His Majesty's Musicians

Songs & Dances of the Middle Ages & the Renaissance
2130 Carleton Street, Berkeley, CA 94704
Tel/Fax: 510.848.5591 email: LMcR@aol.com

This merry band of minstrels presents an exhilarating demonstration program which pleases both young and older people:

Starting with a magic calendar which graphically illustrates the passage of time backwards to the Middle Ages, the consort brings to life the distant past using their large collection of replica instruments: stirring hurdy-gurdy, flutey organetto, harmonious recorders, tuned bells, sweet voiced harp and psaltry, plaintive viols, piercing shawm and rousing voices.

The program includes audience participation in humming, singing, reciting a poem in Middle English, clapping to dance rhythms, and ends with a Renaissance dance which is taught to 18 audience volunteers.

His Majesty's Musicians, an early music demonstration ensemble based in the San Francisco Bay Area, announced a major grant of $10,000 from the Zellerbach Family Fund. This grant will enable them to give multiple performances in Middle Schools in conjunction with history and literature curriculum. Other grants awarded this year came from the Berkeley Civic Arts Commission, the Alameda County Art Commission and the Berkeley Public Education Fund. Ensemble members include Lee McRae, Ralph Prince, Alison Alstadtt and Dick Bagwell.