McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

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Around the holidays, MCHS’s Vocal Warriors perform for the school and community
Collaborating+to+put+on+a+renaissance-themed+dinner+and+performance%2C+the+McHenry+Theater+and+Choir+Department+collaborates+every+year+for+the+Madrigal+Dinner%2C+run+by+choir+teacher+Derek+Galvicius.
Derek Galvicius
Collaborating to put on a renaissance-themed dinner and performance, the McHenry Theater and Choir Department collaborates every year for the Madrigal Dinner, run by choir teacher Derek Galvicius.

A hush falls over the crowd as the queen enters the room. The stage lights shining off senior Adelynn Kuhlemeier’s dress, she blinds everyone with her beauty. As she sings, the king and the rest of the cast join her. The audience watches in awe. The Madrigal Dinner has begun.

Beginning over 15 years ago, MCHS Surround Sound has hosted the Madrigal Dinner. This dinner is set in the renaissance era, and it is held in the Freshman Campus auditorium.

The dinner is a combination of music and dancing. The Vocal Warriors sing 20 songs during the dinner. The whole night is a renaissance blast from the past

“I feel like this genre of music is really meaningful and special,” Derek Galvicius, the choir director. “It brings another level of holiday spirit to people.”

This year’s dinner was sold out, with about 300 people attending. Both ticket buyers and the Vocal Warriors themselves love to attend this fun event.

“I always enjoyed singing in a group,” said Zeke Galvicius, MCHS senior and 2023 Madrigal king. “I enjoy multiple people being able to create a masterpiece.”

Costumes are another fun motivator for the singers.

“Just knowing that it’s [her dress] been worn by all the queens from the past,” said Kuhlemeier. “I love being able to experience what it’s like.”

Madrigals is not the only event they do during the holidays. Over the months of November and December, the Vocal Warriors have 30 performances. These include the dinners, concerts, caroling, and other gigs.

While this can be a lot for the students, Derek Galvicius has said that they are not all mandatory. Some events the students must attend, but the others are optional in order to not over-stress the singers.

“I do feel a lot more pressure because I was the queen this year,” stated Kuhlemeier. “I do feel like I need to show up to those events … I want to be a good role model.”

The Vocal Warriors are packed during the holiday season. They practice and perform constantly becoming the best they can be.

“Our community loves what we do,” continued Galvicius. “I feel like we do a great job at what we do and it makes it worth it.”

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