Photo by Katie Shaw

Seniors Sarah Eisenman and Evyn Levy play the flute and clarinet, respectively, at the 2017 Play It Forward benefit concert. Tri-M has held this concert every year to help student musicians in need. “It would be amazing if the Ladue community could come together and donate to this awesome cause.” Eisenman said.

On Monday, Jan. 22, the Ladue chapter of Tri-M, the national music honor society, held its annual Play It Forward benefit concert. The purpose of the concert is to raise money and collect music-related donations to help those in need, while sharing music with friends and community as well.

At last year’s concert, Tri-M was able to collect several instruments to donate, along with other musical accessories. However, not everyone has spare instruments lying around at home, so monetary donations are accepted as well.

“All proceeds and items collected at our Play it Forward STL benefit concert will go to underprivileged student musicians in St. Louis,”co-president of Tri-M Sarah Eisenman said. “[The concert will benefit those] who can’t afford to purchase musical instruments or accessories for themselves.”

The concert is held in partnership with the organization Play It Forward, a group that serves to help low income schools and students with a small music budget or no music program at all. Play It Forward’s purpose also aligns with the purpose of Tri-M.

“The main purpose of Tri-M is to share our love of music with the community and create a positive impact through music,” Annie Liu, the other co-president of Tri-M, said. “We hold a benefit concert every year not only to celebrate the musical talents of our students, but to help people develop their own musical inclinations with support and resources that we were all fortunate enough to receive.”

Music is often an integral part of the lives of Tri-M musicians. The concert is a way for them to share their passion for music by performing and helping those in need at the same time. For these reasons, the concert holds significance for many of the Tri-M students.

“For me, it’s special because music is such an incredibly powerful and important aspect of my life,” Eisenman said. “This concert is our chance to give back and ensure that all children will have the ability to become a musician. Essentially, we’re supplying the tools and funds necessary to provide every child with the opportunity to find joy in music, no matter their socioeconomic status.”