The 2016 Madrigals have started preparing during and before school for the upcoming holiday and spring concerts as well as several community events.

The Madrigals will perform a holiday concert on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Emanuel Episcopalian Church of La Grange. In addition, there will be a Spring concert at the Western Springs Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. The Madrigals will also occasionally perform at community events such as holiday walks and at retirement homes.

“[Madrigals] take a segment of the LT population that is interested in singing and brings them together,” Madrigal Amanda Frey ’19 said.

Madrigals meet in the LT choir rooms at 6:50 a.m. two to three times a week, Frey said.

“We’re really proud of our whole choral program, but we can’t show them as easily [as Madrigals],” senior Madrigals teacher Connie Lyda said. “[The Madrigals] represent the whole choral department and they are working hard to work together. It’s like a family.”

There are roughly twenty Madrigals for the sophomore, junior and senior grade levels, Lyda said. There are about five to six singers for each musical part, with many of the singers rotating through different parts.

“It’s amazing to see the talent that exists here at LT,” Frey said. “To have the opportunity [is] a great experience.”

The Madrigals are not necessarily focused on competitions, Lyda said. However, there is a solo and ensemble festival within LT during March. Judges select outstanding individuals and groups, and the LT Madrigals have been selected for several years.

“[Competitions] don’t represent a great educational opportunity,” Lyda said. “Music is about unity. It is a commonality shared by everyone. We stress inner drive. Art rises above the competition.”

Calendar changes in past years have led to a handful of events being eliminated such as finals being moved to before winter break, Lyda said.

“There is something special about being in a musical ensemble,” Lyda said. “In choosing the groups, it’s about the voices that will work together, not just the beautiful voices.”