Many devoted musical students in Haverford High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society gave a final performance on Friday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Haverford High School to conclude a school year of hard work and dedicated musicianship in the choir, jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, and string ensemble.  Haverford’s chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, sponsored by the choir teacher Ms. Marsha Core, celebrated its 24th anniversary of establishment with a variety of musical renditions at the final concert.

Composed of theatrical songs from widely known musicals, classical music by Mozart, and a Disney song medley, the musicians kept the audience members captivated by the diverse styles of music that they performed.  The musicians tried to make their performances unique in some manner whether they were performing solo or in a group.

Lily Pollock, a trumpet player, opened the concert with a solo of Concerto in Eb, Movement II by Joseph Haydn.  The slow and serene song gave the audience an opportunity to listen to an instrument, which usually plays quick and loud sounds, in a different essence.  

A slight hint of theater was displayed in Nicole Walheim’s vocal performance of “Right Hand Man” from Something Rotten.  While singing the song, Nicole made subtle dance moves and spoke a few phrases as though she was acting in a musical.  The audience found this to be a lively and fun addition to the concert.

Kathy Zhang, Caitlin Betz, and Madeline Betz – all of whom are clarinet players – presented a trio performance of Pastoral Scene from Episodes by George Frederick McKay.  Because the sounds of clarinets typically blend in with other wind instruments in a band or symphonic orchestra, listening to their raw sounds was a treat for the audience.  Oli Horyn, a bass player, also presented a rare solo performance of Sonata in E minor, Movement IV for String Bass by Benedetto Marcello. As one of only two bass players in the string ensemble, Oli demonstrated the bass’s own unique beauty without the sounds of other string instruments that may often overpower it in an orchestra.  

In a combination of Disney love songs, senior member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society Matt Monteleone delivered what the audience thought to be a superb performance.  His piano accompanist, Owen Priemon, unfortunately experienced a mishap in the middle of the performance when his music sheets fell off of the piano. Nevertheless, Owen remembered his chords and finished the performance with Matt in a professional manner, according to audience members.  

Monteleone made light of the circumstances, stating about his performance, “The music fell off at the perfect time, when the piano had a few rests.  We were able to pull off the performance quite well in spite of the mishap.”

The final concert culminated in the last performance, What You Won’t Do For Love by Bobby Caldwell, performed by singers, trombone and trumpet players, violinists, guitar players, and other string instruments.  Audience members were completely in awe of the musicians, who organized the rendition of the song completely on their own with 15 students performing simultaneously.  

Following the final performance, the Tri-M Music Honor Society officers – Tommy Barnes, Shelby Hufnal, Dylan Hincka, Raph Lopez, and Charlie Wolfe – recognized Ms. Core for her commitment to sponsoring the organization for many years and wished her well in her upcoming retirement.  Juniors who completed their requirements, which included attending at least two master classes, performing in at least one, volunteering on the leadership team at the PMEA Region VI Festival, and performing at the final concert, received a certificate for their membership.  Seniors who fulfilled their requirements received a pink cord to wear on their gown and represent their musical achievements on graduation day.

Junior members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society hope to maintain their 24-year tradition of gathering many musicians, who play all sorts of instruments and sing various songs in master classes and performances, to share their love and passion of music with others.