History
The Ecole de Musique de Marmelade (Marmelade School of Music -MSM) first opened its doors in 2001 at the Claude J. Préval National School in Marmelade, Haiti, with four teachers and just thirty students.
The late Maestro Cristino Márquez Reyes, a music teacher from the Cuban Cooperation played a pivotal role in organizing the school in its early stages, before additional Cuban professionals joined. This initial development allowed for growing support until political instability halted foreign collaborations.
Despite nationwide challenges, in 2011, alumni took up the reins of the school and turned it around. Today, MSM boasts a community of over 500 students who enjoy quality music education free of charge. The school now also focuses on building a sustainable and holistic nurturing environment for its students.
Achievements
Creation of string and wind orchestras (3 levels each), and a 40-musician philharmonic orchestra
Yearly activities: School-year instruction, summer camp, end-of-year student and guardian showcase concert, New Year’s community concert & other celebrations, inter-institutional collaborations
Major impact on child & community development; international scholarships awarded to students
2017: Official recognition by the National Institute of Music of Haiti (INAMUH)
Widening support base – Key current partners: FONDDIM (co-founding partner), BLUME-Haiti, FOKAL, CIDIHCA, Chemins Artistiques, Mosaïque Interculturelle, JAM Ayiti
Challenges
The current difficulties that the country is experiencing have had a profound negative impact on the financial situation of the Marmelade School of Music. Basic needs are at stake, including instruments acquisition and maintenance, teachers’ salaries and training, the summer camp, and other yearly activities.
Now, more than ever, MSM requires stable financial support to ensure its ongoing success and the flourishing of a promising generation.
