Fort Hays State University - Reveille Yearbook (Hays, KS)

Page 26 text:

Maclrigal DINNER by Jill Grant by Larry Dreiling Waiting for the feaet to be served, the Lord and Lody of the Manor vitit with their guests at the head table. Hear ye, hear ye, sub jects of this realm; you shall be witnesses of the toast to the Christmas season by his excellency, the Lord of this manor. Let no man come into this hall: groom page, nor yet marshall, but that some sport he bring withal. For now is the time of Christmas ! ' 1 And with these words spoken, the Madrigal din ner began. Presented annually by members of the music and theatre departments and several faculty members, the Madrigal dinner seeks to relive the days of feudalism. Lord of the Manor, Dr. Robert Luehrs, professor of history, acted as host for the evening. Following his welcome, the Madrigal Singers broke out in song while special guests of the Lord and Lady were toasted and escorted to the feast. When the guests were seated, servants entered with trays of food and drink. Two of them ignited the yule log as tenants gorged themselves on fruit and cheese. Castle musicians enter- tained with the recorder and harpsichord while a barefooted maiden served a tender, broiled rainbow trout with its eyes still intact, A roast pig was brought before the Lord for his approval and served as the traditional Boar s Head Carol ' ' was sung. Bod spirits filled the Great Hall as two men, obviously at odds with one another and carrying swords, met each other. 1 Weapons were drawn and o fencing bout ensued until the scoundrel fell to the ground, injured by the champion ' s sword. A pheasant pie proces- sion followed and guests of the house feasted on cornish gome hens. Baked applie pie was served after the plum pudding was enflamed and the guests waited for entertainment. They were favored with a concert of the Royal Consort of Strings, the Renaissance Instrumental Ensemble and the Madrigal Singers, The Royal Consort per- formed a sonata, and the ensemble offered music with their recorders — an almost extinct instrumental art. The singers executed three Elizabethan dances and several madrigal melodies. At evening ' s end, the Lord of the Manor bid his guests farewell and all participated in a chorus of the traditional Wassoil Song. 22 MADRIGAL DINNER

Page 25 text:

Stricter drunk driving laws and a raiie in the legal drinking age have been promoted to prevent alcohol-related accidents. Drinking and driving is the No. 1 cause of death among young adults. DRUNK DRIVING 21 Motity Deu !

Page 27 text:

■i Mr amu S ■k S ' y • s i A 9.! ' Lord and Lady of the Manor, Dr, Robert Luehrs and his wife Christianne, toast the Christmas season to the music of the Madrigal Players. MADRIGAL DINNER 23