Rienzi is an annual event at Poly Prep that celebrates language through poetry, songs and videos. This year, Middle School Rienzi will be held on February 25.
In Middle School, students have the opportunity to showcase the languages they have learned in or outside the classroom. Each year, the Language Department selects a different theme. Language faculty members contribute ideas and ultimately vote on the best one that best fits the year. This year, the poetry showcase’s theme is love.
Rienzi is “named after Ms. Kathy Rienzi, a former French teacher who taught at Poly for over 20 years,” according to the Poly Prep website. Before Rienzi became a celebration, it was a language competition, in which students from different languages competed for the best-remembered and recited poem. “We were only teaching French, Spanish and Latin when Rienzi was a poetry competition. Then, instead of a competition, it became a showcase,” said World Languages Faculty Maité Iracheta.
“The two finalists [themes] were borders and love. One can’t help thinking, when is love not a fitting theme to explore? But I believe that especially now, in this era of geopolitical thunder where the leader of the USA runs on greed and unkindness, our Love Rienzi will feel like an angel blowing seeds of dandelions,” said Iracheta.
Poly offers a range of languages for Middle School students to choose from, including French, Spanish, Latin and Mandarin. Rienzi also includes performances in languages other than the core languages taught.
“We are a reflection of the city that we’re in and the diversity of beliefs and heritage and languages that this city has. It’s terrific to hear languages that are spoken in other parts of the world, and then bring them here and have a forum on stage,” Iracheta said.
These languages appear onstage in multiple forms, “ranging from artistic performances to just someone standing up there and reciting a poem beautifully,” said World Languages Department Chair Elisabeth Mansfield.
“I’m really excited about Rienzi this year. There’s so much you can do with the theme of love, especially when it comes to the French language,” said World Languages Faculty Chris Tutolo. Middle School students will be introduced to a selection of poems or songs at the beginning of the second semester.
“Middle Schoolers are ridiculous, joyful people, and we’re trying to harness some of that,” said World Languages Faculty Alexandra Fisher. Although poems are still performed in Middle Schoolers at Rienzi, most have moved away from them, as teachers have noticed that songs are more fun and engaging for middle schoolers.
“A highlight for me was two years ago when the theme was home. In one of my Advanced French classes we wrote a song and performed it as a class on stage. That was one of the most inspiring years, being able to actually have students create a song and sing it,” said Tutolo.
Although Rienzi creates an inclusive environment for middle school students, many teachers recognize that reciting poems or singing in front of hundreds of students can be difficult. “For some, it’s their first time on stage in another language, so to be able to be eligible for participation in a staged recital in their first year is huge. It can also show someone they have major strength in their language and performance skills,” said Fisher.
Rienzi is a time of celebration and recognition. “I would tell a student who’s super shy or nervous to be on stage that I really do believe that people are there to support you, and there’s a lot of encouragement at this school that you’re going to receive. So lean into discomfort. There will be rewards,” said Tutolo.
