Hello All,
I am writing to let you know that this year is supposed to be a Madrigal Year! This would’ve been the week of making sure the main gym gets decorated and transformed into the madrigal dinner! Due to the given circumstances we are not able to do that this year in person!
HOWEVER, there will still be a virtual madrigal dinner for people to view.
A madrigal dinner is a feast that is themed from the Renaissance period. This involves Kings and Queens, a royal court, entertainers, beggars, strolling strings, brass bands, trumpeters, and of course lots of food. This is usually done in December to celebrate Christmas, so you would hear traditional Christmas music.
On Monday, December 7th at 7pm there will be a YouTube link that will get shared on the Staples-Motley Cardinal Choir Family Facebook page, school district Facebook page, and the school website that will be a movie of the Virtual Madrigal Dinner. (click here to view the Madrigal video)
In the movie you will see some video of dialogue, the choir room decorated (thanks to Jill Schneider and her painting class), audio of the current 7-12 grade choirs, and previous audio and photos form previous choirs at Staples-Motley High School.
The madrigal dinner happens biennially (every two years). Even though this year will be a little different, it’s exciting that something will still continue. This tradition has been happening in the choir program at SMHS for 45 years!!!
Usually with the madrigal dinner there is food… We are not able to provide that for you this year, BUT you can create your own feast at home if you would like!!! There are typically five to seven courses served at the dinner. In the movie it will prompt you to pause and eat a portion of your meal. You can follow the movie that way or watch it all the way through. If you choose to make a meal with your own household you can take a picture and post with the hashtag #madrigalsm2020 on social media.
The students and myself have been working hard since the beginning of the school year to make this happen and we would love it if you could tune in and watch it once the link is available!!
For a teaser of what you might see in the official Madrigal movie, visit https://www.facebook.com/cardinalchoirfamily.
Thank you!!
Nathan Thelen
Director of Choirs