Sustainable Music Schools Through Instrument Repair
Despite immense challenges, BLUME Haiti remains committed to sustaining music schools across Haiti.
As of this writing, the FAA has mandated a 30-day suspension on all U.S. flights to Port-au-Prince. With the continuing gang violence and political instability, the situation in Haiti grows increasingly complex. However, our mission remains: to empower Haitians to strengthen their communities through the unifying and transformative power of music education.
Empowering Schools Through Instrument Repair Workshops
The instrument repair workshops we sponsor are key to building self-sufficiency within Haiti's music schools. These workshops reduce maintenance costs, extend the life of instruments, and create a culture of care and sustainability. Participants gain skills that not only support their schools but open opportunities for employment beyond the classroom.
Herold Jean Pierre is our Band Instrument Repair Technician. Also a fine luthier (string instrument repair), thanks to our collaboration with Music Fund, the Rotary Club of Naperville, and the support of many others, Herold has trained in Belgium and France and now, in addition to running his own shop, he is teaching instrument repair throughout Haiti.
Herold Jean Pierre, BLUME Haiti’s luthier, Band Instrument repair technician and master teacher!
We have also on staff Grafield Hylaris, aka Tchoupy. A master luthier, Tchoupy is also a fine violin teacher, conductor, sax player and band leader - a veritable pied piper of music in the north of Haiti! Starting in 2010, thanks to our long partnership with the UK branch of Luthiers Without Borders, Tchoupy began his training as a luthier and became a teacher in their workshops in Haiti in 2016. Thanks to Music Fund (Belgium) Tchoupy had the wonderful experience of spending several months in Cremona, Italy - the birthplace of violinmaking. As is the case with Herold, Tchoupy runs his own shop in Cap Haitian and teaches lutherie throughout Haiti.
Tchoupy with his apprentice, John, in the CEMUCHCA workshop in Cap Haitian
We have already had nearly 200 participants in both the string and band instrument repair workshops that we have held across the country. These events give participants and their home music schools the skills to keep instruments in good working condition, ensuring that students, teachers, and community members can continue to have access to instruments, learning and creating music with their peers across the country.
In addition, we strive to provide every school that has sent one or more participants to a workshop with a basic set of tools and supplies. A big shoutout to Ferrees Tools! They offer us 2021 pricing on their band instrument Emergency Repair Kit, often adding their own donations of materials and supplies - wow!
We are so pleased to announce that the International Service Committee of the Rotary Club of Naperville has provided funding for 10 Emergency Repair Kits. We are working to match this amount and, with your help, we can! If you would like to help us purchase more repair kits, please click here or text BHGive to 50155
We also work to provide basic tools and supplies for string players: horse hair for bows, glue, clamps, knives and more.
Participants in the repair workshops we organize, led by our skilled staff members, gain valuable expertise that benefits their home music schools and creates opportunities for additional income. By equipping individuals to repair instruments for their communities and home schools, this initiative strengthens the foundation for a thriving, resilient, and self-reliant music culture.
