Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

The History of Tri-M

In 1936, Alexander M. Harley and his wife Frances founded the "Maine Music Masters" at Maine Township High School in Park Ridge, Illinois.
In 1952, the "Maine Music Masters" became incorporated and was renamed as "Modern Music Masters."
In 1959, Alexander and Frances Harley wrote and published the Tri-M loyalty song, "Music Masters, Hail to Thee."
In 1983, the "Modern Music Masters" became a program of MENC: The National Association for Music Education, where it was renamed as the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
The first Top-Notcher Award was presented in 1954.
The first Master Musician Award was presented in 1971.
The first Chapter of the Year Awards (Junior and Senior) were presented in 1981.
The first State Conference Achievement Award was presented in 1989.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society logo is rich in symbolism. The three M's stand for "Modern Music Masters," the society's original name. Music is represented by the lyre and the scroll which denotes accomplishment and service. The five lines of the music staff indicate the five types of membership: new student, continuing student, alumni, faculty, and honorary and the criteria on which they are selected scholarship, character, cooperation, leadership, and service.

Back to the Tri-M Music Honors Society Page

Back to the Home Page