BCC Announces the Return of the Chorale

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the return of the BCC Chorale, led by Professor of Music Ellen Shanahan. 
 
The Chorale had been discontinued a few years ago when the College consolidated its for-credit jazz and choral ensembles into a single group. 
 
Now, thanks to renewed interest from students and community members, Professor Shanahan is bringing the Chorale back in a new form — as a non-credit, volunteer group open to BCC students, alumni, staff, and members of the broader community. 
 
"I am resurrecting the BCC Chorale, which was a staple on campus for decades," said Shanahan. "I have since heard that new students coming to campus have been inquiring about a choral group with which to sing. I am planning to restart it as a volunteer group
that is open to students, alums, staff and members of the community — it will be non-credit and no fees." 
 
The Chorale will rehearse on Thursdays from 2–3 p.m. in room K111 on the BCC campus. The first rehearsal will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025. 
 
Participation is open to all, and no prior experience is required. For more information, please contact the BCC Music Department at eshanahan@berkshirecc.edu.
  

Tags: BCC,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Hancock Man Held on $250K in Pedestrian Hit&Run

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Hancock man accused in last week's dragging death of William Colbert, 69, is being held on $250,000 bail. 
 
William Gross, 65, had not-guilty pleas entered on his behalf on charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death and negligent motor vehicle homicide.
 
He was arraigned Wednesday morning in Central Berkshire District Court.
 
Police say Colbert was struck at the intersection Francis Street and Linden Street at about 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 and his body was found more than three miles away on West Housatonic Street. 
 
Investigators secured multiple video surveillance footage from local businesses and private residences that traced the route of the vehicle, a dark sedan. 
 
Gross's car matched the description they were able secure from video evidence. According to police, he reported leaving work in Pittsfield around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 and driving a route consistent to the one being investigated. The vehicle demonstrated damage consistent with one being involved in the hit and run.
 
He was brought in for questioning and then taken to Berkshire Medical Center for unrelated health concerns. 
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories