This page has some specific info about several topics related to the 2016 Festival of Carols: 

Don't have your tickets yet?
  • A longstanding tradition in Batavia, the singers and orchestras of the Batavia High School Chamber, the ladies of Troubadours, the Jesters of comedy (and tragedy) will once again provide 15th century entertainment, light fare and coffee or wassail for a nominal fee . 
  • Choose from the 7pm evening shows on Friday and Saturday December 9th & 10th ($10 or $15 ) or the 3:30pm Saturday matinee (a shortened version without food & beverage, at a lower price). Tickets on sale from now until all be gone!
  • The performance includes traditional madrigals and motets, early instrumental music and seasonal carols that will begin in the decked halls of the historic Congregational Church of Batavia sanctuary and intermission that includes a procession to the Kings Dining Hall (aka Paxton Hall) where guest will be seated at tables while enjoying refreshments and strolling entertainment. The performance will conclude with another session in the sanctuary with the closing piece sung by candlelight. You are in for a delightful evening! 
  • Purchase your tickets now https://bhsmusic.ludustickets.com/splash.php 

Costumes
  • Please make sure you have paid your $10 fee to Mr. Barsch. Checks can be made out to BHS. 
  • Students, please pick up your Festival of Carols costume from Mr. Barsch. Make sure you check it out with me; don't just take it. 
  • If you need to iron your veil: use LOW HEAT or it'll melt all over your face. 
  • If you have a crown, it comes in a box. Please keep it in that box unless you are actually wearing it! Return the crown with the box at the appropriate time. 
  • Costumes will be turned in at designated times during the week of December 12. Specific times are coming. 

Performances: 

Festival of Carols "Dress" Rehearsal: Thursday December 8th from 3-6 pm
  • All participants should be in attendance at the Congregational Church of Batavia from 3-6 pm.
  • Do not dress up in costume. school clothes are fine. 
  • We will walk through the set, with and without singing. 

Festival of Carols Performance #1: Friday, December 9th at 7pm.
  • Student call time, in costume, is 6 pm. 
  • PLEASE EAT DINNER BEFORE ARRIVING!
  • Volunteers needed! Please see this Sign-up Genius page.
  • We will begin the evening in the sanctuary for a set of music, then move to Paxton Hall for refreshments & more music while the orchestra sets up. We will return to the sanctuary for the orchestra's set, and the final set of carols. People can mingle afterward and get pictures. 
  • I anticipate everything will be done by 10 pm, depending on the amount of volunteer help. 

Festival of Carols Performance #2: Saturday, December 10th at 3:30 pm.
  • Student call time, in costume, is 2:30 pm. 
  • Volunteers needed! Please see this Sign-up Genius page.
  • We will begin the performance in the sanctuary for a set of music, then take an intermission while the orchestra sets up. We will return to the sanctuary for the orchestra's set, and the final set of carols. People can mingle afterward and get pictures. 
  • I anticipate everything will be done by 5 pm, depending on the amount of volunteer help. Students will go downstairs to the Pine room to eat together before our evening performance. (Don't forget: please make sure you have paid your $10 fee to Mr. Barsch. Checks can be made out to BHS)
  • Students are expected to stay between performances. We will feed you!

Festival of Carols Performance #3: Saturday, December 10th at 7pm.
  • Volunteers needed! Please see this Sign-up Genius page.
  • We will begin the evening in the sanctuary for a set of music, then move to Paxton Hall for refreshments & more music while the orchestra sets up. We will return to the sanctuary for the orchestra's set, and the final set of carols. People can mingle afterward and get pictures. 
  • I anticipate everything will be done by 10 or 10:30 pm, depending on the amount of volunteer help. We need to make sure that our hosts are able to set up for their Sunday services the next day!


Past performances: 
Elementary School Field Trip: Thursday, December 1st during blocks 1,2, & part of 3. 
  • Please make sure you get your permission slip to Mr. Barsch!
  • You will need to be dressed in costume and present in the choir room at 8:20. You should have another outfit to change into once we return (early in 3rd block). 

Holmstad caroling: Thursday, December 1st at 7pm
  • Meet at the Holmstad (700 W Fabyan Pkwy, Batavia, IL 60510) at 6:45 pm in costume. We will perform in the Auditorium of the Commons Building. Enter on the North (Fabyan) side of the building. 
  • After we sing our set, please stay a while and visit with residents. This was a highlight for many of us last year, and it is a real highlight for the Holmstad residents as well. You will be able to leave by 8 pm. 
  • One-acts participants should go to One-acts.  
  • Swingsingers members should be able to attend rehearsal from 2:45-4:15. Legacy members should be able to attend rehearsal from 4:30-5:30.

Heritage Woods caroling: Tuesday, December 6th at 7pm. 
  • Meet at Heritage Woods (1079 E Wilson St, Batavia, IL 60510) at 6:45 pm in costume. Go up the stairs until we are together and ready to perform. We will perform on the main level, right in front of the main entrance. 
  • After we sing our set, please stay a while and visit with residents. This was a highlight for many of us last year, and it is a real highlight for the residents as well. You will be able to leave by 8 pm. 
  • Legacy participants are excused from show choir that evening. Swingsingers members should be able to attend rehearsal from 4:30-5:30.