SHU Band Director Makes Musical Mission Trip To Haiti

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- ‌Keith Johnston, director of bands at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, recently joined music professors from across the United States and a half-dozen countries to teach music to some of Haiti’s most talented young musicians.

Keith Johnston, the director of bands at Sacred Heart University, recently traveled to Haiti to teach music.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Cassandra Huerta

08/21/2015 5:30 a.m.

Johnston traveled to Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, on a 10-day musical mission to teach at the Holy Trinity School of Music’s Summer Music Camp.

He first traveled to Haiti to teach in 2008. Invited by John Jost from Bradley University, director of the program, Johnston was struck by the talent, dedication and the willingness of the students to work hard in their pursuit of making great music.

“One of my first impressions of Haiti was on my very first night there, before camp even started. The boy choir had an impromptu concert in the darkened chapel on grounds of the campus. These kids were singing from the very depths of their soul, and the sound was transformative,” he added.

Johnston’s activities go beyond teaching.

“The kids can’t afford instruments, supplies or music. Even if they could, these things are simply not available in the country,” he said.

To help with that, Johnston is on the board of BLUME Haiti, a nonprofit organization based in Appleton, Wis., that works with Haitian and other international partners to develop leadership skills and other opportunities through music education and performance.

This summer, Johnston and fellow board members were able to provide hundreds of instruments to more than 20 different music programs across the country. BLUME Haiti also provides scholarships for deserving students to study at music programs all year long. In addition, they brought Haitian music teachers to the U.S. for intensive study at select universities.

“They not only leave the programs as better musicians, but as better teachers,” Johnston added.

"Haiti is a country that for many complex reasons is in great need. I can’t solve every problem there, but I can be the best music teacher possible and share my love of, and passion for, music-making with them. The return I get is far greater than anything I have to offer."

If you would like to help support Johnston’s work in Haiti, please visit www.BLUMEHaiti.org.

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