Darien High School Students Earn Statewide Recognition For Music Leadership And Service

DARIEN, CT — Darien High School’s chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society has been named Connecticut’s 2025-26 State Chapter of the Year by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

The annual recognition honors Tri-M chapters that demonstrate leadership, service, advocacy and a commitment to music education within their schools and communities.

Darien High School’s Chapter No. 1438 earned the distinction under the leadership of advisor Jane Minnis, who serves as the school’s orchestra director and Tri-M advisor. As a State Chapter of the Year recipient, the chapter will receive a personalized banner commemorating the achievement.

According to an announcement from Darien Public Schools, chapter members organized and participated in a variety of service projects and musical initiatives throughout the school year that supported the school’s music program and the broader community.

"We are incredibly proud of our Tri-M students for earning this recognition," said DPS Director of Visual Art and Music Colleen Thompson.

"This honor reflects the dedication, leadership, and service-minded spirit of our student musicians. I am deeply grateful to the students who consistently give their time and talents to support music education in our schools and community. I also want to thank Jane Minnis for her outstanding leadership and commitment to Tri-M. Her dedication to fostering student leadership, musicianship, and service has been instrumental in the chapter’s success."

NAfME announced the award May 21, recognizing State Chapters of the Year across its six divisions. DHS was selected as Connecticut’s representative among chapters statewide.

Tri-M Music Honor Society is an international honor society for middle and high school music students. The organization recognizes students for musical achievement, academic excellence, leadership and service, while encouraging members to use music to benefit their schools and communities.

Founded in 1985, Tri-M has grown to more than 9,700 chartered chapters and approximately 80,000 student members annually, according to the organization.

For more information about Tri-M Music Honor Society, visit nafme.org/tri-m.