Students Bring Paris, Trivia and a Music Video to Morning Ex

At a recent Morning Ex, French language students from all levels in the Upper School shared photos and personal anecdotes from their trip to Paris during April Recess. While everyone enjoyed the major sites and cultural attractions on their formal itinerary, many spoke about the non-planned experiences when they enjoyed one another’s company while exploring another country.

Following their trip reflection, presenters welcomed student volunteers to the stage to test their knowledge of all things French in a trivia competition. Next, French III students shared an original music video demonstrating their emergent language abilities and showcasing the video editing skills of French student, junior Cam Routenberg.

For the past three years, Upper School French teacher Frank Schaldenbrand has used music videos as group projects for his French students to combine their efforts and talents. The process involves students generating ideas for the song, selecting one of the ideas and working in groups to compose the lyrics “en français.” Schaldenbrand provides the music and students do the rest—including filming on location all over the city of Chicago and even in France! Student auteur Routenberg is well-known in the school for his skills behind a lens, and he has been the creative force behind the filming and editing of these French videos these past three years.

Enjoy the most recent installment of original student music videos from Frank Schaldenbrand’s class below or click here for photos from the Morning Ex.