For the third year in a row, Skowhegan Area High School students in Mr. Gin’s French program are bringing music and language to the community through French Beats, a 20-minute segment of The French Hour on HooSkow Radio. Airing Thursdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. on 90.7 FM, it’s the only show on the station created entirely by young people.
When the radio station approached Mr Gin about creating a show, he knew it would be a meaningful opportunity for his students. The show is recorded after school and sent to the station for broadcast.
This year’s hosts, senior Susan Tremblay and junior Charlotte Hautala, select four to five French or francophone songs for each episode, usually centered around a theme. Past themes have included women’s empowerment and a holiday special, and they’re currently working on a jazz episode— another passion they have in common. After choosing the music, they write and record commentary explaining the artists, translating titles, and sharing why the songs matter to them.
One favorite episode highlighted powerful French female singers, including Édith Piaf and her classic La Vie en rose. “I would like to describe myself as a powerful woman,” Susan said, “and I was excited to share songs of other powerful women.” La Vie en rose holds special meaning for Susan, who had the opportunity to perform the song with and in front of her peers at a school assembly two years ago.
Recording sessions are filled with laughter — and plenty of retakes. “We have to do a million takes because we can’t stop laughing,” Charlotte shared. Both students say they feel comfortable taking risks in Mr. Gin’s classroom and credit him for creating a supportive environment, beginning with their first French class freshman year.
Now on their sixth show overall, Susan and Charlotte say they are grateful for the opportunity and mentorship from Mr Gin and Earl Boyd, one of the hosts of The French Hour. Through music, friendship, and language, French Beats continues to connect students with the wider community — one song at a time.
Listen via this livestream link, or on 90.7FM!