BMS Announces Talent and Merit Scholarship Auditions

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For the 2024-2025 academic year, Berkshire Music School (BMS) will offer increased need-based financial aid for private lessons, as well as talent- and merit-based scholarships to attract musicians in the region.
 
Students accepted into BMS' Talent & Merit Scholarship Program will benefit from financial assistance, up to 100 percent tuition. 
 
In the 2023-2024 academic year, Berkshire Music School awarded more than $28,000 in need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships to 32 students. 
 
Auditions will be held by appointment on Saturday, June 15 for a panel of Berkshire Music School faculty. Auditions are open to the entire community, and musicians do not have to be a current BMS student to be considered. BMS encourages people of all ages and diverse backgrounds to audition for these scholarships.
 
For the audition, instrumentalists and guitarists should be prepared to perform the following: major and minor scales in two or more octaves, as requested by the panel and two songs of your choice in contrasting styles. Vocalists should be prepared to sing two songs in contrasting styles. Instrumentalists should be prepared to perform without accompaniment; vocalists may perform to pre-recorded accompaniment that they provide. BMS will not be providing an accompanist.
 
Each audition will last 5 - 7 minutes. To schedule an audition, musicians should email Executive Director Luis Granda at lgranda@berkshiremusicschool.org and include their training and/or performance background as a musician. For those who cannot attend on June 15, contact Luis Granda at the above email or contact the office at 413-442-1411.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

BHS Named WWCMA WorkWell Massachusetts Awards Honorable Mention

 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) was named a 2025 WorkWell Massachusetts Awards program Honorable Mention recipient in the large group category for exemplary worksite health promotion by the Worksite Wellness Council of MA (WWCMA), powered by Healthiest Employers.

This award recognizes BHS's achievements in providing best-in-class programs and supporting employees through a culture of well-being, stated a press release.

"This statewide recognition of our Wellness at Work team is well deserved," said Darlene Rodowicz, BHS President & CEO. "These exceptional health professionals tailor wellness strategies, including assessments, high-risk focus, robust risk reduction, on-site/virtual options, and rigorous evaluation, serving many businesses in the region and our own BHS employees."

Berkshire Health Systems Wellness at Work program prioritizes health and quality of life. Beyond mere medical treatment, it addresses total costs—absences, disabilities, compensation, productivity, and organizational impact, continued a press release.

"Due to the collective efforts and remarkable dedication of the wellness community, the competition for this year's awards was exceptionally fierce," says Barb Petersen, WWCMA Board Director and Co-Chair of the Awards & Recognition Committee. "The innovative approaches and high standards set by organizations across Massachusetts made this year's selection process particularly challenging, underscoring the significant progress we're making in advancing workplace wellness."

WorkWell Massachusetts Awards is a corporate award program created by WWCMA, a not-for-profit member organization dedicated to the advancement of worksite wellness programs. WWCMA is partnering with Healthiest Employers, in recognizing people-first organizations who a proactive approach to employee health.

"This year's awards were especially exciting with a notable increase in first-time applicants and winners," says Archana Kansagra, WWCMA Board Director, Co-Chair of the Awards & Recognition Committee, and founder of the WorkWell MA Awards program. "It's inspiring to see so many new organizations stepping up and showcasing their commitment to workplace wellness. Their fresh perspectives and innovative programs have inspired meaningful change within their organizations and we're looking forward to giving them a platform to share their best practices."

WorkWell Massachusetts Awards is a corporate award program created by WWCMA, a not-for-profit member organization dedicated to the advancement of worksite wellness programs. WWCMA is partnering with Healthiest Employers, in recognizing people-first organizations who a proactive approach to employee health.

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