Positive Vibrations — a non-profit private operating foundation focused on fostering community through developing and preserving arts, music, culture and heritage — just released a short documentary on their Haitian Youth Music Relief project. They partnered with Upbeat Academy; and Dr. Jean Montès, director of Orchestral Studies at Loyola University.

Positive Vibrations has a history of supporting youth development through music in New Orleans dating back to its first project in 2009 to restore the Lusher Charter School’s band room. They also collaborate with various New Orleans artists to help with a variety of charities such as Anders Osborne and his Send Me a Friend foundation. As co-sponsors of OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Awards, they constantly exemplify the special role music can play in bringing communities together to tackle their problems. This unique project in Haiti is no exception.

The project began in October 2019 when Upbeat Academy and Positive Vibrations started a recording and beat-making program at the St. Cecile School of Music in Port-au-Prince. Dr. Jean Montès said, “Haitians survive through depending on one another. If you have a piece of bread, you share it with others. Knowing the spirit of the St. Cecile School, I hope this program will not just be a one time experience but the start of something that could grow into its own.” This hope is not mis-founded as the video shows the positive impact music can have on any community.