WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.— The Berkshires' Academy for Advanced Musical Studies (BAAMS) Welcomed four new faculty members.

 

The growing nonprofit music school has offered both online and in-person music lessons for Berkshire youth. 

 

Dario Boente: Track Production 

Latin Grammy Nominee Argentinian born pianist and composer Dario Boente grew up in Argentina and Spain, immersed in the culture of tango and Jazz. He pursued his formal studies at Berklee School of Music (Boston), the Guildhall School of Music (London) and the New School Jazz and Contemporary Music Program (New York).

 

Dario has released 10 albums and compilations as a leader, featuring well-known Jazz musicians. He has also played, composed, and recorded with multi-Grammy winning musicians. 

 

Dario has performed in more than 20 countries worldwide, and his compositions have been included in over two dozen albums and compilations. 

 

Jenny Douglas: Vocals 

Internationally-acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist Jenny Douglas has toured and recorded with some of the world's all-time musical artists and musical acts, worldwide.

 

Born in Chicago, Jenny was later raised in Lexington, Ky. and went on to study theatre in college at Morehead University and Wright State University. Jenny has toured and recorded with Pink, Toto, Cher, Mick Jagger, Janet Jackson, Chaka Khan, Rob Thomas, John Cougar Mellencamp, Patty Austin, and many more.

 

Jenny has taught classes and seminars at USC, the School of Rock, and has mentored many students in several New York City schools.

 

Jenny's singing is featured on multiple music labels and she has performed live on all the major networks. She has also hosted various nationally televised awards shows

 

Joshua Paul Thompson: Songwriting & Producing

Joshua Paul Thompson, to date, has over 33 million recordings sold, 79 albums, and over 100 songs released.   

 

A godson of renaissance man, Paul Robeson, by 16 years of age, he led his own group to perform at the World Youth Festival in Germany. As a Rutgers' University college student, he studied with and was mentored by the world-renowned "Jazz Professors."

 

Josh went on to win an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and soon started a small production company with friend and mentor, producer Gene Lennon.

 

Joshua has worked with a long list of popular and award winning artists including Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, and Alicia Keys.

 

He has multiple Awards for Platinum and Gold albums, Gold singles, as well as contributed his work to numerous Grammy awards-winning recording projects. Joshua is also the recipient of ASCAP's "Top 10" Award, multiple Grammy participation awards and has been honored by ASCAP as one of New York's 50 Best Writers. 

 

Tony Lewis: Drums & Percussion

Tony Lewis grew up in the Bronx. Tony's early influences being around family and friends would prove to be a launching pad that led him to attend New York's LaGuardia High School of the Arts. 

 

While a student at LaGuardia High School of the Arts Jazz program, under the directorship of Justin DiCioccio, Tony auditioned for and won a spot with The McDonald's Jazz Band where at the age of 16, Tony was featured and performed on "The Merv Griffin Show" with Dizzy Gillespie. 

 

Shortly after attending New Jersey City University, Tony began his professional career as a drummer, recording artist, producer, and educator. Tony has toured, performed, and recorded with Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Sting, Little Richard, Sam & Dave, Cindy Lauper, The Temptations, Craig Harris, and more.

 

For full bios and more information on BAAMS click here