to me: school would mean nothing without music in it. Tri-M has given those of all academic backgrounds, social groups, and those of all walks of life the opportunity to share a common love. Tri-M not only allows us as musicians to connect and grow alongside one another, but share our passion with the community. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to share my love for music with my community.

As always, if you have any questions about starting a Tri-M chapter at your school or would like support in maintaining and growing a chapter that already exists, please do not hesitate to send me an email at jcaithaml@midviewk12.org.

As we continue this school year, let us work to empower our students to share their passion for music with the community each and every day.

Justin Caithaml currently teaches 7-12 choir at Midview Local Schools and is completing a Master of Arts in Music and Music Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He serves as the state advisor for the Tri-M Music Honor Society and is fully certified in Orff-Schulwerk. In addition, he serves as President of the Board of Directors at the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education.