The Wilkinson Terrace transformed into a fromagerie as students sampled French cheese and watched the French Choir perform.
Whether melted between bread to make a grilled cheese or sprinkled on top of gravy-smothered french fries in Canadian poutine, cheese has become a staple in many kitchens around the world. In France, cheese can be both an ingredient in a dish or, when it comes to cheese platters and fresh baguettes, the meal itself. On April 11, 2024, the French Club showcased this aspect of France’s culture by hosting a cheese night and performance from the French Choir.
Hoping to give students an array of flavors to enjoy, the French Club provided 11 types of cheese for students to sample. Coupling each cheese with a slice of French bread, club members filled their plates with samples ranging from brie to emmental (similar to swiss cheese). Particularly brave students tried a variety of cheeses known for their unique and pungent smell, such as a vibrant orange mimolette and a creamy cabricharme.
As students ate, the French Choir performed a handful of songs they had prepared throughout the semester. This chorus of 23 students met every Thursday to practice arrangements of French pieces. This year, those songs included an upbeat rendition of Les Champs-Elysées (the name of a well-known street in Paris) and the French version of Les Misérables’s “Do You Hear the People Sing?” Though open to all students, the French Choir mainly consists of French-speaking undergraduates looking for ways to improve their language pronunciation and understanding of French culture.
By giving students a taste of French culture, the French Club brought together a French community on BYU campus. Though many came for a night of entertainment, students left the event with a greater knowledge of how they can incorporate their cultural studies in everyday life—even by just eating cheese.
Join the French Club to get involved in their future events.