May 27, 2005

Canadian Teacher Takes World by Storm

Canadian teacher and two-time Canadian Music Week Indie award-winner is taking the world by storm with his World Tour 2005.  Steven Langlois, stage name Étienne, has traveled from Vancouver to Halifax and soon will be traveling to Australia and New Zealand, bringing his music to thousands of children.

 Children arrive at the concerts wearing temporary tattoos and concert Tees. To see a group of children so pumped about this hip-hop/rap music, one wonders, “Do their parents approve of this?”  The answer is, “Of course”.  These kids are singing about…GRAMMAR.

Yes, grammar – verb conjunction, prefixes, suffixes, adjectives, vowels, alphabet, vocabulary… Kids are actually getting excited about learning and not even realizing that they are getting an education.  That is the magic behind Langlois’ music.

Langlois began developing music to use in his own classroom for the hard-to-reach intermediate students over a decade ago.  By using hip-hop, rock and rap, students are entertained while learning vital literacy and language skills in English, French and Spanish.

Étienne’s music has received high recognition by music industry professionals and parent groups.  In 2005, Etienne received a nomination from the Canadian Music Week (CMW) Indies Awards for Favourite Children’s Artist. In 2004, Étienne won in this category.  The previous year he won 2003 Children’s Album of the Year.  Our neighbours south of the border also gave his music the nod of approval by awarding him two of the American consumer group Parents’ Choice Award in 2002 for his “Rockumentaire” video and “C’est le temps” album.

Langlois puts on a very entertaining show and has been dubbed as the Eminem of children’s music.  The concerts are very loud and energetic. Students also get a chance to be the “stars” and dance prepared routines on stage with Étienne.  His performances have been praised as “interactive and motivating,” “a class act,” and the “ultimate educational experience.

Once Langlois returns to Canada this fall, he will be resuming his teaching position with the Greater Essex County District School Board in Windsor, Ontario.  However, he still has helping kids on his mind.

Langlois is hoping to promote his new English album this fall and at the same time raising awareness for children with special needs by doing benefit concerts for children charities. 

“I’ve been told by students, parents and teachers that lives have been changed through the music but now I want to take that one step further,” said Langlois.

“I hope to use my music to make a difference in the everyday lives of children with special needs.”

Langlois takes his inspiration to help children from a cousin’s son who has overcome great odds and is a joy and blessing to all who know him.

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