The Galena High School Tri-M Music Honor Society conducted a unique community service initiative on Valentine’s Day, performing a concert for the feline residents of the Safe Haven Animal Shelter. This event, organized by senior musician and Safe Haven volunteer Helena Townsend-Grove, aimed to explore the impact of live musical performance on animal behavior.
“Tri-M is dedicated to utilizing musical talent for community enrichment,” stated Townsend-Grove. “We have a history of fundraising and service-oriented projects, and this performance at Safe Haven represented a novel approach to community engagement. The ensemble, comprising Claudia, Liliana Asta (’26), Evon, and myself, was honored to contribute to an organization committed to animal welfare.”
The performance served as an observational study to assess the cats’ responses to live music. Shelter personnel reported that the animals displayed heightened attentiveness and appeared to derive enjoyment from the experience. Following the concert, students interacted with the cats, further fostering a positive environment. Safe Haven representatives expressed interest in future collaborations with the Tri-M chapter.
Liliana Asta (’26), a participating musician, described the event as a distinctive and engaging experience. “The Tri-M members, along with guest performers, presented a diverse repertoire, ranging from clarinet compositions by Helena Townsend-Grove to an innovative vocal rendition of ‘Creep’ by Claudia and Molly, which incorporated feline vocalizations,” Asta explained. “Observing the cats’ reactions to the music was a particularly rewarding aspect of the event.”
In conclusion, the Tri-M Music Honor Society’s performance at Safe Haven was deemed a successful endeavor, fostering positive interactions between students and the animals. The event underscored the potential of music to contribute to community well-being and animal welfare.