Berkshire Music School has been awarded two grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council: a $65,000 matching grant from the Cultural Facilities Fund for their capital “Tune Up” campaign, and $5,000 for the Systems Replacement Plan. Grants are funded through a $6.5 million appropriation made by the Legislature, and a $7 million appropriation made by the Governor as part of a capital bond allocation.
Berkshire Music School started making a case for a “tune-up” last year. The School, housed in an 1870’s historic structure, assessed its needs and launched a $200,000 capital campaign. To date, volunteers have raised over $70,000 towards this three-year goal.
According to BMS Executive Director, Tracy Wilson, the wish list mirrors the condition of a house “of a certain age”: We have ancient boilers in 2 large buildings—never a good thing, especially with the oil situation. Our fire and security systems need to be upgraded, along with a 3 story fire escape. We are fortunate to have off-street parking, but it becomes quite compromised in bad weather.
On a positive note, we’ve outgrown our studio space! Our last capital improvement effort was more than 12 years ago. The success of that fundraiser allowed us to restore the carriage barn on our property and create a 90-seat recital hall with additional teaching studios. We are grateful for the $70,000 in MCC funds, especially in this economic climate. Our goals and improvements are now within reach.
Berkshire Music School, a private, non-profit organization, is pushing 70 years old. Facilities are open 60 hours a week for lessons and coaching, making BMS one of the busiest cultural facilities in downtown Pittsfield. The site includes 14 teaching studios and a 90 seat recital hall. With a faculty of 40, more than 450 students take private lessons during the 34 week school term. Ten summer camps fill the rest of the year. Music education is offered for all ages.
Programs for young people range from music for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, to Kinder-Choir, the BMS Youth Choir and Suzuki. Jazz, orchestra and chamber ensembles, along with cabaret workshops make up the adult curriculum. The popular “Cabaret-to-Go” group performs throughout the Berkshires at venues like Asters, Cranwell Resort, Card Lake Inn and the Morgan House. Other off-site student performances include events for 3rd Thursdays, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Pittsfield, Goodwill Industries, United Cerebral Palsy, Tanglewood, OLLI, Berkshire Visitors Bureau, Norman Rockwell Museum and nearly every assisted-living/senior center in Berkshire County. BMS is an anchor in the Berkshire Creative Economy and an active member of Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Inc. and Berkshire Visitors Bureau. The staff consists of 3 full-time and 3 part time employees, with a 10 member Governing Board and15 member Advisory Board.
Approximately ten percent of the BMS student body receives financial aid, work study or merit scholarships. No one is turned down for music lessons due to inability to pay. The annual Music Marathon supports financial aid and merit scholarships.
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.