It’s Not Your Average Candygram; Tri-M Singing Valentines

Ava Vogel, Maryn Sobas, and Jade Ball

March 7, 2024

This school year, the Tri-M national music honors society brought back the yearly tradition of Singing Valentines to students.
Tri-M is for students in any of the three music classes offered at Hayes. Through an induction process, the group has over 30 active members this year.
The group of music students continue throughout the year with community service projects and planning events such as the talent show.
The tradition of Singing Valentines started in the late 2000s with Hayes Singers delivering the singing grams. Less than a decade later, the Hayes Tri-M troupe took it over, allowing more to participate. This is the first year that the tradition has been brought back since the start of the pandemic.

Members of Hayes Singers surprise a student with a Singing Valentine during House. The event served as a fundraiser for the music program. (Jade Ball)

Rehearsals started in early February and more than 25 participants helped to sell and deliver the Singing Valentines, with some being already inducted into Tri-M in previous years. The group sold more than 50 Singing Valentines, raising over 100 dollars towards the music programs.
Students who sent a Valentine could choose from 5 songs, including “Calendar Girl” which students may recognize from the Homecoming tradition performed by the tenors and basses from all choirs during lunch periods. Songs also included “Ain’t No Mountain” and “Lollipop.”
“We wanted to go with a more classic feel, with cute and old-timey love songs,” said Rosemary Crantson, Vice President of Hayes’ Tri-M troupe.
The Singing Valentines were delivered on February 13 and 14 during the house period. For those that received a Valentine, they were given a note with the sender’s name, unless sent anonymously, along with a chocolate heart and the chosen song. Some participants in the Tri-M activity also received a Singing Valentine while they were out delivering singing grams to others.
“I was a little confused because I was singing, and the group just came up to me and started singing,” Hayes Singer Gavin Lewis said.
Lewis received a Singing Valentine from Isaac Christopher, a sophomore who is also a part of Hayes Singers. Many used the opportunity to embarrass their friends or a significant other, sending a group of singers to find and serenade the recipient.
“It was a lot of fun to see people’s reactions, especially Mr. Lehman,” Lewis said. “You’re with all your friends too so it was enjoyable.”
With the production of Legally Blonde as this year’s spring musical, those singing met a few times for rehearsals briefly after school, along with being given some time during choir periods towards the start of the delivery days.
Tri-M also saw an increase of underclassmen getting involved in the activities put on throughout the year. With inductions happening at the end of this school year, those hoping to get inducted into the program have been tracking their points with what they have been musically active in, including the participation in Singing Valentines.

Tri-M delivered Singing Valentines around Hayes to celebrate Valentines Day. (Ricky Collins)

The group of officers and choir director Dara Gillis met in the summer to set up a calendar with monthly activities for the troupe to do during the school year. The organization of the Singing Valentines was fully officer driven.
“For the last couple of years, we’ve talked about doing this and haven’t gotten it done,” Gillis said. “I thought that all of it went really well.”
For the months left of the 2023-2024 school year, the three officers of Tri-M are working towards organizing a Trivia Night in March and a Senior Showcase in April.
People involved in the music programs at Hayes and other students should expect to see the return of the Singing Valentines next school year.

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About the Contributors

Ava Vogel, Editor-In-Chief

Ava Vogel (she/her) is a senior at Hayes. This is her second year on staff. She is a varsity player and a captain of the tennis team. She is a part of Hayes Players and Symphonic Choir. She is also involved in Tri-M, NHS and the Thespian troupe along with many other school activities. Outside of school, she loves spending time with friends, watching movies and listening to music.

Maryn Sobas, Broadcaster

Maryn Sobas (she/her) is a senior at Hayes. This is her first year on staff. She is a part of the Lady Pacer Volleyball team and also swims on the high school swim team. Outside of school activities she likes to hang out with friends and family.

Jade Ball, Broadcaster

Jade Ball (she/her) is a senior at Delaware Hayes. This is her first year on staff. She is a member of the Thespians Honor Society and a frequent sound crew member in Hayes productions. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, spending time with family, and skydiving. She also enjoys an occasional black coffee.

Ricky Collins, Broadcaster

Ricky Collins (he/him) is a senior at Hayes. This is his first year on staff. He is also a member of the school's track and field team. In his highly valuable free time he enjoys drawing and hanging out with his friends. When he's not fighting for truth and justice with his prestigious friends, he relaxes by playing video games or building Legos.