It is great to be back in Cap Haitian!
I arrived in Cap Haitian just a few days ago to bustling activity in the CEMUCHCA music schools.
“Mini Camps” (for younger players) are in full swing with daily activities ranging from lessons and practice time to theory class and ensembles – it’s great to see all this taking place!
Tchoupy, who has benefited from a number of pedagogy seminars offered by BLUME Haiti, has turned into a master teacher, luthier, conductor, and band leader - we couldn’t be more proud of all he has accomplished!
The Occide Jeanty Annex of CEMUCHCA has taken over the beautiful courtyard of the old colonial prison where ISPAN (The National Heritage Preservation Institute) has their main office for the North of Haiti. There are fabulous old trees everywhere giving plenty of shade and, because we are close to the ocean, there is almost always a nice breeze.
2 beginning bassists under the trees
It makes for a beautiful workspace with young musicians gathered under most of the available trees to work in sections or to rehearse in the various ensembles.
A light moment in the jazz band rehearsal
At the same time, the original CEMUCHCA location is bursting at the seams with activity as well. Two kids to a piano and 5-6 keyboards in one room – cacophony is an understatement! But everyone is engaged and excited to be learning.
At the second piano a lesson is happening while, at the same time, two other people are practicing their own (different) pieces and , at the back wall, is a row of kids waiting their turn for a space at the piano. Remarkable focus and concentration!
In this way too small building, guitarists have a corner to themselves, string players are usually upstairs and wind players in a small courtyard. Sound isolation is not a thing but, amazingly, people have learned to block out extraneous noise and, despite the challenges, make good progress.
The “Grand Camp,” a residential camp for more experienced players, starts on July 30th., just a few days from now
At a time when life in the capital (Port-au-Prince) is greatly constrained by gang activity, thanks to the generosity of many we are grateful to be able to offer quite a few scholarships to musicians from across the country to participate in the CEMUCHCA camp.
Band rehearsal from the CEMUCHCA Grand Camp - July 2022
Here in the north, people will be in a lovely setting, able to focus on making music, making friends, and living what we would call a normal life – something that is increasingly difficult to come by in Haiti.
These music camps truly have the potential to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of youngsters who are, often, living in very precarious situations. Donations enable us to provide more scholarship support to young musicians from around the country.
The trombone section of the beginning jazz band - they love it!
Thanks to the generous contributions of 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.
This support is instrumental in empowering these young musicians, giving them hope and inspiration for a brighter future through the power of music.
Two of my cello students - they are SO happy to have a teacher and they are making great progess!
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or comment - I love hearing from people!
janet@blumehaiti.org
