They may be in the heart of summer camp mode, but the Baldwin County Youth Orchestra and Chorus is looking ahead to Christmastime.

The nonprofit classical music orchestra, which has string groups for ages 6-96, is seeking volunteers for its annual "Madrigal Dinner," which will be held Dec. 8-9. The event is a renaissance-style dinner featuring kings and queens, a royal court a real boar's head, renaissance singers and musicians.

Although the event is still months away, volunteer positions need to be filled:

• Setting up and decorating the "Hall" greenery, set design, etc.;
• Costume making, Renaissance-style clothing (or find clothes to borrow);
• Food preparation, which may include finding food sources / sponsors;
• Decoration / room tear down on Saturday afternoon;
• Drama coaches or managers;
• Publicity manager;
• Publicity crew (ads, social media designs) / sponsors;
• Head waiter / manage food / children waiters; and
• Ticket manager.

Director and Co-Founder Leroy Hughes said he has participated in similar events in the past and is excited to bring this tradition to Baldwin County.

"Our idea is to have guests walk through an entryway that is decorated like a castle and enjoy the music as they walk around," Hughes said. "We will have our youth choir singing, the orchestra playing and actors acting out skits while the audience eats dinner."

Hughes said they will still be hosting their annual Christmas concert and silent auction in addition to the madrigal dinner. Throughout the year, the orchestra holds youth choirs, ensembles and summer music camps in Fairhope.

"We are planning on having two dinners with limited seating," Hughes said. "This is brand new. We have never done an event like this, but we thought it would be something unique for our program."

While Hughes said the organization is seeking volunteers for the event, if you are unable to fill a position the organization is also taking sponsors.

"We are currently looking for donations of costumes, anyone who can donate food or help fund the costs of the event," Hughes said. "The money we raise will be used to support operating costs of our youth orchestra throughout the year."

If interested in attending a July 5 planning meeting or for more information on volunteering or sponsorships, email bcyorchestra@gmail.com.