Since 2011, Sister Cities Essex Haiti has supported a vibrant music program in Deschapelles, providing instruments, sheet music, and opportunities for musical education. Over the years, Haitian and American musicians have come together through lessons, performances, and exchanges that celebrate music as a shared language.
In many Haitian towns, Fanfare Bands play an important role in community life, performing traditional music at celebrations, funerals, and local events. Deschapelles’ own Fanfare Band has been a cornerstone of our program. With the help of generous SCEH donors, early partnerships provided new instruments and training, inspiring the creation of a Beginner Band that continues to teach and nurture young musicians today.
Several students have gone on to advanced musical study. One of our most inspiring stories is that of Castillo St. Armand, who began in the Deschapelles Fanfare Band, advanced through summer music camps, and went on to perform with the Ste. Trinité Philharmonic in Port-au-Prince. After earning a degree in Laboratory Science, Castillo returned to Deschapelles to work at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer and to lead the SCEH Music Program before later continuing his career and musical pursuits in Montreal, Canada.
Today, the SCEH Music Program continues at Institution Mixte Louverture de Les Forges under the guidance of music teacher Jacqulyn Adelson, with support from school director Casimir Philo. Jacqulyn, originally from Petit Rivière (across the Artibonite River), now lives closer to Deschapelles and devotes more time to teaching and mentoring young musicians. Recently, his students performed at the Library, a joyful reminder that the music program remains in good hands and continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of Haitian musicians.
