Tri-M, essentially a National Honors Society for modern music masters, rightfully takes its place at NC. Introduced this year, band director Sheldon Frazier opened a chapter of this club within the Fine Arts department for musically-talented students to take part in this nationwide program. All students from band, orchestra, and chorus gain the opportunity to give back to the community, and gain community service hours by playing for locals.

Tri-M showcases NC’s Fine Arts program in the Acworth-Kennesaw community. This club provides a chance to unify the three programs within NC, and gives credit to students who already participate in community service  in the Kennesaw-Acworth area. Students perform at local events to entertain members of the community and represent NC’s music program. Involvement in the program earns students points and a pin, and when they graduate, they acquire a medallion.

“We have so many kids here doing so many great things. I want them to be able to have opportunities to collaborate, work with the other students within fine arts, and work within their community, and get credit for the great work they’re doing,” Frazier said.

A nationally recognized program, Tri-M requires students to obtain a specific GPA and music GPA (the GPA determined using only music courses),  to continue in the organization. NC’s chapter provides a place for students to showcase their skills and expand communication between the three separate programs. Students bond by making music and working together to give back to the community, no matter from which program they originate.

“This gives me the opportunity to collaborate with the other fine arts teachers and students because I don’t see the orchestra or the chorus kids as much as I would like. It allows me the opportunity to get to know those students and to have a unified organization that shows off NC’s music,” Frazier said.   

An active member in Tri-M, senior Lucas Magalhaes, chosen by Frazier, took on the responsibility as the club’s president. About 30 students take part in the chapter, and the club plans for their first meeting in early November.

“When I first learned about Tri-M, I saw this club as a perfect way to combine my love for music with my motivation to help the community. This club offers a lot of different ways for student musicians to take on involvement with other student musicians in their school and other schools’ chapters,” Magalhaes said.

Students who exhibit shyer tendencies get a shot at expressing their musical talents with others who feel the same passion for music. This also gives those who want a chance to excel in music a chance to play more difficult pieces they normally would not play in class. With this experience, students strengthen their leadership and musical skills—skills that will reflect back into the classroom.      

“Some students may not know how to be a part of their community or know how to give back, or what avenues to take to get involved in and engaged, and this provides them  that opportunity,” Frazier said.

Through performance and community service, Tri-M gives credit to fine arts students and showcasing the capability of NC’s fine arts. Students use this opportunity to take their musical ability to the next level, becoming leaders and representing NC music.