On Dec. 5, State High music students from all programs performed at Barnes & Noble, as part of a Tri-M event that brought live music into the community. Students from various ensembles performed throughout the evening while people shopped, had conversations, and listened. The event also served as a fundraiser to support Tri-M and the music boosters.
The performance at Barnes & Noble is part of Tri-M, the school’s contemporary music honors society. Choir director and Tri-M advisor Erik Clayton explained the purpose of the organization and the role students play in events like this.
“Tri-M is a modern music masters which is like a student club for musicians,” Clayton said. He emphasized that students take responsibility for nearly every part of the event. “Everything else is organized by students,” he said, adding that “it’s really a student-run initiative.”
Senior Henry Mathews, who plays trombone in several ensembles, said he loved the experience. One of Mathews’ favorite parts was singing an English carol with the chamber singers. “We do this cold English carol in Chamber Singers called the La Salle song. That was a lot of fun to sing,” he said.
Beyond the music, Mathews believes performances like this help students grow. “It encourages people to sort of go out and put themselves in a context where they might feel less comfortable,” he explained. “And I think in the end, it’s like a rewarding experience even when things don’t really work as you expect them to.”
Clayton also highlighted the value of these performances for student development. “It builds confidence,” he said. “You learn so much from trying to do something like this.”
He noted that performing in public helps strengthen the connection between the school and the local community. “Just that people know this music’s happening, that way they know the students are involved and doing great things,” he said.
Senior Chloe Klinger, a member of the chamber choir and Tri-M, said the Barnes & Noble performances are one of her favorite events of the year. “I was really excited. [The] Barnes and Noble [performance] is one of my favorite nights. I think it’s very fun. It’s a cool atmosphere,” she said.
Klinger also added that she enjoys performing with the full group.
She joined Tri-M as a sophomore to contribute to the music program at the high school. “I felt like I wanted to do something to help bring energy back rather than just taking,” she said. “So it was my way of trying to give back to the music community.”
She encourages others to get involved by saying, “Tri-M is a really good program.”
The Dec. 5 performances gave the high school musicians an incredible opportunity to share their work and talent outside of school while building confidence, leadership skills, and stronger connections with the community.
