Bill Lowe-Andy Jaffe Big Band at Williams College

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – The Bill Lowe-Andy Jaffe Repertory Big Band will perform on Friday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. in the MainStage in the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance on the Williams College campus. This free event is open to the public but tickets are required and will be available one hour before the concert.

Renowned music educator Andy Jaffe and co-leader Bill Lowe, noted bass trombone player and tubist, bring their fresh and energetic big band, comprised of many of the finest players from all over the Northeast, to Williams to perform entirely original repertoire, mainly composed and arranged by leader Andy Jaffe, who for years has been among the vanguard of writers pushing the art of arranging and composition for big band into new frontiers, within the context of the tradition.

In this endeavor he fully exploits the colors available on his palette, continuously mixing them to create new shades and moods that can caress ears or raise hackles. Featuring full trumpet, trombone, and reed sections, French hornist John Clark as well as a rhythm section including faculty member Freddie Bryant on guitar and vocalist Nik Mathis, this is a rare opportunity to hear what a professional ensemble can do when it is unleashed to play the kind of music these musicians clearly love.
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Teacher of the Month: Greta Noyes

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williamstown Elementary School first-grade teacher Greta Noyes feeds her students' natural curiosity and makes them excited to learn. 
 
It is her dedication to her students, caring heart, and welcoming atmosphere that has earned her the iBerkshires Teacher of the Month designation. 
 
"I just love what I do, and I know every day is going to be a good day … It is never a dull moment, and it's always exciting, and it's good to see the curiosity and the eagerness of our students and how they bring so much joy to the classroom," she said.
 
The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, features distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here
 
For more than two decades, Noyes has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds, from teaching kindergarten in North Carolina for 11 years through moving to Massachusetts. She has been working at Williamstown Elementary for the last 11 years. 
 
"I have a background in language and literacy. I love the moment that students realize that they are successful with a skill, in particular with reading," she said. 
 
Noyse infuses her background with other curriculum, including math, science, and social studies, to reach her pupils. 
 
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