Staff

Luis Granda (he/him) joined BMS in 2023 and is the current Executive Director. He is a firm believer in the power of music and believes that all people in Berkshire County should have access to a quality music education. Luis received his BM in Jazz and African American Music as well as a Professional Performer Certificate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Masters of Music and a Masters Certificate in Arts Administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Luis plays the bass (upright and electric) and guitar. He enjoys spending time with his family, lifting weights, dead malls, and caffeine. Contact Luis for questions about the organization.

Jim Wojtaszek (he/him) joined BMS in 2021 and serves as a member of the Board of Trustees, works as the Operations Manager and teaches intermediate and advanced guitar. In these positions, he supports BMS strategically, manages the building and grounds, the student/teacher registration and billing program (TeacherZone) and teacher and school functional needs while maintaining a busy teaching schedule. Jim received a BA in Business Administration/ Marketing from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, advanced music training from Musicians Institute, and is currently performing in a number of bands professionally.  Jim enjoys hiking and kayaking, song-writing and recording, and gardening. Contact Jim for operations questions.

Sandy Moderski (she/her) has been the Berkshire Music School Registrar for 25 years. She is the first person you see when you enter the building, and is the master scheduler of all classes and lessons. Sandy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/ Marketing from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, formerly North Adams State College. Sandy enjoys living on her farm with her emus and cows. Contact Sandy to sign up for lessons or for questions about scheduling.

Sherri James Buxton (she/her) is a voice teacher at BMS where she has been teaching the popular Cabaret Workshops for 21 years.  She has served as the school’s Outreach Coordinator for the past nine years.  She plans and coordinates music enrichment for schools as well as special programs in the greater Berkshire community. Sherri has a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University and a Master’s in Education from Cambridge College. Sherri is a professional singer who enjoys reading and traveling. Contact Sherri to book BMS faculty for events.

Sarah Prouty (she/her) joined the BMS staff in June of 2023 as the Program Associate. Sarah coordinates BMS’s summer program, Adventures in Music, and assists with program development, fundraising, and student registrations. She has a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Hartt School. Sarah and her husband recently moved to the Berkshires with their toy poodle, Bella. Sarah enjoys performing, reading, and camping. Contact Sarah for questions about programs.

Bob (he/him) has joined the administrative team after graduating from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a Performing Arts degree.  He started making music by producing hip-hop in Southern Maine and playing bass guitar in a small town band.  Bob has moved back to the Berkshires post graduation and enjoys rapping, playing golf, and coaching football after retiring from baseball.

Tristan Manzolini (she/her) joined the Berkshire Music School team in September 2024 as the night administrator. She will be present after regular business hours to ensure all students are checked in and accounted for. She has over twenty years of administrative experience but has spent the past decade plus home educating her three children. She has recently begun working toward a degree in child psychology and education after finding her passion during a stint running a self-directed learning community. In her free time, she is likely eating excessive amounts of sugary treats, listening to music, reading, crafting, or spending time in nature (sometimes all of the above).