Bringing Back Opportunities for the Lahainaluna Band & Choir

On September 10, the Lahainaluna Band & Choir held an induction ceremony at the Samuel M. Kamakau Library for 26 members, marking the return of the Tri-M Music Honor Society after 61 years.

Most students at Lahainaluna High School get recognition through academic or athletic honor societies. Organizations such as the National Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, or the National Spanish Honor Society are formally recognized societies that can help prepare students for college and provide unique leadership and service opportunities. For the first time since 1964, Lahainaluna will add a music honor society to the lineup. The Tri-M Music Honor Society is a program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

Tri-M was founded by Alexander Harley and his wife in 1936 at Maine Township High School in Park Ridge, Illinois. Before being called Tri-M, it was called the “Maine Music Masters,” but the name was later changed in 1983. The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the sole national honor society for student musicians and performers in the United States. There are over 2,100 chapters across all 50 states.

Lahainaluna High School was originally affiliated with a Tri-M chapter in 1964, but the reason behind the loss of that connection is unknown.

Tri-M advisor and Lahainaluna High School Band and Choir director, Mr. Baraoidan, explains that the society “can highlight the students who work really hard, and, going the extra mile for our program will benefit how they are seen. Students can show it by their academics, behavior, and music ability.”

“I think future members of Tri-M can find this program to be beneficial to their leadership skills. Being in Tri-M means to also carry the responsibility of setting a good example within the music program,” said Precious “Zen” Pante, Band & Choir and Tri-M President.

Kristina Meguro, Band & Choir and Tri-M Vice President, added that, “Being in an honor society is something that should strengthen and set higher expectations for our community and members of the band.”

According to the NAfME website, Tri-M has more than 84,000 students from grades 6 through 12 who collectively contribute over 750,000 service hours to their communities annually. It offers opportunities for students who have proven their musical and academic potential, such as leadership development, scholarships, and community engagement.

Tri-M member Jeremy Langaman explained, “I think community service is important as it's a way to get Tri-M more known to the community and get more people interested.” He added, “It also helps build skills like leadership and teamwork.”

“Students deserve all the accolades they work for, and Tri-M will help with that,” Mr. Baraoidan said regarding the members.