The Tri-M Music Honor Society at the Bridgewater-Raritan High School held its winter recital in the band room on December 20.

As winter break grew nearer, the society planned to hold an event where volunteer musicians would play a song for an audience of their fellow students. From violin solos to all-clarinet performances, the event demonstrated a wide range of musicianship. Along with this, it was an important night to welcome new members of the society.

Tri-M, standing for Modern Music Masters Honor Society, is a chapter at Bridgewater-Raritan High School that recognizes all types of musicians for their musical excellence. Members of the orchestras, bands and other ensembles are eligible to become a part of the group. They regularly conduct various events attempting to showcase this musical ability that its members possess, this recital being one of them.

Promptly beginning at 6:30 p.m., the recital consisted of various student musicians going to the front of the room and playing or singing a particular piece. Many different genres of music were demonstrated such as classical, holiday, pop and historical music.

Student participants shared their experience performing at the recital.

“The recital was very fascinating. I got to listen to lots of different genres of music, and enjoyed each one of them,” Fisayo Ogunsulire, sophomore trumpeter, said. 

Rikhav Sanjeev, a junior performer who sang at the event, highlighted that he “enjoyed the Latin-inspired snare drum solo by Julian [DiMaggio].”

Sanjeev elaborated by saying that he “enjoyed being able to present a piece of music that is part of my heritage and showcased a different side of me,” as he usually is an instrumentalist rather than a singer.

Accompanying the music was an array of snacks like chips, pizza and beverages. After a brief round of applause, the performer would take their seat and give way for whoever was next. 

The event was far from a professional concert with attention to every minute detail.

For example, Ogunsulire detailed “Even though I made a couple of mistakes, I’m still proud of myself. I had a great time performing, and that’s what matters.”

An intermission occurred between the fifth and sixth performances, both of which were group exhibitions. During this intermission, the officers of the Tri-M Music Honor Society spoke on the purpose of the event and reminded the audience of the values of Tri-M. The society focuses on devotion to music and representing the school through the spread of music. 

Next, the officers announced the names of every new member who was accepted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society, formally introducing them to the organization. Each new member went to the front of the room and accepted a certificate inducting them into the group.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society is often involved in musical activities and fundraising for ensembles. In late February, the Battle of the Bands will be hosted in the school auditorium where groups of students will compete in a pop-rock music competition for a prize. The event will also be directing funds to charity.

Members of the society look forward to Battle of the Bands and future Tri-M events.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about it,” Ogunsulire said.

Sanjeev is looking forward to events like the Tri-M spring recital, which will hold a similar format to the winter recital.