From the Island to the Ensemble:
Engaging Students Through Haitian
& Caribbean Music
Dr. Canes Nicolas
Friends University
Opening Activity
Excerpt 1 from “Lakay” by
Christopher Ducasse
Excerpt 2 (Yanvalou)
Big Idea
Engagement starts with participation
- Get students engage early
- Make them move
Ex: Warm-up exercise or scale
Why This Works
 Rhythm-driven
 Movement-based
 Community-centered
Call & Response
Play → Echo
Layer sections
Body Percussion
Clap, snap, tap
Build pulse
Cultural Connection
Music = identity, history, community
Closing
Engagement isn’t something you ask for—it’s something you
design.
www.klasiklakay.com