Pittsfield Women's Barbershop Chorus Welcomes New Director

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Hills Chorus announced the appointment of Sunhwa Reiner as its new Music Director. 
 
Sunhwa Reiner brings a wealth of experience and fresh energy to the chorus. After 11 years of devoted service, former Directors Gail Wojtkowiak and Pat Feldman will be stepping back onto the risers and participating in the chorus as singers going forward.
 
Sunhwa Reiner is a seasoned music professional with a diverse background in choral direction, vocal and piano performance, and music education. Her experience includes producing and directing musicals, teaching K-12 music classes and private lessons, directing music and songwriting workshops, and collaborating with community groups. She is also a recipient of the "40 Under 40" Berkshire County Award, awarded in recognition for her music education and community engagement accomplishments.
 
"We are incredibly excited to have Sunhwa Reiner join us as our new Music Director," said Leslie Murray, president of the Berkshire Hills Chorus. "Her talent and enthusiasm are contagious, and we believe she will inspire our members to reach new heights on their musical journey."
 
The Berkshire Hills Chorus, a women's barbershop chorus based in Pittsfield, has a long-standing tradition of musical excellence. For over fifty years, the chorus has been engaging audiences with a cappella performances in the Berkshires and beyond.
 
In celebration of this new chapter, the Berkshire Hills Chorus extends an invitation to new members to join the group. 
 
Rehearsals are held weekly
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Berkshire Community College Names Presidential Finalists

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The state's first community college has narrowed down the field to replace retiring President Ellen Kennedy. 
 
Presidential Search Committee has recommended four finalists who will be participating in on-campus interviews and forums in the coming weeks. 
 
The finalists, "identified ... from a strong initial pool of applicants," according to a college statement, are Hara Charlier, president of Central Lakes College in Minnesota; Nicole Esposito, chief executive officer of Manchester Community College in New Hampshire; Karen Hynick, acting provost for Connecticut State Community College; and Albert Lewis Jr., chief of staff / executive vice president at Northwest State Community College in Ohio. 
 
The finalists were screened and evaluated using the "Presidential Profile" that was developed through conversations and listening sessions with members of the campus community and executive search firm Academic Search.
 
"From the outset, this search has reflected the very best of BCC — openness, collaboration, and deep engagement with our community," said Julia Bowen, chair of the BCC Board of Trustees, in a statement. "I have been incredibly impressed by the strength, experience, and passion of the candidate pool. These four finalists are exceptional leaders, and I am genuinely excited for our campus community to meet them and help us welcome the next president who will guide BCC into its next chapter."
 
Biographies: 
 

Albert Lewis Jr. 
Lewis holds a doctorate in education from Gwynedd Mercy University in Pennsylvania, a master's in industrial/organizational psychology from Grand Canyon University in Arizona, and a master's in education administration from the University of Akron in Ohiol. 
 
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