Madalyn and Cicely Parnas, alumni of the Berkshire Music School, have recently received significant recognition of their music talents.  Cicely, cellist, age 18, was selected to be “Artist in Residence” on National Public Radio’s “Performance Today”, with daily performances and interviews with host Fred Child the week of December 5-9.  Madalyn, violinist, age 20, has just won a Marshall Scholarship, which will pay all of her costs to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London next year while she completes her Masters degree in one year.  Madalyn studied violin at the Berkshire Music School with Laura Donovan and Cicely studied cello with Erica Pickhardt.  Both Madalyn and Cicely were the youngest top place winners of BMS’s Merit Scholarship competition at age 9, and remain the youngest winners.

Madalyn joins the elite group of American Marshall Scholars following her selection for this very competitive award. The Marshall Scholarship covers the cost of graduate study and living at a British university of the recipient’s choice. The Marshall Scholarships were established in 1953 as a British gesture to the US for the assistance received after WWII under the Marshall Plan. Financed by the British government, the prestigious scholarships are awarded to American students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential. Up to 40 are selected each year. Madalyn will attend the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she will study with world renowned violinist and pedagogue György Pauk.

Cicely was invited to be an inaugural performer on a new Performance Today series called “Young Artists in Residence.” There were five radio segments broadcast daily beginning Monday, December 5th, and ended Friday, December 9th. Cicely was featured performing and interviewed by Fred Child each day.

Madalyn is presently completing an Artist Diploma with Jaime Laredo at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.  A former student of James Buswell, Ms. Parnas graduated summa cum laude with concentrations in Music and French from The College of Saint Rose. Madalyn performs on a 1715 Alessandro Gagliano violin and is the granddaughter of legendary cellist Leslie Parnas.

Born in 1993, cellist Cicely Parnas is one of the finest young artists performing today. A unique presence on the concert stage, she is recognized for her highly individualized sound, exquisite tone, and spontaneous creativity fueled by an affable fearlessness. Cicely’s cello studies began at age four, and she made her orchestral debut at nine. Since then Cicely has performed over thirty times as guest soloist with orchestras, including the New York String Orchestra conducted by master musician and conductor, Jaime Laredo, and David Alan Miller’s Albany Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Parnas has claimed her seventh 1st prize in soloist competitions winning the 2011 Cello Concerto Competition at the Jacobs School of Music.

Cicely is a full-tuition scholarship recipient in the prestigious Artist Diploma Program at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music studying with cellist Sharon Robinson. She is the granddaughter of world-class cellist Leslie Parnas, and a former student of cellist Peter Wiley. Ms. Parnas performs on a 1712 Giovanni Grancino violoncello.

For more information about the Parnas sisters, visit their website at www.parnasmusic.com.

Bonnie McCubbin holds both a Bachelor and Master of Music in Violin and Vocal Performance. She has over 20 years of experience of public and private music instruction and has numerous performance credits on both violin and voice.  Ms. McCubbin is also a Kripalu certified Yoga and YogaDance teacher.  She has taught students from age two to 82 years.

Paul Green began the clarinet at age 8 and at age 13 was recommended to Leonard Bernstein by Stanley Drucker, the first clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, to perform and record Saint-Saens’ “Carnival of the Animals”. Paul earned a BA in Theory and Composition from Yale, with continued studies at Juilliard, and a Master in Jazz Performance at Florida International University. Paul is founder of Klezmer East and active in the Berkshire Klezmer scene, and is currently the Principal Clarinetist with the Florida Grand Opera Orchestra.

Emily Duff earned a BA in Jazz Studies at Westfield State University.  She has a very active performing career and was voted “Best Soloist” at the Villanova Jazz Festival.  Emily has a full private studio and combines her performance teaching with ear training, transcription, composition, philosophy and theory.

New Trustees joining the BMS board in September are Laura Rosenthal and Camp Gordinier. Laura is an actuary with Berkshire Life, with degrees in mathematics from Mount Holyoke and Virginia Tech.  She is a Fellow in the Society of Actuaries. Laura is on the Board of Knesset Israel and has been an active participant with the BMS Adult Cabaret Workshop. She is also a cellist as well as choral singer.  H. Camp Gordinier (Camp) earned a BA from Brown University and served as a Russian linguist with the US Army for four years after college. He earned a M.Div (cum laude) from the Episcopal Divinity School in 1970 and served parishes until 1994, at which point he took up teaching in public schools. Camp takes jazz piano at BMS with Dave Bartley.

Returning Trustees are Ken Green, Sarah Novak, Paul Sundberg and James Wojtaszek. The Berkshire Music School is in its 70^th year of providing music education to the greater community as a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization.  It is located at 30 Wendell Avenue, downtown Pittsfield and its Executive Director is Tracy Wilson

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.

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

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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.