Music Camp Student Profile: Guillaume Vertrus

Guillaume Vertus grew up in the small village of Borgnes, Haiti. He first attended Music Camp in 1998, where he realized how much joy music brought to his life. Guillaume began looking for music where ever he could find it. He was blessed to attend a Christian secondary school in Port-au-Prince called Maranatha, where he had the opportunity to study music theory with teachers who had been previously trained at the North Haiti Music Camp. They taught him solfege (sight-reading).

Each year Guillaume is able to attend music camp, he feels greatly blessed. “There’s a great impact of this music camp in my life. Every year that I have the opportunity to attend this camp, I praise the Lord because I find joy in the music camp. When I hear a classical or beautiful song or when I hear singing, I feel better. It is for this reason that I save throughout the year so that I can go to this music camp when the time comes – this is an occasion that I don’t want to miss. Every camp, I thank the Lord that I am here to possibly find joy with other people, to share the love of God.”

When asked if he learned anything at music camp, Guillaume replied “Oh yes! I learned much about the Bible and music theory. I enjoyed learning how to manage money because that is not something that is taught very much in Haiti. I had many opportunities to learn new things that I had never seen or known about. “

Guillaume faced great challenges to be present at this year’s camp. It took much sacrifice. He had just recently lost his job, but was determined to make it to camp. He was an inspiration to all.

I know there are many people in Haiti who wanted to be here but couldn’t because of money. I’m going to pray that God will provide for us and if I can help one or two people to be here next year, I will do it with pleasure because this is a good thing, a good moment. I appreciate the teachers and I appreciate their willingness to come to Haiti. I thank you for taking the time to do this for us. I hope to see you next year. I pray to God that He will give you strength and health to be with us next year. God bless you.