A Film by Bel Son
Productions
(www.belsonproductions.com)
with
Special Guest Haitian musician Fabienne Fanord
Thursday, March 1 at 5:30
pm
McVitty
Auditorium in Sprawls Hall
Sponsored
by the Latin Studies Minor Program & IUP String Project
Reception to
Follow Program
On Thursday, March 1 at 5:30 pm in McVitty Auditorium (in Sprawls Hall) a
presentation of the recently released film, Kenbe La – Hold On, will explore the
positive impact of arts education programs in Haiti before and after the 2010
earthquake. The film will be followed by a question and answer session
featuring Haitian cellist and music educator Fabienne Fanord and IUP professor
Dr. Linda Jennings who has worked with music programs in Haiti. The program
will also feature the IUP Cello Choir and Ms. Fanord performing Haitian music.
This event is sponsored by the IUP Latin American Studies Minor Program and the
IUP String Project.
Haiti is often portrayed as a country full of poor
people waiting for help. Kenbe La – Hold On follows Haitian leaders who believe
in the importance of arts education and outlets for creative expression. Kenbe
La chronicles the work of musicians and teachers of the Holy Trinity Music
School in Port-au-Prince and the Dessaix Baptiste Music School in Jacmel. Holy
Trinity Music School, the center of musical life in Haiti, was about to
celebrate its 50th Anniversary when the January 12, 2010 earthquake left it in
ruins. The students’ and teachers’ commitment to music inspires and gives
weight to the importance of culture and the arts. Their experiences illustrate
the ways in which music education builds strong character and supportive
communities to help combat the intense needs that exit throughout the country.
Their stories reveal music’s ability to heal and unite even amidst the most
challenging circumstances, and confirm the idea that development means more than
economic growth. Though many instruments and lives were lost, the musicians
play on, brining joy and hope to their communities. (For more information on
Kenbe La see www.belsonproductions.com.)
Originally from Port-au-Prince,
Ms. Fanord received her musical training at the Holy Trinity Music School. She
later became a cello teacher at this school as well as brought music education
to other communities including the Dessaix Baptiste Music School. In 2008, Ms.
Fanord visited IUP at the invitation of Dr. Linda Jennings to pursue her
professional development. A survivor of the 2010 earthquake, she returned to
IUP in February 2010 as an IUP Scholar to pursue further studies. Ms. Fanord
currently studies at Jackson State University in Mississippi. Dr. Jennings has
worked with music students at the Dessaix Baptiste Music School as a volunteer
since 2006 when she first met Ms. Fanord.
Kenbe La – Hold On, a film by
Bel Son Productions, was the Official Selection at the Seattle True Independent
Film Festival and Weyauwega International Festival in 2010. The documentary,
filmed and produced by Lawrence University undergraduate music students Carolyn
Armstrong and Stephen Anunson, shares the powerful story they became a part of
as volunteers teaching at summer music camps in Haiti.
Attendance
vouchers will be available for IUP students. IUP music students may receive
recital credit for this event. Attached is a flyer to distribute to classes.
This event is free and open to the IUP community and the public.
Donations to support music programs in Haiti will be accepted at the door. A
reception will follow the event. For more information contact Linda Jennings at
ljenning@iup.edu.