Hello everyone! A big thank you to everyone who was able to make it out for the showing of Kenbe La - Hold On this past Sunday! What a fantastic way to learn more about Haiti and all the wonderful ways music is working in the lives of the people there. It was also great to have a conversation with Carolyn Armstrong, one of the film makers, who had some interesting insights on Haiti.
If you were not able to come and would like to learn more about Kenbe La - Hold On. Please visit http://www.belsonproductions.com/
The event this past Sunday was also the kick-off for my fundraising campaign. Thank you to all those who signed up to be one of my sponsors. There are still many weeks left to sponsor me! If you were not able come and would still like to help with my adventures to Haiti please contact me.
Another event is quickly approaching in August. Make sure to mark your calendars now for Sunday, August 12 at 7 p.m. for an exciting evening of music! I will be giving a farewell benefit concert before my year of service in Haiti. The concert will feature duets and ensemble pieces with many musicians that I have worked with throughout my time in Winchester. More details to come!
Bonjou zanmi! (Hello friends!)
First of all let's get caught up to speed! Preparing for a year of mission work has made life quite busy these past few months and I cannot tell you how excited I'm getting about serving at Holy Trinity School of Music in Port-au-Prince! As my time to leave for Haiti draws closer, preparation for this thrilling adventure becomes ever more important. I've been working on Creole, taking care of paperwork, and learning whatever I can about my future home!
As you know, fundraising is one of the vital parts of the preparation process. Each YASCer (the name given to participants of the Young Adult Service Corps) is expected to raise $10,000. And a big thank you is due to the Marie Cooper Trust Fund for a generous donation towards that fundraising goal. There are still opportunities to help towards my goal, one of which is an event this Sunday, June 17!
Through an article passed along by a friend, I stumbled across a documentary made in 2011 by students from Lawrence University. The documentary, Kenbe La - Hold On, explores the importance and impact of music in Haiti. Filming for this movie began in December of 2009, just weeks before the devastating earthquake that hit on January 12, 2010. The students were determined, more than ever, to capture story of music in this nation as it gave people something to hold on to and instilled hope.
On Sunday, June 17 at 6 p.m. a screening of this extraordinary documentary will be held in the Tilford Room of Christ Episcopal Church. Join us for a potluck dinner, the documentary, and a Q&A with one of the film makers via Skype. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Haiti, Holy Trinity School of Music, and the significance of music to Haiti's people. The screening is free of charge, but donations are gladly welcomed!
To learn more about Kenbe La - Hold On, visit http://www.belsonproductions.com/
For directions to Christ Episcopal Church, visit http://www.christchurchwinchester.org/index.html
