Pretend that you are in 9th grade. Then fantasize about being on stage, sharing the piano bench with jazz legend Dave Brubeck, performing “Take the ‘A’ Train”. That dream came true for BMS student Sam Landes during the 5th annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival. Landes played piano with Brubeck during the Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble’s finale October 17 at the Colonial Theatre. He is the son of Brenda and Fred Landes, and a BMS student of Jean Stackhouse. (See video of Sam with Mr. Brubeck on BerkshireLinks.com.)
Jacqueline Doucette earned praise from Berkshire Eagle critic Richard Houdek for “demonstrated supreme poise” in her vocal numbers with Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble. She sang “How High the Moon” and “Summertime.” A BMS voice student of Jack Brown, the Pittsfield High School Junior is the daughter of Michelle and Paul Doucette.
BMS alumni joining the Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble for the festival included: Alfred Brewer, trombone; Will Demick, tenor sax; and Andrew Smith, percussion.
Another highlight of the festival involved a guitar masterclass with the noted Frank Vignola at the Berkshire Music School October 15. Fourteen enthusiasts of advanced to intermediate levels participated, along with an audience of observers. Hailed as one of the most accomplished, multi-dimensional guitarists “walking the planet today,” composer and improviser Vignola plays proficiently in every genre, from jazz to bluegrass. He has worked with top musicians worldwide, recording with Donald Fagen, jamming with David Grisman, and acting as Les Paul’s right-hand man.
BMS students play with Dave Brubeck
Jacqueline Doucette earned praise from Berkshire Eagle critic Richard Houdek for “demonstrated supreme poise” in her vocal numbers with Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble. She sang “How High the Moon” and “Summertime.” A BMS voice student of Jack Brown, the Pittsfield High School Junior is the daughter of Michelle and Paul Doucette.
BMS alumni joining the Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble for the festival included: Alfred Brewer, trombone; Will Demick, tenor sax; and Andrew Smith, percussion.
Another highlight of the festival involved a guitar masterclass with the noted Frank Vignola at the Berkshire Music School October 15. Fourteen enthusiasts of advanced to intermediate levels participated, along with an audience of observers. Hailed as one of the most accomplished, multi-dimensional guitarists “walking the planet today,” composer and improviser Vignola plays proficiently in every genre, from jazz to bluegrass. He has worked with top musicians worldwide, recording with Donald Fagen, jamming with David Grisman, and acting as Les Paul’s right-hand man.