Huntington High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter welcomed 16 new members during last week’s induction ceremony in the School Heritage Museum.
The new class of Tri-M members includes Sabeena Ali, Sarah Berry, Cassidy Casabona, Jorge Cisneros, Sydney Cordeiro, Nicholas Danseglio, Jackson Dunn, Ashley Genao, Lauren Holly, Alexis Kaloudis, Ally Kustera, Lauren Landolfi, Allison Quinn, Hannah Roberts, Mary Grace Rorke and Brandon Varady.
The name Tri-M is derived from the international honor society’s original name: Modern Music Masters. Candidates for membership are required to demonstrate scholarship, achievement, leadership and service. The group has traditionally been one of Huntington’s most active and prestigious honor societies.
Tri-M officers Abby Semelsberger (president), Neil Jean-Baptiste (vice-president), Jose Suarez (secretary), Grace Wildermuth (treasurer) and Jennifer Low (historian) assumed integral roles during the induction ceremony. Huntington music teacher Victoria Garbarino is the organization’s faculty advisor.
The audience was treated to spectacular musical performances by several Tri-M members, including oboeist Christopher Mavrogian, clarinetist Nathan Soric, drummer Emerson Forbes, guitarist Christopher Bavaro and vocalists Keenan Lyons and Abby Semelsberger. Ms. Garbarino accompanied several performers on piano.
The organization’s officers along with guest speaker Dr. Jennifer Scott Miceli all gave the crowd articulate testimonials regarding their love of music and the role it has played in their life. District Director of Fine & Performing Arts Eric Reynolds shared his pride in the Huntington music program and paid tribute to its outstanding young musicians and faculty members.
Huntington High School music teachers Brian Stellato and Jason Giachetti joined in the festivities, sitting in the crowd. They both wanted to share in the special night that saw 16 spectacular new members brought into the organization’s ranks.
The crowd included Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky, Principal Brenden Cusack, School Board President Jennifer Hebert and Trustee Michele Kustera.
“The Tri-M induction could not have gone better,” Ms. Semelsberger said. “I am so thankful to the amazing officers and our advisor for making the night run so smoothly. Our guest speaker was phenomenal and the performances were incredible. Tri-M is such an amazing honor society and I am so proud to be the president. We run music festivals that host all of Long Island, help younger students learn music and perform at events throughout the year. This year’s board of officers is outstanding and I couldn’t be prouder.”
To qualify for Tri-M membership students must be enrolled in at least one music class for at least one semester, have at least a 2.0 grade point average in their core classes and a 3.0 in their music classes and be of strong character.
Huntington students are also required to perform a NYSSMA solo or ensemble selection at a Level 5 scoring 95 or above, Level 6 scoring 94 or above or Level 6 All-State scoring 93 or above in the school year prior to submitting their application.
A small reception held in the area outside the School Heritage Museum allowed new and current Tri-M members to mingle with one another, their parents and school officials.
