Berkshire Music School Announces Talent and Merit Scholarship Auditions

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Music School announce the upcoming Talent and Merit Scholarship Auditions for aspiring musicians.

These auditions are scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Taft Recital Hall at Berkshire Music School, located at 30 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Open to talented instrumentalists, guitarists, electric bassists, and vocalists, the scholarship auditions provide an excellent opportunity for musicians to showcase their skills and potentially receive merit-based financial assistance for their music education.

Audition Details:

  • Instrumentalists, Guitarists, and Electric Bassists are required to come prepared with:

    • Major and minor scales in two octaves

    • Two songs of their choice in contrasting styles

  • Vocalists are asked to prepare:

    • Two songs of their choice in contrasting styles
      Note: Berkshire Music School will not provide an accompanist, so vocalists are encouraged to bring pre-recorded accompaniment if needed.

These auditions not only provide a platform for showcasing musical talent but also offer financial support for students committed to furthering their musical education. The Talent and Merit Scholarship Auditions are open to musicians of all skill levels.

To Register for the Auditions:

Visit berkshiremusicschool.org/scholarships to register.

For additional information or questions, contact Berkshire Music School at 413.442.1411 or email Tristan Manzolini at tmanzolini@berkshiremusicschool.org.

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

Taconic High Names Top Students of the Class of 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High School Principal Matthew Bishop has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2026. 
 
They will speak during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, at 4 p.m at Tanglewood in Lenox. 
 
Gavin O'Donnell, son of Kevin and Colleen O'Donnell of Pittsfield, has been named valedictorian with a grade average of 103. Hunter Bentz, son of Heidi Bentz of Pittsfield, has been named salutatorian with a grade average of 102.4.
 
Throughout his high school career, O'Donnell has exemplified the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence that define the Taconic community. He achieved high honors all four years and made significant contributions to both the school and the wider community. He was an active member of the Link Crew, Green and Gold, and Class Council, just to name a few of his activities. 
 
A dedicated athlete, O'Donnell played soccer and baseball all four years and was named captain of the varsity soccer and baseball teams both junior and senior years. His commitment to service extended beyond athletics, as he volunteered with Unified Games and was a math tutor at Taconic. He has also been an active part of Pittsfield Soccer Club, where he has helped
referee youth soccer games and assisted in getting the fields ready for game days.
 
He has earned several awards, including being a member of the National Honor Society,  the John and Abigail Adams Award, and being an AP Scholar and an AP Capstone Graduate. 
 
O'Donnell plans to pursue a degree in finance at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he will continue to play baseball and hopes to excel as a student. 
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