PITTSFIELD -- New programs are being launched at Berkshire Music School to begin the new school year. All programs and classes take place on the Music School campus at 30 Wendell Avenue. All programs require a $30 registration fee.
On Monday, Sept. 24, the student Jazz Ensemble, led by Andy Wrba, will begin its 10-.week term, with each session running every Monday from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. Sessions include theory, ear training, solo improvisation, and ensemble playing. A public performance will be held after the final session. Tuition is $200. Guitar, drums, piano, and wind players are encouraged to apply.
Also on Monday, Sept. 24, Cabaret Workshops for Adults with Sherri James Buxton and Bob Shepherd begin their 10-week, 90 minute per session term, with one class running from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and the second from 7:45 to 9:15 p.m. Students are coached on phrasing, style, technique, stage presence and performance. Students learn how to choose appropriate music and keys.
Both levels will present public performances the last week of class. Students will be placed in either session by experience and/or vocal audition. Tuition is $300.
Music Mind Games begins on Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 5:15 to 6 p.m. and runs for 25 weeks. Led by Tari Wheeler Roosa, students learn music theory and rhythms in this joyful and creative method. Each student receives a Music Mind Game kit with games, puzzles, CDs and
Music Classes for Early Ages begin on Saturday, Sept. 29, run for 15 weeks, and are led by Tari Wheeler Roosa. All classes increase children’s awareness of rhythm and their ability to sing and move creatively to music. Parent attends all classes. Music for Toddlers is designed for ages 1-and-a-half to 2-plus years and runs Saturdays from 10 to 10:40 a.m. Tuition is $105. Music for Preschoolers for ages 3 to 4 years runs every Saturday from 10:45 to 11:25 a.m. Tuition is $105. Introduction to Suzuki, for ages 4 to 7 years, runs every Saturday from 9 am to 9:45 a.m. Tuition is $155.
New choirs for singers have been created by new BMS faculty member Bonnie McCubbin. Young Sprouts for ages 5-6, begins on Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 4:45 to 5:25 p.m. for 25 weeks; tuition is $175. Children will love learning songs in English, French, Italian, Spanish and German, and adding rhythm instruments and expressive movement. The class will provide a creative outlet for enhancing children’s listening, movement and vocalizing abilities while building cognitive and motor skills. There will be several performance opportunities within the community during the year.
Kindred Spirits begins on Wednesday, Sept. 26 and runs every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. for 25 weeks; tuition is $215. This choir will compose original songs and poetry relevant to their lives, and include instruments and dance. Basic music reading is an integrated part of the learning process in this ensemble, and there will be several performance opportunities within the community during the year.
Sweet Harmonies, designed for female singers of all ages, begins on Thursday, Sept. 27, and runs for 25 weeks from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuition is $250. This is a delightful multi-age female vocal ensemble including young girls, teens, moms and grandmothers. Members will strengthen their vocal technique and stage presence, and, of course, sing in harmony within a warm, fun community atmosphere. Music will include show tunes, folk and pop songs, and original compositions, and there will be several performances during the year.
The BMS Chamber Orchestra begins on Tuesday, Oct. 2 and runs for 10 weeks from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Conducted by Norman Thibodeau, community musicians are invited to join BMS students to perform expanded chamber repertoire.
Members of the Stockbridge Sinfonia who participate for free serve as section mentors. Students are encouraged to consult their teachers to determine their readiness for this ensemble. Open to ages 10 through adult.Tuition is $60 for BMS students; $100 for non BMS students.
Build a Band with guitarist Dave Brown begins on Saturday, Oct. 6 and runs from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. for 10 weeks. Tuition is $250. Learn the art of creating a band, writing and arranging tunes, and prepping for gigs. Open to ages 10 to 16 years.
Professionally coached ensembles will begin to meet weekly starting the week of Sept. 24. Public performances follow each term, which runs for either 10 weeks, at 90 minute sessions, or 15 weeks, at 60 minute sessions. Ensembles may include a flute choir, string quartets, and mixed groups. Tuition is $180.
The Berkshire Music School is offering discounts to families that have more than one child enrolled at BMS, discounts to students ages 55 or older, or a discount to students enrolling in a chamber ensemble or class if they are enrolled for a full year of private lessons. For more infor: 413-442-1411, berkshiremusicschool.org.
Font Resize
