The inaugural chapter of Middletown South’s Tri-M, the Music Honor Society, was inducted on February 23 in the Southside Theater. This honor society recognizes some of the most musically-gifted and dedicated students South has to offer, in both the Chorus and Band classes.

The arts program at South has flourished over the past several years. From earning several Basie Awards (county-wide awards for high school theater), to the Screaming Eagle Marching Band earning 1st place honors in several of the most recent season’s competitions, to new clubs popping up such as the South Song Birds, the arts wing of South is bursting with invigorated life.

The all-new honor society offers a unique opportunity: the student’s of its inaugural year can decide the path which the society will take. The leadership positions, meeting schedule, and activities the club will execute will all be  decided this year. The advisors of this club, Mr. Raguseo, Director of Instrumental Music and Mrs. Kaster, Director of Choral Music, have given the reigns of the future to the students and are currently acting as guides and a resource of knowledge; however, this is entirely new for them as well.

“The spirit of the organization is that it be entirely student-directed.  Mr. Raguseo and I are enjoying this opportunity for students to make decisions about both the inner and outer workings of the organization.  Ultimately, the future of the organization rests on the shoulders of the inductees, not on us, the advisors.  That’s exciting!

“Tri-M is another development that the music department has implemented to strengthen the performing arts program at South.  The Society provide opportunities for growth within the department,” Mrs. Kaster explained.

Alyssa Weber, a junior at South and a member of Tri-M, says, “ This organization is beneficial because it brings attention to music in our schools to those who are not regularly exposed to these programs. I think we have a talented and creative group of students at the helm to make this organization successful.”

Tri-M, which which represents Modern Music Masters, grants South yet another opportunity to flaunt its talented, determined student body and dedicated teachers.