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Message from the Director, Connie Fredericks-Malone
Haiti - What If Foundation
The Carole D. Fredericks Foundation is proud to support the relief efforts of the What If Foundation. Founded in 2000, the What If? Foundation funds food and education programs for children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. You can read about their relief efforts and other earthquake news, contribute to the ongoing education, meal and new garden programs, or make a donation at their website. Visit whatiffoundation.org. Merci.
Black History Month - February 2010
This Black History Month we celebrate with the phenomenal voice of Carole Fredericks performing songs
written expressly for her by Jean-Jacques Goldman. Each song has been transformed into a French lesson.
The lyrics are poetry. Each video clip is a peek into modern French culture. The rhythms engage and
inspire you as you learn. The lessons are fun and easy. View the activity books here.
An American, Carole emigrated to France in 1979 to pursue a music career. “She emerged a powerful singer who wove the passionate threads of blues, jazz, gospel, rock and R&B into a uniquely French tapestry.” Read about her extraordinary life in the essay, Full Circle, by Barbara Summers… Learning français with music and history is a wonderful way to celebrate Black History Month 2010.
Bonjour Chanson
After reading an article about Charles Spira on France-Amérique.com I contacted him. To my delight Mr. Spira is a lover of all types of French music and he is the host of Bonjour Chanson. He firmly believes that although you may not speak French you can still enjoy the wonderful array of French songs. His radio show, Bonjour Chanson, is designed to introduce English speakers to French music and artists. In each episode, Spira shares background information about 5 to 6 artists, he translates the lyrics and then plays the song for listeners. Last year he featured Jean-Jacques Goldman in Episodes #2 and #28. This month, he will feature Carole Fredericks and the song ‘Respire’ in Episode #31. Bonjour Chanson is broadcast in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada on college radio station CJUM.com, Mondays at 3pm. In the US Bonjour Chanson can be heard on radio station KUT in Austin, TX (www.kut.org) as part of 'O’Dark' programming at midnight each Sunday. The full catalog of Bonjour Chanson episodes is available at any time on the web at Public Radio Exchange (www.PRX.com). Enjoy!
Nancy Gadbois, Chevalier dans L'Ordre des Palmes académiques
Nancy Gadbois was awarded the rank of Chevalier dans L'Ordre des Palmes académiques. We gathered to honor our friend at the MaFLA Conference in Sturbridge, MA. In attendance were Anne Miller, Attachée Culturelle, and Samantha André, Attachée Linguistique et Educative of the Boston French Consulate, Dr. Rebecca Fox of George Mason University, family, friends and students. L. to R.: Samantha André, Connie Fredericks-Malone, Anne Miller, Nancy Gadbois, and Becky Fox.
In Closing
I love visiting schools, meeting teachers and encouraging students. As you make plans for Black History Month Celebration (February), National French Week/ La Semaine Du Français (November 4 - 10), and International Education Week (November 15 -19) please keep me in mind. I have spectacular multimedia presentations about Carole Fredericks and the music trio, Fredericks Goldman Jones, that will enhance your celebration, promote French and inspire your students. Just send me an email, cfm@cdfmusiclegacy.com, or a note through our Contact Page and I will respond immediately.
Have a great Black History Month and Happy Valentine’s Day!
A bientôt,
Connie
