Summer Wrap
Fall is upon us and though I have returned to the States after almost two months in Haiti, the rhythms of the country continue to reverberate in my spirit.
Read on for an update on the vibrant musical activities that unfolded across Haiti this past summer. Despite the challenging circumstances in Port-au-Prince, music there and throughout the country has shown remarkable resilience and continues to thrive.
Final concert of the CEMUCHCA Annex Occide Jeanty Camp - Cap Haitian, 2023
BLUME Haiti’s direct support to 19 music camps, including five in the greater PAP area, made a significant impact, reaching over 1800 enthusiastic youngsters.
It was my privilege to teach at seven of these camps, where I played a role in fostering musical growth, providing guidance, and most importantly, both inspiring young musicians and being inspired by the joy and determination with which they wholeheartedly embraced the world of music.
Summer music camps by the numbers:
19 music camps supported by BLUME Haiti
over 1800 students participated in music camps across Haiti
students and teachers from eight of Haiti's ten provinces participated in camps we supported
36 music schools benefited either from direct support or from sending their students/teachers to another camp
Choir of the AMI summer music camp, Port-au-Prince, 2023
As I write, Haiti is in an extremely fragile state. Though when this will happen is uncertain, the UN has authorized a multinational security mission led by Kenya to go to the country to help stabilize the security situation.
During the ongoing turmoil and deteriorating situation in Port-au-Prince, music has emerged as a vital lifeline for individuals and communities, offering solace and resilience in the face of adversity. Indeed, music can be a powerful antidote to despair, helping people find strength and hope even amidst chaos.
In the greater Port-au-Prince area contributions from many helped to ensure that youngsters had access to music camps at the following programs:
AMI - Ambassador's Music Institute
Cadance
College Marie Anne
Fondation Sainte Cecile
Santo Community Music School
Young recorder players at the AMI summer camp, PAP, summer 2023
A sminling yong violinist at the Cadence Music Camp, PAP summer 2023
I am so grateful that these young people, both in the capital and throughout the country, had the opportunity to immerse themselves in music, offering them a break from the challenges they encounter in their daily lives.
Music allows them to discover a world where their talents can flourish and their spirits can soar.
A young guitarist at the Cadence Music School
The greater South of Haiti - four provinces in total - because of gang activity have been essentially cut off from the rest of the country for the past two years. BLUME Haiti supports a number of programs in the greater South including the Dessaix-Baptiste Music School in Jacmel.
We were delighted to see that this, despite being isolated, is going strong! With well over 1,000 students enrolled in one of 11 ensembles during the school year, there were about 550 participants in the annual mini and grand camps (for relative beginners and more experienced students respectively) this summer.
I was very disappointed not. to be able to teach there this past summer but hope to visit in the winter when I hold auditions for the 2024 Haitian Orchestra Institute.
Student recital at the Dessaix-Baptiste Music School - Jacmel, Haiti
Also in the Greater South, in the Nip Province, we encouraged a consortium of four music schools who joined forces for the second year in a row and shared resources to create an exceptional camp experience for all of the young musicians of the area.
We are happy to see this type of collaboration becoming more and more common for music schools across Haiti - bravo!
The final concert featuring all four music schools
In the North I taught in six programs, including the two-week long CEMUCHCA camp in Pillatre. This has become a national camp in that, thanks to contributions from many, we were able to offer over 100 scholarships to musicians from 29 different music schools across the country.
I was especially glad that we were able to bring a number of fine musicians from Port-au-Prince to the north to participate in several of the camps, offering them respite from the violence and danger of the capital.
John Karly Fils Menard conducing the mini orchestra at the final concert
In the Artibonite, I taught at another wonderful program. Founded by the late President René Préval, the Marmelade Music School has evolved into one of the most robust music programs in the country.
The various musical events of the past summer serve as a powerful testament to the passion and creativity of Haitian musicians, reaffirming the pivotal role that music holds in their lives and in the cultural tapestry of the country.
These experiences highlight the lasting significance of music education and its remarkable capacity to transform the lives of Haiti's youth.
Leading a rhythm class at La Victoire, summer 2023
Reflecting on the summer, I am acutely aware that it is the contributions of many that made these 19 music camps a resounding success, and I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude.
There is immense joy, pride, and satisfaction in witnessing the remarkable progress these young musicians have made.
Knowing the precarious state of the country seemed to fuel the enthusiasm of both teachers and older students, making them even more eager to immerse themselves in the work and joy of making music.
Band rehearsal at La Victoire, summer 2023
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, I saw camp participants able to use music as an instrument of hope, inspiring positive change and fostering a sense of resilience.
Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do to bring this light, to bring hope to musicians across Haiti.
Young people hold the key to the future - help us give them the support they need!
