L-W East students inducted into Tri-M Music Honor Society

  Thirty-six Lincoln-Way East High School students were inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society on Sept. 18.

   The students, who had to either audition for the honor or submit a four-page essay to the music department, were selected based on their musicianship, academics, leadership, character and service.

   They pledged to foster a greater continued interest and a desire for excellence in music performance; to encourage appreciation and awareness in listening to music; to promote wider opportunities for sharing joy through music – both at Lincoln-Way East and in the community; to advance the spirit of good music and musical knowledge; and to enhance the reputation of their school as a center for musical enrichment.

   “May you remember this occasion and strive to live up to the aims and ideals of this organization,” Tri-M Chapter President Melina Vitucci told the group of inductees after having them recite the pledge.

   Tri-M, which stands for Modern Music Masters, is an international honor society that recognizes music students for their musical abilities, academic excellence, school involvement and community service.

   Students meet on a regular basis and strive to demonstrate the value of music in their lives. They also perform community service work and encourage assistance to others.

   Tri-M members are required to complete 10 hours of service each year in music, said Bert Johnson, chair of the Lincoln-Way East music department. They act as ushers for all music department events, work to maintain the music library and equipment, design the hallway display case and post the monthly music calendar. They also volunteer for major events, such as Madrigal Dinners, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and the Winterguard contest.

   Joining Tri-M on Sept. 18 were: Alyssa Anderson, Claudia Baffo, D’Zhari Bolden, Emily Davis, Kailie Gilmore, Elizabeth Jones, Allie Lundquist, Aly McGann, Molly Noonan, Mark Reczek, Hanna Samawi and Amanda Small.

   Also inducted in the music honor society were: Leah Andricopulos, Kristen Bainbridge, Kaylee Bortscheller, Chase Fugett, Justin Hedman, Julia Kaffel, Amanda Mascarello, Tim Michuda, Ryan O’Shea, Joel Ruby, Katy Shaw and Katherine Walsh.

   Inductees also included: Alex Arseneau, Amy Binnendyk, Mikey Cantu, Rebecca Gerske, Tim Hoblin, Heather Lorenca, Carl McCauley, Teresa Mountford, Ali Picciolini, Haley Rymut, Emily Sheetz and Ashley Wright.

   “Welcome to the Tri-M family,” Lincoln-Way East choir director and Tri-M sponsor Matthew Granger told the group. “May you continue to demonstrate the value of music in your life and share your gift with your school and community.”

   Afterward, several students demonstrated their musical talents during a short recital. Performances included vocalists Amanda Mascarello and D’Zhari Bolden as well as violinist Tim Michuda and alto saxophone player Tim Hoblin.