Success!

I know it’s been a while since I posted anything here – I’m in the process of trying to set up a website. But to catch up on everything that’s happened: In January, RestringHaiti, Inc. was officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization! Now, I am ready to file the application for 501c3 status. And to help pay for the application fee, I hosted a benefit concert. The concert featured performances by some very talented musicians – a brother-sister duo (violin and cello), a young string quartet, and my very own older brother – and I can honestly say that they all sounded fantastic, and I couldn’t have done it without them. I have a recording of the concert, which I will try to cut and edit a little bit before posting. But for now, here’s the program:

 

The money I collected at the concert will first be used to pay for the 501c3 application filing fee. After that, I’ll use it to pay for instrument repairs (I have two violins that are in desperate need of some repairs before they can be shipped), and then for shipping. 

I think that the concert was a huge success, and I have to thank everyone for coming (and of course for all the wonderful donations)! 

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Oboes And Bassoons, Anyone?

I have recently received an email form the director or Holy Trinity Music School, David Cesar. Right now, they have 10 bassoon students and 2 teachers, but only have 2 instruments. There are also 15 oboe students and 2 teachers, and they also only have 2 oboes. This means that all these students have to share instruments, which makes it pretty difficult to practice and have lessons. There are also still students playing string instruments who don’t have their own instrument. Can you imagine having to share your instrument with 4 or 5 other students, not being able to play anytime you want? So, I am looking for anyone who might have any instrument in their homes that isn’t being played, or just knows of somewhere you could get an instrument to donate. Any instrument helps – violins, violas, oboes, bassoons, cellos, clarinets. If you have an instrument to donate, please let me know at RestringHaiti@gmail.com. One last thing: Did you know that it isn’t good for an instrument not to be played regularly? If you have an old oboe or viola in your basement, and you know you’re never going to play it again, why not give it to someone who will be so happy to have the opportunity to play it every day?

 

Shipment received!

Today, I got an email from David Cesar, the director of Holy Trinity Music School, that said that they have received the donations! Here’s the email:

Hello Allan & Lizzy,

We are at the middle of the “Woodwind festival”, the concert is in 2 hours.

I would like to announce you, we are received the shipment. By tomorrow I’ll send you a inventory.

Great thank you to Lizzy for her commitment and passion.

David

So, thank you to everyone who donated. I couldn’t have done this without all your wonderful support, and I’m sure the students in Haiti appreciate all you’ve done!

 

Violists in Haiti

After many technical difficulties, I have finally been able to post a few videos of the Viola Ensemble at HTMS while we were there! Enjoy!

 

First shipment!

Here are a few pictures of the first shipment I will be sending out tomorrow:

Thanks to everyone who helped the students by sending an instrument, supplies, or money. As soon as I hear from HTMS that they have received the donations, I will get some pictures of the students and post them here. So, keep checking back here if you want to see those. I do hope to continue this project, so if you have more to donate, please send it me. Thanks!

 

2 Years Later…

Two years ago today, a terrible earthquake hit Haiti. About 300,000 people were killed, and many more wounded. Buildings were destroyed, and families torn apart. Today, people are celebrating, but also remembering friends and family who didn’t survive. Even though there is still a lot of work to be done in Haiti, people are trying to get their lives back to normal. Many people are even moving from the tents into their old homes. And, according to an article from NPR (http://www.npr.org/2012/01/12/145083391/haiti-struggles-to-recover-from-2010-earthquake), President Michel Martelly is “talking about jobs. He’s talking about economic development. He’s talking about education.” So, yes, Haiti is rebuilding. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a lot we can do to help the people of Haiti.

 

Welcome!

First of all, thanks for visiting my blog about Holy Trinity Music School in Port-au-Prince, Haiti! The idea of this blog is to try and collect as many musical supplies (strings, shoulder rests, rosin, even instruments) for this incredible school. Did you know that many musicians here in the US just throw away their strings after they’ve been used for a while? Well, what they should be doing with their strings is donating them. Students at HTMS are desperately in need of items such as strings, and they’d be happy to have our used strings. So, I’m collecting items like strings to send to these students who have a great passion for music, but have to deal with very limited resources. Many students have to share instruments that are often not the right size for them, don’t have shoulder rests, or are missing a string. If you are interested in learning more about my project, please explore my blog and help these students continue doing what they love to do: play music!