PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Music School (BMS) announced two new Faculty members: Jonathan Suters on guitar and percussion; and the return of Bing Liu on violin. 

 

"It is an exciting time for the Berkshire Music School," New Board President Christine Condaris said. "Executive Director Natalie Neubert has introduced innovative programs, moving us in new directions." 

 

BMS also welcomes Jim Wojtaszek to the School's staff as Operations Manager. In addition BMS has appointed new officers to its Board of Trustees: MCLA Professor, Christine Condaris as President; local historian, Jeffry Bradway as Vice President; voiceover actor and performing artist, Lisa M. Avery as Secretary; and Cindy Hashim as Treasurer. 

 

Headquartered in Pittsfield, the Berkshire Music School is a non-profit organization that, according to a press release, fosters the love and pursuit of music for all ages through music education activities, community collaborations, and performance opportunities.

 

"It is so satisfying to be associated with Natalie and our dynamic board as we pursue new goals and opportunities for Berkshire Music School," Vice President Jeffry Bradway said.

 

Long-time BMS Cabaret Workshop student Lisa Avery is now serving as Board Secretary. Treasurer Cindy Hashim has a unique relationship with BMS.

 

"The Berkshire Music School has long played an important role in my family," she said. "Thirty-five years ago my children took piano and drum lessons. Today my grandson takes bass lessons. I am proud to continue to serve BMS as a board member and it's Treasurer."

 

In addition, the Berkshire Music School announced the new Operations Manager position in September of this year, with Jim Wojtaszek hired to fill the new role for the school. Jim still teaches as part of the guitar faculty.

 

"Music changes lives, and I am honored to be part of that process," Wojtaszek said. 

 

In addition to these positions the Berkshire Music School announced the new Advisory Board comprised of three community members with specialized expertise on music in the Berkshires' community building: social justice facilitator and performer, Otha Day; medical manager and non-profit organizer, Lacy Florentino-Consolini; and cultural and educational manager, Bridget Rigas. The Advisory Board will help bring new perspective to keep the school engaged in the community.

 

Jonathan Suters joins the BMS team and Bing Liu returns to BMS as new faculty this fall. To schedule private lessons in guitar, percussion, violin, or another instrument please call the Berkshire Music School at 413-442-1411, or visit the website for online registrations at www.berkshiremusicschool.org.

 

About the new faculty members:

 

Bing Liu is a graduate of Boston Conservatory of Music. Bing began her musical career in China, winning prestigious violin competitions at the age of 14. She went to Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing China and Boston University. She performed with the first China Youth Symphony Orchestra Goodwill and Friendship Tour Europe with over 15 European stops in 1987, the first time in Chinese history, and second time 1988. She worked at Central Opera Theatre Symphony Orchestra for ten years. In addition to BMS, Bing teaches at Miss Halls School and Suzuki Music School of Troy, New York. She is co-founder of the Berkshire Trio and plays in the Berkshire Symphony.

 

Jonathan Suters was surrounded by music as a child, having several older siblings that were accomplished pianists/guitarists, a father that was a semi professional bassist, and access to a great record collection. At the age of 9, he began studying music: first on violin, and then piano, double bass, classical guitar, tuba, and trombone. His guitar teachers include Ed Flower (of Ithaca College) for 4 years, Richard Provost (Chair of guitar dept. at Hartt School of Music) for 2 years, and, most recently, Ben Verdery (Yale Guitar Masters program director) for continued study of technique and interpretation. Jon's primary instrument is classical guitar, but with a strong secondary focus on upright and electric bass. Jon has been able to stretch in virtually every musical direction: with both jazz and classical roots in his private studies, he has worked with many musicians across genres and disciplines. Artists he has performed with include James Taylor, Charles Neville, Dr. John, Paul Halley, Sonya Kitchell and many music industry giants including Ed Mann, Chad Wakerman, Horacio Hernandez, Larry Goldings, and Owen Young. Jon has taught at many schools and institutions in the region, including Berkshire Country Day School, Salisbury School, Indian Mountain School, Richmond School, Austen Riggs Center, Simons Rock College, and Flying Cloud Institute. Jon has also performed with Barrington Stage Co., Albany Pro Musica, Halifax Cathedral Choir, and Taft School Choir. He performed recently at the Kaufman Center Musical Storefronts Series with Dashon Burton, winner of the 2021 Grammy award for best classical solo vocal album. Jon lives in New Marlborough with his wife, 5 children, and a bunch of pets. When not playing a musical instrument, he can usually be found on a bike somewhere in south county Berkshires.