Register Early For Summer Fun At Berkshire Music School
PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Berkshire Music School has released its roster of summer workshops, master classes and events. New additions include song writing sessions with David Grover, the Berkshire’s first Jewish Music Festival with Paul Green and a “Summer Sampler” of private lessons. Many classes have limited space. Early registration is encouraged.To register call 413.442.1411, or email smoderski@berkshiremusicschool.org.Song Writing Workshop With David Grover: Ages 10 - 15 years. July 27 – July 31. 9:30 – 11:30 am. Fee: $100
New Faculty member David Grover will work with younger students interested in composing their own music or lyrics on their own instruments (or for other instruments). How about partnering with a lyric writer for your music or visa versa? David will help each student realize their song on paper, and in performance. The final hour of July 31 will include a public performance. Minimum enrollment: six.
Song Writing Workshop with David Grover: Adult Beginners. July 27 – July 31. 3 – 5 pm. Fee: $100
Writers of either music or lyrics only would be paired up with one another according to musical style, taste, and/or a good personality connection. All writers, solo or teams, would be asked to define goals and musical style (theater, pop, rock, country etc.) The final hour of July 31 will include a public performance. Minimum enrollment: six.
Bing’s String Fling: Ages 6 – 12. August 3 – 7. 9:15 am – 12:15 pm. Fee: $150
Young students will meet in groups to work on tone production, proper positions and posture, intonation and bowing. Alternating groups will concentrate on theory and sight singing. The morning will end working as a string orchestra, learning repertoire and ensemble skills. This week has proven to be an exceptional experience to move young string players into larger, orchestral opportunities. Instructors include Bing Liu, Norman Thibodeau, and Jennifer Laurin. Minimum enrollment: nine
Behind The Velvet Curtain: Opera Adventures With A Tanglewood Twist : Ages 7 – 13. July 20 – July 24. 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. Fee: $250 + $30 for materials
This year’s program revolves around the Tanglewood Music Center’s production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and includes a behind-the-scenes, closed rehearsal at Tanglewood. Learn about the composer, the music, and the libretto of this major opera. Learn about all the arts and artists involved in an opera production. Create your own miniature sets, opera characters, and costumes. Learn arias and work on stage movements from the opera.There will be opportunities to meet some opera singers and directors. Lunch break (please bring your own lunch & drinks. Refrigerator provided) will include physical activities related to acting and stage movement. Minimum enrollment: eight
Flute Choir. Sharon Powers, instructor: Open to flutists of all ages and levels. Mondays & Thursdays, July 13, 16, 20, , 23, 27, 30. 5:15 – 7:15 pm. Fee: $150
Flutists unite! Join the Flute Family Choir, including piccolo, c flute, alto & bass, and explore the ever-growing repertoire for flute ensembles. Minimum enrollment: six
Nature’s Music: Ages 6 months – 5 years. August 10 – 14. 10 – 11 am. Fee: $60
Tari Wheeler Roosa leads parent and child on an exploration of the natural world through music, movement, storytelling and instruments. Designed for families with young children and siblings.
Minimum enrollment: five
Cabaret Workshops. Sherri James Buxton, instructor. Bob Shepherd, pianist.
Cabaret For Adults. Friday & Saturday, July 17 & 18. 10 am -4 pm. (30 minute lunch break) Fee: $220
Find your inner voice! Singers of various levels of performance experience will learn about stage presence, phrasing, style and microphone technique. Individual and group instruction will be provided by teacher and professional singer Sherri James Buxton, and accompanist Bob Shepherd. This is a class of self-discovery and process. Please bring 3-4 songs to sing. Class limited to 6-8
Cabaret Master Class. Friday & Saturday, August 14 & 15. 10 am - 4 pm. (30 minute lunch break) Fee: $250
In depth study of interpretation and improvisation for singers with performance experience. Singers will work with Sherri James Buxton and arranger Bob Shepherd on their individual performances as they examine lyrics and specific moments and changes within the story in the process of making the song their own. They will explore jazz improvisation and work with a combo (piano and bass). Prerequisites-must pass a vocal audition or be a former member of “Cabaret to Go”. Bring 4-6 prepared pieces to sing. Please bring three notebook-punched copies of the music to the first class.
Class limited to 6 participants
Music 1.0: Learn The Basics With Professor Milt Fink: Adult Beginners. Tuesdays July 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18. 3:30 - 4:45 pm.
OR Thursdays, July 16, 23, 30; August 6, 13, 20. 10-11 am. Fee: $50. Adult beginners
Laugh & learn the basics of music through the use of the recorder. Taught by Milt Fink (aka The Crazy Professor) Fee includes materials. Recorders available for $10. Classes limited to 8.
New! Summer Sampler. July 6 - August 21. Fee: $80
For first time students at BMS: sign up for three 30-minute lessons on an instrument of your choice (or voice), OR, try out three different instruments, and we’ll waive the registration fee. Now is the time to pick up that instrument you’ve always wanted, or this is the perfect package for summer residents wanting to keep up their music skills while away from home.
Plus! Private lessons available at 30, 45 or 60 minute intervals. Call for schedules & fees: 413.442.1411.
Jewish Music Festival-The Berkshire’s First! Paul Green, Instructor.
Lectures. Wednesdays & Thursdays June 17, 18, 24, 25. 10 am – 11 am.
Klezmer, Classical, Jazz & Pop, plus Bernstein & Gershwin. $40 for four lectures (in advance); $12 per lecture (at the door). $50 includes a ticket to Faculty Concert (Saturday, June 20).
Klezmer Coachings. Fridays & Sundays June 19, 21, 26, 28. 10 am – 12 noon; 2 pm – 4 pm. Fee: $200.
Paul Green leads a series of Klezmer coachings by professionals in clarinet, violin and keyboard. This series is open to mid-level to advanced players, not necessarily experienced in Klezmer playing. Basic improvisation skills are helpful. Minimum enrollment: six.
Faculty Concert: Saturday, June 20, 7:30 pm. $15 admission fee.
Student Concert: Sunday, June 28, 3 pm. Open to the public. Donation at the door appreciated.
Paul Green: New BMS clarinet faculty member Paul Green is making his way to become a permanent residence in the Berkshires. The Music School is pleased to have him on board! Currently he is a member of the faculties of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton and Florida International University. He is founder and Director of Klezmer East, and is starting a Jewish Music Institute in Miami.
