Janet's Blog
•
Janet's Blog •
Two stunning summer concerts!
The newly formed Ensemble Ludovic Lamothe, named after one of Haiti's most renowned composers, made its mark with two significant performances at the close of the summer. The first was for an esteemed audience that included the Haitian Prime Minister, a large portion of the diplomatic corps, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Culture, and Education. The second was at the inaugural ceremony for the forthcoming UNESCO-supported Haitian Museum of the Slave Route: Resistance, Liberty, Heritage.
An out-of-this world musical journey!
Get ready for an out-of-this-world musical journey! Violinist and Polaris Dawn mission specialist, astronaut Sarah Gillis, teamed up with talented musicians from Haiti and five other countries to create a breathtaking musical performance that spans both the Earth and the stars. This extraordinary collaboration brings together diverse cultures and sounds, proving that music truly knows no boundaries—even in space!
Ancient Prison Comes Alive: Guest Blog Post by David Einhorn!
In the face of adversity, music education continues to be a powerful force for change in Haiti. We're honored to share a guest blog post from David Einhorn, a valued member of BLUME Haiti's Advisory Council and a dedicated long-term volunteer music teacher in Haiti who showcases how our support of music education in Haiti comes to life through impactful programs like the CEMUCHCA Music Camp.
David's account takes us to the heart of the CEMUCHCA Music Camp, a remarkable event that brought together some 300 young musicians from across Haiti. For these talented youth, many of whom had endured a year marked by lockdowns, shortages, and violence, the camp offered more than just musical instruction—it provided a sanctuary of hope and creativity.
Exciting news!
We are delighted to announce that BLUME Haiti has received the highest rating possible from GuideStar/Candid! Highlighting our commitment to transparency, accountability, and programmatic impact, this serves as a testament to our dedication to working with our Haitian colleagues across Haiti to create lasting positive change.
Renovation of the Jacques Alexis Cultural Center
The Jacques Alexis Cultural Center in Cap Haitian is already in use by CEMUCHCA - huge thanks to Barbara’s Fund for their support of the renovations!
News of Note!
A big welcome to new board chair Scott Harrison and a huge thank you to outgoing chair, Ricardo Lesperance. BLUME Haiti remains in good hands!
The Music Will Play Again in Haiti
Despite the huge challenges faced by Haitians, especially in the capital of Port-au-Prince, music lessons continue - hats off to these dedicated teachers and families!
400 donated instruments have arrived in Haiti - WOW!
Donated instruments have significantly enriched the resources and capabilities of music schools across Haiti and have had a transformative impact on music education, uplifting teachers and students throughout the country.
Summer Wrap
In times of darkness, music, culture and the arts can bring light, unity, and a sense of hope that fuels the drive for a better future.
Throughout the summer, music camp participants in Haiti were able to use music as an instrument of hope, inspiring positive change and fostering a sense of resilience.
The Marmelade Music School summer camp was a big success!
In times of darkness, music, culture and the arts can bring light, unity, and a sense of hope that fuels the drive for a better future.
The Marmelade Music School summer camp, the last of the season in Haiti, is a shining testament to this transformative power.
Music camps throughout the North Province - such wonderful things being accomplished!
Music education is thriving throughout Haiti and plays a significant role in nurturing talent, fostering unity, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the country.
The CEMUCHCHA Camp is a wrap
The CEMUCHCA camp is a wrap! A huge thanks to all who helped us provide scholarships to more than 100 participants - mèsi anpil!
It is great to be back in Cap Haitian!
Music camps truly have the potential to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of youngsters in Haiti who are, often, living in very precarious situations.
Thanks to generous contributions from many, musicians from across Haiti will be able to find respite from the challenges of the country to immerse themselves in the transformative world of music camp.
Fiddles, Cellos and Basses - oh my!
Thank you to all those individuals and business that have donated instruments for music programs across Haiti - Mèsi anpil!
Summer Music!
In Haiti, summer camps are an extraordinary mix of social, civic, and musical collaboration, bringing together young musicians from widely diverse backgrounds who work, live, and play together. As one of our scholarship students put it several years ago, “music makes us human.”
The BLUME Haiti Band Instrument Repair Seminars are Back!
Learning the skill of band instrument repair can provide hope for "a better future" for people living in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Music as an Act of Resistance, an Instrument of Hope
A Celebration of Haitian Arts: From Painting to Music featuring the Haitian Orchestra Institute, 2023