Too cool for school in Union Grove

By Dave Fidlin

Correspondent

They’re at it again – and this time, they’re kicking it old school.

Jordan Hein and Mitchell Brachmann, physical education and science teachers, respectively, at Union Grove High School, unveiled their third annual back-to-school video last week, just before the bells once again started sounding.

As with their prior efforts, their 2014 video is a spoof of a popular song. In “This School,” they borrow the beat and imagery in “Footloose,” the Kenny Loggins hit that dominated radio airwaves 30 years ago.

Hein and Brachmann are both 28, meaning the song that inspired “This School” predates them by two years.

The idea behind the polished videos, which feature Union Grove students and authentic scenes throughout the community, came after a spark of creativity and a desire to show students — within and outside the walls of Union Grove High School — how fun learning really can be.

“It’s really elevated everybody’s mood, coming into the school year,” said Hein, who runs a side business, J&K Hein Productions, with his wife, Katie. The Heins also have used their business to create videos for the high school’s homecoming festivities, football games and wrestling tournaments.

Brachmann was brought into the fold as he struck up a friendship with Hein. The two began teaching at Union Grove High School in 2009. Hein presented Brachmann with the idea of creating videos three years ago.

Hein and Brachmann’s prior efforts spoofed more contemporary hits. In 2012, their debut effort, “In My Class,” was a take-off of Jason Derulo’s 2009 hit, “In My head.”

Their 2013 video, “That’s What Makes School Beautiful” was a re-enactment of One Direction’s 2011 hit, “That’s What Makes You Beautiful.”

All of the videos are filled with goofy antics, but there is a serious element to the productions as well. Hein and Brachmann say they are passionate about their jobs and the respective subjects they teach. Their goal is to convey that enthusiasm to their students.

“They can realize a little hard work can really pay off,” Brachmann said of the students watching the videos.

While video sharing sites, such as You Tube, and evolving technology have given prospective videographers the ability to create and share their creations with ease, Hein takes painstaking efforts behind the music video spoofs.

He said filming of “This School” spanned four days and required editing about 10 hours worth of footage down to a 4-minute video.

As with their prior two efforts, Hein and Brachmann incorporated other Union Grove people into the newest video. But they also tailored the lyrics and images in such a way that it would resonate with students and faculty in any corner of the country.

The melding of the two is perhaps one reason “This School” has gained national attention. The video has received more than a million hits on You Tube, and the numbers are sure to skyrocket after Hein and Brachmann made an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Sept. 4.

“This School” features a smattering of Union Grove student dancers in all grade levels. There are also a few cameos, including an appearance by Principal Tom Hermann, who is seen in pads and a helmet during a scene about the Broncos.

Hein and Brachmann’s infant daughters, born around the same time, are also seen briefly in the video.