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.

Afternoon Arrival Estimated for Harris on Saturday

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to arrive in Pittsfield early Saturday afternoon, according to emerging information about the campaign event.

Gov. Maura Healey will greet her at Westfield-Barnes Airport around 12:30 p.m. The Pittsfield event is expected to start around 1:30 p.m.

"Please be advised that due to a special event occurring in the downtown area, we ask the public to follow all posted detours between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27," a press release from the city reads.

"Drivers should also expect delays downtown and should consider alternate routes. Parking restrictions will also be in place. Residents, visitors and event attendees should keep these temporary closures in mind when traveling."

Harris was scheduled for the sold-out event in downtown Pittsfield before being suddenly elevated to presidential candidate on Sunday. The original Biden-Harris fundraiser is now a Harris fundraiser but it was unclear if she would continue with her scheduled appearances.

Tickets sold out almost immediately, ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars.

"For security purposes," event details have not been disclosed such as the time and location.  It is assumed to occur at the Colonial Theatre based on a seating chart in the Eventbrite ticket link though, a representative from the theater last week denied knowledge of the event — then directed the caller to the Eventbrite link.

Josh Landes, WAMC's Berkshire bureau chief, has confirmed that he will be at the event and posted details to social media on Friday.

"We expect the program [at the Colonial Theatre] to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET and for the show to conclude at 2:40 p.m. ET," the post reads.

"The program will include remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Richie Neal, Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick and Heather Cox Richardson as well as performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax. Concessions will be available for purchase at the venue."

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