Berkshire Music School Announces Talent and Merit Scholarship Auditions

01:46PM / Thursday, May 14, 2026Print Story | Email Story

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.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

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

Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

View Full Story