Update on the Fine Arts Program at UCNH

Almost sixty years ago, when Ivah and Harold Heneise offered the first theology classes at the Haitian Baptist Theological Seminary, they drew encouragement from their tiny class of three students. Today Laurie Casséus looks to that legacy for encouragement. Laurie hopes the modest cohort of four fine arts students will eventually form the core of a strong fine arts and leadership program.

Among the students are Yanique and Donald. Both teach music full time in Cap Haitian to put themselves through school. Yanique comes only in the mornings during the week. If they had scholarships they would be able to attend school full time. Wister is a student from Ouanaminthe who currently receives scholarship money from our program. He is able to go to school full time because the scholarship makes it possible. His family has nothing to spare for his tuition. Frenair is another student in this program. His special talent with organizational ability enables him to "make things happen". Last semester the students put on a play; Frenaire was instrumental in putting it together by drawing the backdrop scenery and acting as narrator.Laurie hopes to expand this degree in fine arts to include Christian leadership. She sees in the future well- trained musicians who could branch out into leadership roles to direct school choirs or bands or direct programs in churches as well as schools. She says, "We are beginning to get requests from churches, schools and pastors for well-trained musicians who can direct programs as well. My vision is to expand the degree to be called Christian Leadership in Fine Arts so the degree would include not just music, but Christian leaders committed to the Lord. This weighs on my heart because such a degree would be useful in many ministries other than music. When I started working on this idea I remembered Mom and Dad started with 3 students and look what happened! So if these 4 students graduate, who knows what will happen in the future? Last November, at the memorial service for Dad (Harold Heneise), the daughter of one of those original 3 seminary graduates was at the service! She is married to Mario Valcin. What a small wonderful world it is! This is just one of the surprise blessings and encouragements the Lord gives.

"In the meantime, we need more instruments, more CDs and DVDs of musical theater performances and symphony performances. We also need books about anything in music, art, drawing, theater, composers, music and Christian leadership, camp leadership and mime. We are also looking to get mirrors and a portable sound system. We have just held a short intensive workshop on conducting and we would like to continue offering these types of workshops. If you or anyone you know would be interested in volunteering for workshops like this, please contact us through Haiti Hope Fund."