To celebrate this holiday season of good tidings and peace, the royal court of Morton High School extends an invitation to all the land for the annual banquet and merriment of the Madrigal singers.

If that sounds a little formal, then get prepared. The Madrigals get into character and costume and polish their English accents as they sing and perform their annual Christmas event.

Senior Lauren Deppe is singing with the Madrigals for the first time this year. She remembers coming to the banquet as a small girl to watch her brother play the violin. She has wanted to be part of it ever since.

"It's really, really fun and I like the style of the music as well," Deppe said. The style of the music, the camaraderie of the group and the costumes are some of the reasons the students participate. Deppe will be the wench in the performance.

"I love Madrigals. The people are great and I love singing a cap pel la," senior Veronica Stalter said. This is her third year performing with the Madrigals and this year she will play the part of the queen.

For some students, the challenge of the music is what gets them involved. "I think it is fun and it has helped me grow musically," senior Erik Zimmerman said.

The menu for the evening includes fruit and cheese, soup of vegetables, roasted breast of chicken, baked potatoes, green beans, loaves of bread, wassail, coffee, water, tea and dessert. Tickets are $20 each and reservations are needed by Dec. 4. Contact the MHS office for tickets, 266-7182.

The MHS Madrigals will perform at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13 in the Morton High School east gym.