Summer Camps
In Haiti, summer camps are an extraordinary mix of social, civic and musical collaboration.
In 2023 BLUME Haiti supported summer camps at the following programs:
Ambassador’s Music Institute
Association of Music Schools of Nippes (five programs participating!)
Cadence Music School
CEMUCHCA Institute of Music and six annexes located throughout the North DepartmentCollége Marie AnneCommunity Music School of SantoDessaix-Baptiste Music SchoolSainte Cecile FoundationMarmelade Music SchoolAll told, 19 programs benefited from our support, impacting close to 2000 young musicians!
Haiti is in an extremely fragile state. At a time when warring gangs have taken over much of the capital, when kidnapping, rape and murder are daily occurrences, music can be seen not only as an act of resistance, but also as an instrument of hope. It is a huge inspiration to see, despite all difficulties, people coming together to make music, to create community, and to vigorously push back against the larger narrative about Haiti.
For many students, this is their first exposure to a world beyond their home music program. They discover the common ground and connections they have with people from across Haiti and all over the world, an experience that is wonderfully empowering. For many, summer camps are the only opportunity that students - and even some teachers - have to take lessons during the entire year, making camps crucial to their growth and musical development.
In a country where food insecurity is a serious issue for half the population, summer camps also provide participants with access to healthy meals, clean water and safe and sanitary living conditions, giving students the chance to learn and dream to their highest potential.
BLUME Haiti leverages the size and appeal of summer camps to sponsor a number of pedagogical seminars for Haitian faculty. In recent years these have included: Beginning String Pedagogy; Conducting for Children’s Choirs; String Instrument Repair; Jazz Composition and Arranging; Improvisation; Reed Making; and more.
With each passing year, Haitian teachers reach higher and higher levels, not only inspiring their students, but also the many international volunteers participating in the summer camp season.
“I play trumpet and I really made a lot of progress during camp. I learned a lot of things like how to practice, how to do dynamics, flexibility - - - and I received a lot of good advice. What made me the happiest was that I played in the Philharmonic Orchestra – this was the best experience that I could have had and I hope to do more because my dream is to become a good composer, and a good trumpet teacher so that I can help in the entire world but especially in Haiti.”
“I knew lots of things about music but I was never able to use these things. Practicing the violin I was able to play only in the 1st position but, today, I am able to reach 3rd position. I was not at ease with scales but now I feel really comfortable and I am also making progress in reading. I thank you for permitting me to attend the music camp, you treated me as if I were your child. For all of this I thank you with all my heart.”
Sponsor a student scholarship for $100 today!
This includes housing, meals, and transportation for two - three weeks at camp.