Students are coached on phrasing, style, technique, stage presence and performance. They learn how to choose appropriate music and keys. Both levels will present a cabaret the last week of class.

Level I/II
Made up of adults with varying degrees of experience and ability (90 minute sessions). Designed for new students.
Mondays 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Limit 10
Fee: $300
10 Weeks starting September 26, 2011 – 10 weeks; Second term starts February 27, 2012

Level III
Prerequisites are the completion of Level I/II and the passing of a vocal audition (105 minute sessions). Performance opportunities available.
Mondays 7:45-9:30 pm. Limit 8:
Fee: $350
10 Weeks starting September 26, 2011 – 10 weeks; Second term starts February 27, 2012

Sherri James Buxton first appeared professional at the age of seventeen as The Girl in an off Broadway production of The Fantastiks. She has performed on Broadway and in summer stock at The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and Kansas City Starlight. Sherri has appeared in numerous nightclubs and cabarets including Dangerfield’s and Playstreet in New York City.

As a jazz singer, Sherri took part in the International workshop, “Jazz in July”, where she performed with Sheila Jordan and Billy Taylor. She has also appeared at the Pittsfield Jazz Festival and her jazz group, the Sherri James Buxton Trio, was the main attraction in the Cranwell Resort “Music Room” supper club for several years

In the Berkshires, Sherri has performed at several local venues including The Colonial Theatre, Asters, Cranwell Resort and Castle Street Café. She is on the voice faculty at the Berkshire Music School where she teaches the very successful Adult Cabaret Workshops, and has performed with her Cabaret-To-Go group. She is also an on the Colonial Theatre Education Committee. Cabaret-To-Go consists of the advanced Adult Cabaret Workshop members. Cabaret-To-Go has provided entertainment at several local venues including The Colonial Theatre, Ventfort Hall, Arrowhead, The Norman Rockwell Museum, Pittsfield’s Third Thursdays and The Clark, as well as on WAMC radio. Cabaret-To-Go is approaching its eighth year.

Sherri is a music specialist for the Central Berkshire Regional School District and is on the Colonial Theatre Education Committee. Her article, “Look What These Kids Can Do: Teaching Music to Children with Autism” was published in the summer edition of “Massachusetts Music News”.

Bob Shepherd has had a lifetime of experience in solo, small jazz groups and big band formats and is a first-call vocal accompanist in western New England, specializing in the Great American Songbook. He has been pianist with the Adult Cabaret program since 2004. Bob owns a sound recording studio where he performs voiceovers and works closely with vocalists as he creates showcase CD’s backed by his full-band settings.

• Flute, guitar – $185
• Violin, viola, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, sax, French horn – $240
• Double bass, bassoon, cello – $280

• 30-minute ($986.00),
• 45-minute ($1360.00), or
• 60-minute ($1836.00)

Or share a Group Lesson with a friend or family member. ($680/34 weeks)

Or try the BMS Trial Lessons:  30 minutes (for young beginner) – $40;  45 minutes (for adult beginner) – $50.

Private, individualized instruction is available at BMS in these instruments and fields:

• Piano
• Electronic keyboard
• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double bass
• Guitar
• Flute
• Clarinet
• Oboe
• English horn
• Bassoon
• Saxophone
• Recorder
• Trumpet
• Cornet
• French horn
• Trombone
• Baritone horn
• Voice
• Percussion
• Theory
• Composition

Lessons for College Credit

BMS offers lessons for credit at Berkshire Community College (Pittsfield) and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (North Adams). High school, college, and adult students who desire college credit can register as BCC or MCLA students, paying tuition at BMS with waived tuition from the colleges. Private lessons earn three credit hours per 15-week semester. Payment in full is required at time of registration.

Fee: $600/45-minute lessons + $30 registration fee;
$810/60-minute lessons + $30 registration fee

Fall 2011 Sessions

Introduction to Suzuki
with Tari Wheeler Roosa
Designed for those considering a Suzuki instrumental program. 1st term focuses on rhythm; 2nd term introduces melody.
Ages 4 to 7 years
Parent attends all classes.

Saturdays, 9:00 – 9:45 am,
Starting September 24, 2011
15 weeks
$155
2nd term: starting January 28, 2012

Suzuki Lessons with Amy Renak, Tari Wheeler Roosa, Alice Spatz, and Bing Liu.

Suzuki lessons at BMS

Suzuki is the world-renowned method for learning an instrument at a very early age. The program consists of a combination of private and group lessons. Smaller size violins, cellos, double basses, flutes, and guitars are available for rent from BMS. For piano you must have a keyboard at home. We strongly urge parents and children to enroll in the Introduction to Suzuki course either concurrently with or prior to enrolling for Suzuki instruction.

Call BMS for fees and schedules: 413-442-1411

Music for Infants, Toddlers & Preschoolers
with Tari Wheeler Roosa
These programs increase children’s awareness of rhythm and their ability to sing and move creatively to music. Parent attends all classes.

Starting September 24, 2011
15 weeks
$105
2nd term: starting January 28, 2012

Music for Infants & ToddlersAges 3 mos. to 2 yrs.
Saturdays, 10:00 – 10:40 am

Music for Preschoolers
Ages 2 to 4 yrs
Saturdays, 10:45 – 11:25 am

Music Mind Games with Tari Wheeler Roosa – Students learn music theory and rhythms in this joyful and creative method.  Each student receives a MMG kit with games, puzzles, CDs and books.  Designed for students having completed Introduction to Suzuki or who are currently studying an instrument.  Saturdays, 11:30 – 12:15 pm starting September 24 for 25 weeks – $275.

Kids Choirs
with Carolina Carry
& Chris Oberfield

KinderChoir
This class is a preparatory choir class designed for children in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten & First Grade.  The aim of the class is to develop the children’s singing skills as well as their sense of rhythm & their general msicality through a wide variety of songs, rounds, dances & musical activities.  Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:15 pm. Limit 10
Starting September 29, 2011
$175 – 25 weeks

Kindred Spirits:  is a singing group for girls from second grade through high school.  The goal is to create a safe and creative environment where girls can discover their voice and grow in their musical and singing abilities.  Many outreach performance opportunities are given.  Each new participant must pass an informal audition and demonstrate some basic singing skills, although no previous musical experience is required.

Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Starting September 29, 2011
$285
29 weeks
plus four (required) music theory and sight reading workshops Saturdays, November 5, 12, 2011 & March 3, 10 2012

Top

BMS Orchestra with Norman Thibodeau, coach/conductor – Community musicians are invited to join BMS students to perform expanded chamber repertoire. Members of the Stockbridge Sinfonia who participate for free serve as section mentors. Students are encouraged to consult their teachers to determine their readiness for this ensemble. Ages 10 – adult.  Participants will perform in concert at Westfield State University on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 3pm.

Tuesdays, 5:15 – 6:45 pm;
Fee: $60 BMS students; $100 Non BMS students/10 weeks.
1st term: starting October 3, 2011
2nd term: starting February 7, 2012

The orchestra is supported in part by the Gia Cox Caird Scholarship Fund

Jazz Ensemble with Bill Chapman – Learn the art of jazz! Sessions will include theory, ear training, solo improvisation, and ensemble playing.

Mondays, 4:30 – 5:45 pm
Fee: $200
1st term: starting September 26, 2011
10 weeks
2nd term: starting February 27, 2012

Berkshire Music School Ensembles – Professionally coached ensembles! Weekly sessions starting September 26, 2011
Fee: $180. Choice of fifteen 60-minute, or ten 90-minute sessions.

Flute Choir – For mid-level to advanced players of all ages on piccolo, c flute, alto & bass flute; with Sharon Powers.

String Ensemble – Both adult and student levels, from beginner to advanced; with Bing Liu.

Mixed Notes – Combination of unique instruments, for mid-level players of all ages; with various BMS faculty. Create your own combination, or form a family band.

Guitar Club with BMS Guitar Faculty – Learn to play the guitar in a friendly group lesson.  Classes are paired up based on level of ability and age.  Need 6 to run each level.  Wednesdays, 4:00 – 4:45 pm for young beginners (age 8-16) – $85 ; Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm for adult beginners – $125.  Starting September 28, 2011 – 10 weeks.

Drum Circle with Otha Day – Learn the history of drumming, make your own percussion instruments, create a drum circle, listen to recordings, and more. Date and Time TBD.

Build A Band with guitarist Dave Brown – Learn the art of creating a band, writing and arranging tunes, and prepping for gigs.  Ages 10-16 years.  Saturdays, 3:30 pm – 5:30pm starting October 1, 2011 – 10 weeks – $250.

Professional Recording Services – by appointment with Shaun LaFramboise, Thomas Island Recording Studio – BMS has paired up with Thomas Island Studio to provide private recording sessions at BMS for any audition requirement, or to share your child’s talent with friends and family.  For rates and times, contact Shaun: info@thomasislandstudio.com or 413-281-6511.

The Berkshire Music School gives the gift of a lifetime every time you give! Donations to the annual fund, the capital “Tune-Up,” bequests and scholarships all perpetuate the joy of music. To discuss the many ways of giving on a personal note, please call Executive Director, Tracy Wilson: 413.442.1411, ext 12. Or click here to download donation form.

Annual Fund Categories:

$50-99 Friend

$100-249 Player

$250-499 Section Leader

$500-999 First Chair

$1,000-2,499 Principal

$2,500-9,999 Virtuoso

$10,000-24,999 Maestro’s Circle

$25,000 & above Founder’s Society

Annual and Endowed Scholarship Opportunities
Every year the Berkshire Music School provides financial assistance through need-based and merit scholarships. Please consider making a lasting legacy to enable a student to study music with a highly qualified instructor in a nurturing environment.

Annual Named Scholarship – $500 – $1,000
A one-time contribution for $500 up to $1,000 will provide partial financial assistance for a student to take a full year of private lessons. This scholarship can be named for departed loved one, a foundation, or group.

Half Endowed Named Scholarship – $20,000
A contribution of $20,000 will establish a scholarship, in perpetuity, for 50% of one full year of study. This scholarship can be named for departed loved one, a foundation, or group.

Fully Endowed Named Scholarship – $40,000
A contribution of $40,000 will establish a scholarship in perpetuity for one full year of private music lessons. This scholarship can be named for departed loved one, a foundation, or group.

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.