Thanks for checking out my project. I hope the video has inspired you to learn a little more... 

The idea -

My goal is to create an album of songs with students from the Dessaix Baptiste Music School in Jacmel, Haiti.  I'm volunteering at the school this summer, and I think this is a great way to capture the energy of the school, and to share their story with folks back home.  The project has two main goals:

     1) Share ideas and learn from the Haitian students through a creative, collaborative process.  I realize how much I have to learn, and think this is a great way to put musical ideas into action.

     2) Create a piece of music that benefits the students of the Dessaix Music School.  Ultimately, I hope this creative process helps raise awareness and encourages other musicians and teachers to get involved.

About me -

My name is Alex Ballentine and I teach and compose music. I run a school in Austin, Texas called Eastside Music (www.eastsidemusic.com).  I earned my degree in music from the University of Texas, and have taught for the past ten years. 

As my teaching methods evolve, it's become increasingly important for me to encourage students to participate in the creative process.  At Eastside Music, we often write and record songs as part of our lessons.  With this in mind, I came up with the idea of creating a similar project for the students in Jacmel, Haiti.

Why I need you -

At this point, I'm going to Haiti.  I made a commitment to volunteer at the school, and raised enough money independent of Kickstarter to afford travel expenses.  I need you to give me that final push, which will allow me to create and record original music with the students in Jacmel.  

The money we raise will go towards portable recording equipment, studio access in Jacmel (I found a recording studio near the school!), and time to mix, master and complete the music back in Austin. 

The rewards I have selected will put money you give directly into the community of Jacmel, in the form of recording studio time, post cards, and artwork from local artists.

Your support means money directly into the hands of Haitian artists!

As musicians and teachers, we have the opportunity to transcend barriers, both real and perceived, and communicate as human beings, through the bond of music.  With your help, I'd like to put this belief into action.

Thank you,

Alex Ballentine