DeMichelle has been involved with Madrigal for 12 years, first as a performer and then as director. She selects the evening's play list as early as August, and seeks creative solutions to the challenge of limitations of the time period. "I try to stay within the authentic Renaissance time period, but sometimes I include a piece that simply fits the style of that era," DeMichelle says. The choir starts rehearsing their songs three times a week, beginning in September.

Over the years, DeMichelle has devised her own system to assist in the night's success. The first is turning over some of the creative work to her singers. "During my second year directing, I gave the script-writing job to the students, and it's become a tradition for seniors who have been in the group for awhile to write it." The script is ceremoniously amusing, loaded with puns and one-liners and some pop-culture references. This year's treatment promised to please in the same places. "It's kind of corny," DeMichelle said of the writing, "but there are some nice segues into the music."

Experience has also taught DeMichelle that song arrangement and madrigal festivities should play off one another, and that small tweaks in timing can make for success. For instance, she learned how difficult it is for the student who—as part of tradition—parades a boar's head platter around the room. "The platter is really heavy, so the Boar's Head Carol has to be taken at a quick pace," she said.

Although it's hard work, Madrigal organizers like the change in scenery. "It's just fun doing something different than we do every other night," Edwards said. Adds DeMichelle, "My favorite part is how much the students enjoy doing it. I've never had a group of students anywhere who get this excited for a performance." But she also admits to feeling relieved when it's over, and there is time to relax.

"I love opening night, when it finally all comes together and works," DeMichelle said. "But my next favorite part is closing night, when I don't have to think about Madrigal for another year."

(To recreate favorite Madrigal recipes at home, check out Madrigal Recipes)

The singers at Madrigal included, from left, Jennifer Wickre '03, Marc Bathgate '05, Liz Huttner '05, Daniell Neff '02, Mark Fredericson '04, Tim Karp '04.