Pittsfield Women's Barbershop Chorus Welcomes New Director

12:25PM / Monday, September 30, 2024Print Story | Email Story

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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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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