Tri-M Music Honor Society is a national organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting student musicians – not just for their talent, but for how they use that talent to serve others.

At Kent, Tri-M is where music and purpose meet. “It is a group of like-minded musicians who want to improve their community through the means of music,” says Mr. Wynkoop, co-advisor of the Kent School chapter alongside Mr. Hoffman. “Our criteria have always been being purposeful in service, responsible in our obligation to serve, and creative in how we do it.”

Tri-M stands for Modern Music Masters. It’s a music honor society under the National Association for Music Education. While it’s grounded in musicianship, Tri-M values community engagement. “The group is for musicians who want to support each other, promote music in schools, and recognize how music influences our wellbeing,” Mr. Wynkoop explains. Members of Tri-M take on projects and raise funds to support music education both within the school and across the wider community.

Each year, Tri-M has always focused on servicing the community, such as organizing the annual Kent Holiday Festival or mentoring younger musicians at Kent Center School. One of the group’s core missions is to “see a need and essentially fill the need.” Mr. Wynkoop wishes that Tri-M at Kent will continue to bring school spirit and support wherever it’s needed this year. “Our goal is to be an organization that the campus can rely on, even beyond music.”

Membership in Tri-M isn’t just about playing an instrument well, but for all music students who go above and beyond the bare minimum. Faculty advisors identify potential members based on musicianship, citizenship, and service. “Once inducted, you are a Tri-M member for life,” says Mr. Wynkoop. “We look for students who’ve shown growth in their musicianship and who want to lead through service.”

For students thinking about joining or leading Tri-M in the future, Mr. Wynkoop offers his advice, “Music has the power to unite and connect, to give voice to everyone. It’s a universal language. We want students to remember the power they have – to share their passion, to do good, and to feel welcomed to take risks and become leaders. I hope we grow, both as an organization and as individuals.”