OSKALOOSA—Modern high school students turned the Oskaloosa Middle School gym into a Rennaisance-era dining hall, complete with music and skits.
The Madrigal Dinner, which was hosted at the Oskaloosa Middle School gymnasium, is an event that has taken place for 13 years. There were around 120 high school students involved.
“It has grown so much over the years,” said vocal music director Chris Weinreich. “We started this with just 15-20 kids and performed in a small place for one night, now we have a gymnasium full.”
Members of the Concert, Chamber, and Madrigal choirs were joined by the Chamber orchestra to provide an evening of entertainment.
The students dressed up in “Renaissance attire and [performed] funny skits this year. There’s always something going on. Trumpet heralds usher
people in; everybody’s announced as they come in and go to their tables,” said Weinreich.
“It’s a whole bunch of stuff packed into the guise of a fundraiser.”
In past years, the money raised has gone to offset a trip to Chicago with the orchestra. This year, funds will likely go toward purchasing new choir robes. A variety of musical styles were performed.
“Thomas Morley pieces, just your real, legitimate, time period correct madrigals; and silly songs done in madrigal style,” said Weinreich. “And there
are modern tunes that we do. There’s part of a skit that says ‘I wonder what music will be like in 500-600 years’ and it’s a warp to the future [today]. It’s as much a capella as possible.”
Those in attendance enjoyed a feast including an appetizer, soup, pulled pork, potatoes, green beans and chocolate cake; along with wassail, water, and coffee.
The Madrigal Dinner has received some excellent feedback over the years. “It’s consistently ‘wow, I can’t believe it’s a high school performance,’” said Weinreich. “Everybody has been wowed by the amount of work the kids put in. It’s amazing the kids can do that. The feedback has been it’s
a professional-grade show. The kids get a good experience putting something like that on.”
The performers were dressed in Renaissance attire, with the gymnasium decorated to match. The audience enjoyed the evening’s festivities.
“The amount of talent we have here in the high school is unsurpassed. I’ve been here a long time, ten years, and I am always impressed at what Oskaloosa has to offer their young musicians. We have a fantastic band, choir and orchestra program. With a school this size, the kids can do everything; all of those [previously mentioned] and sports,” said Weinreich.
“It’s important for the community to go out and see what our young people are doing.”
Story provided by Angie Holland
