Sixteen new members were inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society on Oct. 10, 2013 at Bel Air High School.

The names of the new inductees are as follows: Rebekah Riley, Alison Pullen, Amanda Tran, Caroline Huang, Taylor Quinn, Madison Weinberg, Victoria Bowman, Quinn Baumeister, Carolyn Todd, Sara Knott, Olivia Auer, Sydney Schoff, Hayat Jabbour, Joy Hayward, Ji Cha, and Jenna Coster. These students joined continuing members Karlie Scherba, Cleo Rolocut, Sam Bittle, Danielle Notargiacomo, Andrea Sipos, Austin Sbarra, and Lauren Fisher.

Unlike most induction ceremonies, the parents and family members joined the inductees, returning members, and advisors on stage. With the heat of the stage lights on them, the inductees felt at home though it was slightly awkward for most of the family members.

“We wanted them to experience what the children go through when they are in a performing group,” said one of Tri-M’s advisors and band director Mr. Domenico.

Tri-M President Cleo Rolocut, Vice President Karlie Scherba, and Historian Sam Bittle explained the meaning of Tri-M. The three M’s in the name stand for Modern Music Masters. Anything categorized as modern is pertaining to the present time. By inducting new members, “our society will never grow old, but will be eternally modern”. Music is a universal language that has been, “present even before there was written language” allowing the members to remain connected to their past. By knowing about the past, they can embrace their future. Masters explain the fact that students in Tri-M have displayed mastery in their music programs. As masters the inductees are expected to be, “a good example, is always willing to assist those students who are striving to better themselves in the music department, and always remembers that real honor brings responsibility.”

The inductees repeated the Tri-M pledge, making them official members of Tri-M.

Junior and new inductee Jenna Coster speaks of her experience, “I felt honored to be put in a group with other musicians that I look up too. It’s awesome to be in a group with people that I admire.”

Taylor Quinn, also a junior and new inductee also spoke about becoming a member, “I felt honored to become a member of Tri-M and look forward to the experience.”

The speakers for the night also included advisors Mr. Domenico and Ms. Mathews. Both expressed feelings of excitement and congratulations toward the new members. They look forward to working with all the students throughout the year.