BAAMS to Host 4th Summer Jazz Band Camp from Aug. 15 to 19

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The hours for the camp are Noon to 4:30 p.m. daily. Image provided by BAAMS
NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  — The Berkshires' Academy for Advanced Musical Studies (BAAMS) is inviting all Berkshire County, Southern VT, and Eastern NY State music students ages 12-18 to its 4th Berkshires' Summer Jazz Band Day Camp, Aug 15-19, 2022, at Building 6, Heritage State Park, North Adams.
 
The hours for the camp are Noon to 4:30 p.m. daily. Students will study with BAAMS' faculty who are also members of the faculty of The Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, "The Saturday Night Live" Band, and more. 
 
"I'm excited to be a guest at this year’s Berkshires' Summer Jazz Band Day Camp," said Saxophones and woodwinds instructor Ron Blake shares. "Music (and Arts education in general) is such a vital part of students' educational and social development, and it’s always a privilege to share my experience and lifelong passion for this music with them," says Blake, a longtime member of the "Saturday Night Live" Band, and faculty member at the Juilliard School. 
 
BAAMS encourages and welcomes students of all playing levels and musical backgrounds to join. 
 
You do not need to have previous experience playing jazz. Teachers draw upon many styles of music to help students learn.
 
"We help make the connections between principles of music and how they are related: Jazz, Classical, Rock, Funk, R&B, Country, Metal — you name it, we break down the common basic musical elements and help students develop their own voices as improvisors and soloists as well as composers," says Founder and Executive director, Richard Boulger. "We recruited a top-tier faculty who are equally committed to helping each of our students have success. On top of the many benefits of the camp, we have a lot of fun!"
 
 
The camp is highlighted by a Friday Night "Gala" live performance that features the students and an original music composition collectively composed by the students.
 
Tuition for the camp week is priced affordably at $400 (thanks to donor support), and scholarships are awarded to qualifying families. No student will be denied music education because of financial hardship. BAAMS is a nonprofit corporation; donations are welcome to help provide affordable tuition rates.
 

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Northern Berkshire Celebrates Spirit of Caring Award Recipients

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

NBUW Executive Director Patti Messina recognizes two 'dynamic' women retiring this year: Janice Broderick and Christine MacBeth. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way on Thursday saluted members of the community who have stepped beyond their roles to help and support others. 
 
Among them was state Rep. John Barrett III, former longtime mayor of North Adams, who was recognized not only for his efforts on behalf of the city for so many years but a "softer side" not always apparent. 
 
The celebration was NBUW's sixth annual Spirit of Caring Awards, held at Norad Mill and attended by its member agencies, sponsors and community members. The room was packed at 3 West for the presentations of the Spirit of the Future Award to Officer Stephanie Mirante, the newly named Steve Green Spirit of Community Award to Wild Oats and the Al Nelson Spirit of Caring Award to Barrett. Also recognized was Adams Heating & Plumbing for campaign of the year. Barrett also provided a proclamation from the House to his fellow recipients. 
 
Executive Director Patti Messina first wanted to recognize two women who are retiring after years of serving the community: Janice Broderick of the Elizabeth Freeman Center and Christine Macbeth, president and CEO of the Brien Center. 
 
"They leave behind a legacy of dedication, commitment and hard work to this community," she said. "We salute you and thank you for your accomplishments."
 
Sharon DeMyer-Nemser and Ellen Sutherland, both members of the board of directors, presented Barrett, elected to the House in 2017, with the award. 
 
"Although John really needs no introduction, we would like to take a moment to review John's past and storied history in our community," said DeMyer-Nemser, ticking off accomplishments including fighting for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and convincing political leaders that arts and culture are vital components in building a strong creative economy in the Berkshires during his 26 years as mayor and representing North Berkshire on Beacon Hill. 
 
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