Junior Tri-M Inducts New Members

RSPA Panther Hall was filled with proud parents, teachers and friends as Ranney’s Middle School inducted 33 new members into its Jr. Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter 4410 on May 11. Thirteen current members who have participated in the society for the past two years, along with nine students who have served as members for the past three years were also inducted at the school’s sixth annual Junior Tri-M ceremony.

In her welcoming address, Assistant Middle School Head Nancy Wade congratulated new members and praised them for supporting the ideals and aspirations of the chapter through their community service and participation in solo and ensemble performances at Ranney and in the community. Following her remarks, Tri-M chapter officers explained the meaning of Tri-M. An international honor society sponsored by the National Association for Musical Education (MENC), Tri-M recognizes student achievements in music and academics, as well as service to the community.

Head of Middle School David Fischer, along with Nancy Wade, presented the following new members, who were led by Chapter Vice President Elizabeth Martin in reciting the membership pledge: Avani Bhatnagar, Jack Boyan, Karl Brand, Nelson Chan, Samantha Chiarello, Kyra Citron, Kathleen Crilly, Anthony Dennis, James Geraghty, Sallie Haas, Sophia Jackman, Michael Kmetz, Michelle Krameisen, Matthew Kumar, Nikhil Lakhani, Morgan Lennon, Ava Papetti, Dean Parker, Tessa Payer, Ruchi Raval, Elizabeth Rennie, Peri Rohl, Remi Rohl, Megan Singh, Audra Smires, Lily Thacher, Francesca Toto, Shruthi Vaidyaselvan, Ricky Wild, Madison Wood, Grant Woodburn, Natalie Yang and Sana Zaidi.

Tess Nielsen, Chair of Ranney’s Performing Arts Department, read a congratulatory message from the MENC National Office which implored this year’s inductees to pass on the “torch of your musical knowledge” to colleagues and future beneficiaries of musical arts.

Lilly Torrente, Jr. Tri-M Advisor and Lower and Middle School music teacher, proudly announced that Ranney Middle School was named 2009-2010 Chapter of the Year, 1st Runner Up, Jr. Division. In 2008-2009, Ranney was awarded Chapter of the Year, Jr. Division.

This year’s ceremony also acknowledged students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, music participation and service to the community. Lilly Torrente presented the 2010 Junior Tri-M Outstanding Service Award to Billie Haas for her outstanding community service efforts. Kevin Cotter, band director and Tri-M Chapter Co-Advisor, presented Anna Xia with the Jr. Tri-M Master Musicianship Award for her excellence as a music performer at both school and community functions.

Among the ceremony’s highlights were performances by the MS String Ensemble. Under the direction of Ranney strings teacher Dr. Dorothy Sobieski, students performed several selections, among them Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor.

In his closing remarks, David Fischer emphasized Tri-M “helps us to remember how special music is in all our lives.” It also offers our Middle School, he said, a valuable structure to give to our students, a structure that has so many benefits for them and for the community.”

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.