The CEMUCHCHA Camp is a wrap
Two weeks have flown by!
Close to 150 musicians from 30 music schools located in five of Haiti's ten provinces made their way to a suburb of Cap Haitian for CEMUCHCA's annual summer camp. Thanks to our donors, we were able to provide scholarship support to more than 100 aspiring musicians from around the country. Mèsi anpil!
A sectional rehearsal in the shade
I received a WhatsApp message from one of our partner programs making clear just how dangerous parts of the capital are. His area is under attach from various gangs - this is heartbreaking:
”Please don't forget us in your prayers. Since this morning (Wednesday, August 17) we have been invaded by bullets. All of the children are prisoners. No one can leave to go home. Many are starting to feel really uncomfortable. Everyone is lying on the ground. Pray for us.”
We are grateful to all who contributed to help ensure that camp participants had a glimpse of normalcy here on a beautiful, verdant campus, far from the quite real dangers confronting those living in the capital.
A trumpet sectional led by a fine young teacher and frequent BLUME Haiti scholarship recipient who now runs his own music program -
For everyone, but especially for those coming from PAP where gang violence is a daily occurrence and life can be very frightening, this has been a time of connection, of intense joy and renewal. Over the course of the two week camp, people begin to relax, to make huge progress on their instruments, to begin to hope again – it was a beautiful thing to behold!
Once again, our intrepid Advisory Council member, David Einhorn, made the trek to teach at the CEMUCHCA camp - beloved for his skills as a bass and jazz band teacher, I also appreciate his wicked sense of humor!
Here is an overview of the Camp Schedule
Breakfast
Music Theory/Jazz Theory
Sectionals
Rehearsals (Band, Chamber Orchestra, Mini Orchestra)
Lunch
Individual work/lessons/special classes/ Improv class/Jazz Band Rehearsal
Rehearsal (Band, String Orchestra, Mini Orchestra, Band)
Supper
Full Orchestra Rehearsal
Discussion (various people presenting on a variety of subjects)
This made for very full but also very rewarding days.
Pasta and a hard boiled egg - one of our favorite breakfasts!
A youngster waiting for her music theory class to start
Once again, we were lucky to be able to benefit from the generosity of serval teachers who offered to do virtual lessons. Given that people are still nervous about going to Haiti, having access to brilliant teachers online is so helpful. Technology can be awesome!
For the first time ever, we had a concerto competition at the camp. I was SO impressed by the level of the seven brilliant young musicians who played for us: a flutist, several violinists and a cellist.
The talent is here in spades, opportunity is what is lacking. Even without having regular teaching, these young musicians, and many more across the country, show that desire and drive can overcome so many limitations.
Two of the contestants enjoying a light moment in rehearsal - they both sound terrific!
The final concert took place on the Place des Armes in front of the Mayor's Office. It featured the Jazz Band, the Band, Chamber Orchestras and the Full Orchestra. But, first, we had to transport timpani, 7 basses, music stands and more!
Amazing what can be accomplished with a little determination and a lot of rope!
The sound crew had been in place since the morning, ready to set up but we were not aware of a celebration in the mayor’s office - paying tribute to one of HAiti’s great bands: Tropicana. We had to wait until that party was over before we could even begin to set the stage. People were very forgiving though and enjoyed the concert.
Up next, a quick trip to La Victoire with a team of 14 marvelous Haitian teachers, most of whom were BLUME Haiti scholarship recipients and/or my former students. I am SO proud of all that they have accomplished!
