NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshires' Academy of Advanced Musical Studies (BAAMS) is in the thick of its summer season with a summer concert series at Studio 9 and the upcoming Berkshires' Summer Jazz Band Day Camp.

 

"Having both Randy Brecker and Ada Rovatti working with BAAMS is yet another milestone for us, and we are thrilled to be able to work with more master musicians," said BAAMS founder and director Richard Boulger.

 

On Saturday, July 6, acclaimed trumpet player Randy Brecker performed a benefit concert for BAAMS with saxophone player Ada Rovatti at the Porches' Studio 9.

 

"BAAMS is a wonderful thing. I can't say enough good things about it," Brecker said. "They seem really well organized, and they are real into it. They are really into helping young musicians, and this area is so lucky to have that." 

 

The performance was part of BAAMS' Live at Studio 9 series where the BAAMS' faculty band play with a special guest. Featured musicians often hold clinics with students from the academy, located in Heritage State Park.

 

Boulger added that in the past "Saturday Night Live" Band saxophonist Alex Foster, percussionist Mino Cinelu, trombonist Steve Davis and vocalist Abena Koomson Davis, and many others have been featured by BAAMS at Studio 9.

 

Brecker said he was happy to be able to help BAAMS and added that it is important for young musicians to be able to meet and play with masters.

 

"It helps…make you want to keep doing what you're doing," he said. "That's what I do. I collect photos of my idols, and after I look at them for about an hour, I go down and practice." 

 

Boulger agreed and said it is critical for student musicians to be in the presence of legends.

 

"It introduces them to how master musicians think and how they approach playing music, what they have done and continue to do to achieve such a high level of musical mastery. It also connects the student to a legacy," Boulger said. "Once you have a chance to hear and even speak with and work with for example Randy Brecker or Ada Rovatti — or any of the BAAMS faculty — the student is forever linked to a larger musical lineage."

 

Brecker left young musicians with some simple advice: keep practicing. 

 

"Keep practicing," he said. "The secret is there is no secret." 

 

Brecker, a 7-time Grammy-winning trumpet player, played for nearly two hours, sharing stories about the inspiration behind each arrangement. BAAMS Academy students were invited to play.

 

The summer continues with the 6th Berkshires' Summer Jazz Band Day Camp that will take place Aug. 12 - 16.

 

"The camp is a huge opportunity for kids to learn from master musicians," Boulger said. "Knowing what and how to practice can really speed up a student's improvement time, musical growth and success. Kids also have a chance to make new friends, play and create music together and have fun."

 

Students will have the opportunity to learn from and play with the BAAMS faculty including drummer Tony Lewis, bassist Alex Blake, saxophonist and woodwinds artist, Ada Rovatti,  vocalist Jim Taft and Boulger who plays trumpet.

 

New members include guitarist Rodney Jones and pianist Dario Boente.

 

Register for the camp here and find information on the faculty and donation opportunities here.