As a capstone project for the French Popular Music Class, senior French majors are organizing a concert to showcase various French artists and their respective works. The concert titled, “Daft Punk to Stromae: A Night at the Discotheque,” will expose attendees not only to a wide range of French music, but also to its cultural significance. The event will take place on Dec. 3 in the East Lounge of Dougherty Hall from 6-7:30 p.m. Entrance is free, and freshmen are especially encouraged to attend, as the concert is ACS approved. Senior French major, Ariana Patrick, weighs in on the concert details.

The Villanovan: What should attendees expect while at the concert?

Ariana Patrick: It will be a concert showcasing a variety of popular French music, from the 1950s until present. The audience will hear some of the most well-known French artists, as well as new music. In addition, each song’s cultural significance will be provided, along with a copy of the lyrics in English. We encourage students and faculty of all disciplines to attend! It will be a casual atmosphere, and if attendees cannot stay the entire time they are welcome to come and go throughout the event!

TV: How did your class come up with the idea to host a concert for the senior project?

AP: Traditionally the final for this class has been a self-recorded radio show that is submitted to our professor. This year, Seth Whidden originally suggested the idea of a concert as a possibility; our class thought it was a great idea and has brought it to fruition. Whidden has provided us a great deal of independence in planning the concert and the event truly is created by and for students.

TV: What were some of the other ideas considered by your class for the senior project?

AP: One of the most entertaining ideas was to set up a kind of “mobile rave” where we would have people set up in different parts of campus, all playing different types of French music. Another idea we had was to have the concert outside at The Oreo, but this idea was quickly rejected after we realized how chilly it will be in December!

TV: How has your class been preparing for this event?

AP: We have been meeting twice weekly since late October to plan the event. During these meetings we have discussed how to set up the room, how best to showcase the music, how to order our presentations, and most importantly how to ensure our audience enjoys its time. Our professor, Whidden, has provided us with great guidance as well and helped shape some of our ideas.

TV: What has been the most difficult part about preparing for this type of event?

AP: The most difficult part of the event has been creating links between each of our areas of study that we are presenting on. This difficulty speaks to our comprehensive coverage of different areas of French music, and we hope that this means there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

TV: What have you enjoyed most about the planning process?

AP: The most enjoyable part of the process is seeing everyone’s ideas come together in order to put on, what we believe will be, a comprehensive and thoroughly enjoyable showcase of French popular music. I have found that group projects are usually avoided in college. However, our class has had a great time bouncing ideas off each other and working together in order to bring this concert to our peers, and I’m excited for everyone to see our finished project.

TV: What are you looking forward to most?

AP: I am excited to see all of our classmates’ hard work come together into a project that we can share with our peers. Oh, and the free homemade baked goods that will be provided.

 

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.