Bonswa! Our third day in Haiti; the days are flying by, but each holds a multitude of new experiences and old memories. This morning we began playing in sectionals. Unlike last year, we are working with the younger campers right away. There are three beginner French horn players: Angelie, Alexander and Witchy Clawins. Angelie is the sweetest girl I know, and she is more than willing to accommodate my poor Creole. Alexander is a typical little boy; his attention span is not long but he is quick at learning new notes. Although he doesn't know how to read music well, he is beginning to grasp the concept as we work in more detail on the ensemble music. Witchy Clawins; I taught him as a beginner last year, but what a difference! Over the winter his tone, musicality and pitch awareness has heightened and he is becoming an accomplished player. During the winter Witchy and I communicated via Facebook chat to make sure that each of us were returning to camp the following summer. Our conversations usually went something like this: "Bonswa!" "Kouman ou ye?" "Au fom! Et ou?" "Bien!" "You will be at camp next summer?" "Yes of course! Will you?" "I think so, yes!"
Although we talked only a few times during the year I couldn't be happier to meet Witchy again. His progress is inspirational and it shows me how much can be accomplished in little time. Working with Angelie and Alexander is also a pleasure as they continue to advance during this short week we have left.

Na wè pita!
Teiga Martin