Starting in the month of March, members of the Tri-M Honor Society, along with other music students at Pascack Hills, began working on the Tri-M Project. In this project, a student from PHHS provides a student they have been paired with from Fieldstone Middle School or Woodcliff Lake Middle School with music lessons, whether vocal or instrumental. This is the second year the Pascack Hills chapter of the Tri-M Honor society has worked to give musical opportunities to the next generation of musicians. 

“There are almost 50 students involved in Tri-M Project 2022. Vocal and instrumental lessons are given by Tri-M members, as well as Chamber Choir and Concert Band members recommended by Mrs. Elkin and Mr. Dore” explained Mrs. Elkin, the Tri-M Music Honor Society Advisor.

Each lesson is about thirty minutes and is scheduled to occur once a week. During this time, the high school music students become the teachers. Each member involved is able to share their knowledge and love of music with a younger student. 

Not only do these lessons give the middle school students a chance to benefit from the musical experiences of talented musicians, it bridges a divide between the middle schools and the high school.

“The goal of the project is to share a love for music with the community and make personal connections with middle school students who will become members of the PH music department in the future,” Mrs. Elkin continued.

The middle schoolers being taught are the future of music at Pascack Hills. In encouraging a pursuit and passion for music in these upcoming musicians, members of the project have these protégés as their legacy. Watching the students flourish and improve with each lesson is a rewarding experience like none other.

“It’s extremely fulfilling to watch young musicians learn and grow their talents, and to know that you’ve played a part in their musical journey,” says sophomore Hadyn Hopper, a Tri-M Member.

Mrs. Elkin hopes to invite the Tri-M Project 2022 participants to a showcase at the end of the year to highlight the performances of the middle school students at a live program. This would be the first time the Tri-M Project is presented at a live show, as the pandemic limited this option in 2021. It will be wonderful to see the fruit of the labors of both student and teacher at the conclusion of this project.