History of Tri-M

  • 1936: Alexander Harley and his wife Frances founded the Maine Music Masters at Maine Township High School in Park Ridge, IL.
  • 1952: Maine Music Masters became incorporated and was renamed Modern Music Masters.
  • 1954: The first individual member recognition, known as the Top-Notcher Certificate of Achievement, was presented. This certificate was renamed Tri-M Leadership in 2002.
  • 1971: First Master Musician Certificate was presented.
  • 1983: Modern Music Masters became a program of MENC: The National Association for Music Education and was officially renamed the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
  • 1986: The first year Tri-M was recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) as an approved program.
  • 1989: The first State Conference Achievement Recognition was presented to Tri-M members accepted to All-State Honor Ensembles. This certificate was renamed Honor Ensemble Achievement in 2003.
  • 2002: State Chapter of the Year recognition was given in addition to the National Chapter of the Year.
  • 2002: The Top-Notcher Recognition was renamed Tri-M Leadership.
  • 2003: The State Conference Achievement Recognition was renamed Honor Ensemble Achievement and was expanded to recognize Tri-M member participation in state, division, and national honor ensembles.
  • 2003: The first Tri-M Outstanding Service Recognition was presented.
  • 2004: The first Tri-M Alumni Achievement Recognition was presented.
The History of Sharyland Chapter #9619
  • The Sharyland High School Chapter was founded in 2023 by Sharyland HS Flutists Itzel Garcia, Rachel Kwon, and Cristina Rios.
  • Miss Beth Van Epps was the founding sponsor, and Mrs. Lori Garza was the founding principal.
  • The initial membership drive began in January 2024.