WHO WE ARE
Auburn High School Tri-M Music Honor Society
The Tri-M Music Honor Society is a national program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) that recognizes high school students for their musical and academic achievements. Originally founded in 1936 by Alexander and Frances Harley, the organization was incorporated and renamed Modern Music Masters in 1952, and later reorganized under the name Tri-M Music Honor Society in 1983.
Tri-M honors student musicians while also providing meaningful opportunities for leadership, service, and personal growth. There are currently over 4,500 chartered chapters across all 50 states, engaging more than 84,000 student members each year. Collectively, Tri-M members contribute over 750,000 service hours annually and raise nearly $1 million for causes they support, strengthening their schools and communities through music.
Tri-M supports the mission of music educators by promoting student involvement in school music programs and encouraging a unified, thriving music community. The society helps build confidence, leadership, and a sense of fulfillment in its members by combining musical excellence with service.
The Auburn High School Tri-M chapter was established in 2018 by Deanna Marshall (Director of Bands) and Noel Lange (2018 Tri-M President). We welcome student musicians from band, choir, auxiliary marching band, piano class, and music theory class. If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete the Membership Application Form linked above.
JOIN AHS TRI-M TODAY
Fill out the Membership Application Form using the button below and pay your membership dues on MySchoolBucks ($25). All new and returning members must submit a membership application and pay the membership dues.
Dues and membership applications are TBD. No late applications will be accepted.
MEMBERSHIP COMPONENTS
MUSIC PARTICIPATION
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To be eligible for membership in the Auburn High School Tri-M Music Honor Society, candidates must be enrolled in a school-sponsored music ensemble or class for at least one semester during the current academic year. This includes participation in band, choir, auxiliary marching band (Color Guard, Majorettes, and Sideline Percussion), piano class, or music theory class.
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In addition to enrollment, students must participate in at least one music performance during the school year to demonstrate active engagement in their musical development. These requirements help ensure that all Tri-M members are committed to both the academic and performance aspects of the music program.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
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Candidates must have earned and maintained an A average in their current music class or ensemble, demonstrating a strong commitment to musical excellence. In addition, students must hold a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale across all academic subjects. These academic standards reflect the honor society’s emphasis on both musical and scholastic achievement.
SERVICE
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To maintain active membership in the Auburn High School Tri-M Chapter, members are required to complete 10 music-related service hours per semester, for a total of 20 hours per academic year. Service activities must involve music and be performed with or on behalf of others, without receiving financial or material compensation. Examples include volunteering at concerts, tutoring younger musicians, or performing at community events.
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At least one service hour each year must come from an event hosted by the AHS Tri-M Chapter.
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Please note: Service hours do not need to be completed prior to applying for membership, but must be fulfilled each year to remain in good standing. Members who do not complete the required hours will not be eligible to receive a Tri-M honor cord at graduation.
CHARACTER
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Judgment of character should be free of speculation and rumor. One description of character is a person who demonstrates respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Applicants with suspensions and/or office referrals will not be considered for membership.
What Do We Do?
Tri-M’s core goals are to promote musical excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service. We achieve this by providing members with opportunities to perform and grow as musicians, encouraging students to take on leadership roles within the Honor Society, and engaging in service projects that use music to benefit our school and wider community.