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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Northside Elementary madrigal dinner is Thursday and Friday; tickets are still available for the second night

The Northside cafeteria has been decorated like a castle for the dinners. (Photo provided by Erin Casimir)
By Evan Merrill
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media

This time of year, many schools offer some sort of musical performance or Christmas play to involve students. Northside Elementary School in Midway takes a different approach.

Under the leadership of music teacher Erin Casimir, the school will be hosting its second annual madrigal dinner, with a cappella singing by students, Thursday and Friday nights.

Casimir said she came up with the idea as she sought a program for the children that could also be an effective fundraiser.

“The idea for the program came about as a ‘revival’ of sorts from a program that I participated in while in elementary school,” Casimir said in an email.

About 80 students in the fourth and fifth grade will participate in the event. Casimir said they will be servers for the two-day event, beginning Thursday evening, as well as a “royal court” of students who auditioned for parts.

Casimir said the production is a very special event due to the high level of production for such young children.

The food will be provided by the school district’s food services, and the event will raise funds for the school’s music department. Casimir and the school have decorated the cafeteria as a castle, reflecting madrigal singing’s roots in the Renaissance.

“It is a big night, as it is such a huge production it is not your typical ‘elementary Christmas program,’” Casimir wrote. “With the meal, drama, comedy, and music it incorporates so much more than just singing some songs. The kids really take ownership in the serving process and making the guests feel welcome.”

The two-day event will seat an average of 125 people a night. Tickets are still available for Friday night: $12 for adults and $6 for students 3-12. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 and Friday, Dec. 16. For ticket inquiries contact Erin.casimir@woodford.kyschools.us.

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