The fiddle group plays around 3 to 4 pieces from their setlist, which then have to be memorized. During the Fiddle group’s performance in the Madrigal, some students who know Irish Dancing like to participate as well. Senior, Mayra says,“Having everyone there, interacting with each other and just being happy makes fiddle group fun.” Overall, the Fiddle group kids are excited to perform and have fun during the Madrigal.
The symphonic orchestra as well as the fiddle group performs in the Madrigal. Symphonic orchestra plays pieces that can be performed with the band and choir and other pieces are just for the orchestra. Some of the these pieces are Suite for String by John Rutter and Rest Ye Merry, Rock Ye Very arranged by Brian Balmages. Mr. Trapkus, the conductor of the orchestra says, “Well, for Madrigal we also try to get some kind of music that has some kind of connection to the renaissance, broke, or folk era. It’s a challenge though because you have to fit the style as well as the level of the players. And you want to be fun music too. “ Senior, Nelson Walker, who plays the cello in symphonic orchestra, says, “My favorite memory from the Madrigal is the time that I was sitting in the back of the section and I scooted out my chair to stand up right at the end of one of the choir songs. I accidentally knocked over the drum machine and eight different tympanies rang out super loud right behind me. It was really embarrassing.”Another senior, Megan Long says, “ My favorite memory from the Madrigal was when it was the dress rehearsal and the band was playing. We all got up and danced in a circle in the cafeteria.” The Madrigal is an exciting time of the year for orchestra students and the fiddle group kids.