Since the earthquake in 2010 ravaged Haiti, music has played a larger role in Haitian culture. A seminar coming to campus will examine how music has helped in re-building Haiti – and what more music can do to assist the restoration of the country.
“Since the earthquake happened, music has served as therapy for a lot of people,” Professor of music Jonathan Kramer said.
This week, Price Music Center’s annual lecture series turns its attention to Haiti, and examines how music is helping heal the people after a devastating 2010 earthquake.
“This lecture is an exploration of Haitian music and also of music as a cultural force,” Kramer said.
“Rebuilding the House: Haiti, Music, & the 2010 Earthquake” will take place Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Talley ballroom. The seminar will discuss the roles music can play in sustaining a society during times of trauma.
This is the fifth year the Price Music Center has held a lecture series. According to Kramer, one of the biggest reasons behind the lectures is to raise awareness about global diversity. All of the lectures highlight topics from different parts of the world.
“It is meant to be an interesting and relevant music presentation with global perspective,” Kramer said.
Two experts on Haitian music are working with Kramer to present information to students.
Michael Largey, a professor at Michigan State University and a leading scholar on Haitian music, will be presenting during the seminar. Janet Anthony, a professor at Lawrence University who has been teaching music in Haiti for more than 20 years, will also be a lead presenter.
Kramer said he got the idea for this particular lecture when he heard a story on the radio about a blind music teacher in Haiti. Despite the earthquake, the teacher was doing everything in his power to keep his music school going.
“I just heard this story, and I wanted to know what it was that was so inspiring to people about music. Haiti is a stressed society, and I wanted to see how music programs and groups function in that environment,” Kramer said.
Heather Gundel, a sophomore in psychology who has played the clarinet for many years, said music can be very important as a healing tool. She said a close family friend in the United States has recovered with music therapy after not being able to walk due to a disease.
“Listening to music can help lift people’s spirits,” Gundel said. ”If people are interested in music, I think it can help them.”
Marcelo Alvarado, a sophomore in mechanical engineering who plays in the local band Strictly Specials, also said music can be helpful to people who are struggling. Marcelo said music has had a positive impact on his life and the lives of others.
“Music can definitely affect mood or attitude. It’s just if you give it your full attention is whether or not it will make a difference to you,” Alvarado said.
Kramer said it is imperative for students to be aware of global diversity if they want to be successful. With information being so readily available on the internet, every society is connected and should be conscious of one another.
“If students are planning on living in the real world, it is absolutely important. Every place is now connected to every other place,” Kramer said. “The more we understand about the world, the better off we are. We want to develop a deeper awareness of global issues. We’re committed to that at Price.”
