Excellent high school students have several possibilities when it comes to honor societies, and for musicians, the organization is known as Tri-M Music Honor Society — formally, Modern Music Masters. On Dec. 2, the Glen Burnie High School chapter of Tri-M marked 65 years of service with a special celebration.
In addition to the induction of new members, the celebration included performances by the school’s chorus and vocal ensemble, North County String Ensemble and invited alumni. The event was open to the public and to alumni of the club.
Undoubtedly, no one knows the chapter better than Glen Burnie High School long-time music department chairman Anthony Pinder as he’s been the club’s advisor for nearly three decades — all 28 years of his career with the same school.
“Tri-M is the second-oldest honor society at Glen Burnie High School,” Pinder said. “It is chapter number 156 out of 2,100 total chapters. Each school’s chapter number is representative of when they became active, so GBHS is the 156th chapter to be activated. Other local chapters include Old Mill (#1395) and South River (#4073). According to my research, the chapter at GBHS is the oldest Tri-M chapter in the state of Maryland.”
Pinder said Tri-M is a program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), which focuses on creating future leaders in music education and music advocacy. In addition to recognition for students that have excelled both academically and musically, Tri-M also provides students leadership opportunities. Inductees are able to make a difference in the community through music-based service projects.
Some of the service projects the GBHS Tri-M members have initiated include working at the Band Boosters’ booth at the Glen Burnie Carnival or helping the Band Boosters set up for its annual winter and spring craft fairs. Tri-M members assist with any county-sponsored activities hosted by the school. Last year, GBHS Tri-M hosted the All-County Chorus, and this year Glen Burnie will host the All-County Orchestra.
The music students, Pinder said, are pretty consistent across the years. Students are selected based on musicianship, leadership, and scholarship. They must perform an audition for the Tri-M officers and advisor before being inducted into membership. These days, however, he said students have more on their plates.
Pinder said with full schedules occupied by advanced placement classes, jobs and performances, he doesn’t know how today’s music students manage their time.
“Instrumental students have made long-term commitments with instrument purchases,” he said. “I think the marching band students are some of the most dedicated people you will find on campus. Their season never ends — it starts in July with summer rehearsals and culminates in August with band camp. Then there are the football games and competitions. The vocal students have a much easier time — especially since they always have their instrument with them.”
There are approximately 2,100 chapters across all 50 states, and also includes middle school chapters. More than 84,000 students in grades 6-12 participate, racking up more than 750,000 service hours to their school and local communities and nearly $1 million raised for causes important to the students. Additional chapters exist worldwide.
The GBHS Band Boosters will hold its annual winter craft fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the girls’ gym, media center and cafeteria at the school, 7550 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. It is the 36th year for the winter fair, which differs from other craft fairs because no pre-owned or re-sale items are offered. All crafts are handmade by local artisans.
The fair will feature 150 crafters. Artwork for purchase includes framed art, painted canvas, photography, cards, glass or sea glass scenes, stained glass, painted records and nautical wood. Jewelry fans will find bullet, leather, glass, beaded, wired, silver, stamped, fried marble, chain mail and sea glass selections. Purses, knit and crocheted items, hair bows, hats, embroidered t-shirts, leather belts and purses are some of the accessories offered.
Folks can find items to pamper the body such as lotions, bath bombs, soaps, wax melts and candles. For spoiling four-legged and feathered friends, look for homemade treats, bandanas, seat belt covers, toys, beds, birdhouses and bird feeders.
For the home, visitors will find wood signs, wooden and silk flower arrangements, wine bottles, painted glassware, wreaths, shadow boxes, record wall decor, scroll art, seashell mirrors and garden ornaments. Kitchen items include cutting boards, aprons, beaded silverware, pottery, tea towels and coasters.
Specialty foods such as peanut brittle, cake pops, jam/jelly, mandel bread, fudge, salsa, roasted nuts, chocolates and cupcakes will be sold. Shoppers can arrive hungry — breakfast pastries, coffee and lunch will be sold in the school’s cafeteria.
Admission and parking are free. Proceeds benefit the school’s music programs. For more information, visit https://www.gbhsmusic.org/craftfairs.htm.
