BAAMS Brass and Vocals Workshop

Print Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Berkshires' Academy for Advanced Musical Studies (BAAMS) will hold trombone and brass, and vocals workshop featuring Steve Davis and Abena Koomson-Davis. 
 
This opportunity will take place at the BAAMS academy in North Adams, MA, located at Building 6 in the Heritage State Park on Saturday, May 18, from 11 am to 1:30 pm.
 
Register here.
 
Steve Davis is a highly esteemed trombonist known for his exceptional contributions to jazz music. With a background that includes graduating from The Hartt School's Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz in '89, Davis has made significant waves in the music scene. He has collaborated with jazz legends such as Art Blakey, Chick Corea, and Freddie Hubbard, among others. His extensive discography and performances at prestigious venues worldwide underscore his mastery of the trombone and his enduring influence in the jazz genre.
 
Abena Koomson-Davis, an accomplished vocalist, educator, and performer, will also be part of this workshop. Her versatile musical background encompasses jazz, afrobeat, and choral singing, showcased through performances with Stevie Wonder, Carly Simon, and Natalie Merchant, to name a few. Abena's role as the lead vocalist of Van Davis and her contributions to the Resistance Revival Chorus highlight her multifaceted musical journey and dedication to her craft.
 
The workshop, open to ages 10 and up, offers a chance for aspiring musicians to learn from these industry stalwarts. The tuition fee is $40, with BAAMS matriculated students eligible for free attendance. Participants are encouraged to bring their trombones or brass instruments.
 
Additionally, musicians Richard Boulger, Dario Boente, Tony Lewis, and Alex Blake will be part of the workshop.
 
The evening culminates in a performance by Steve and Abena, accompanied by the BAAMS Faculty Band at Studio 9.

Tags: BAAMS,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid. 
 
The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.
 
"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.
 
A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 
 
Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 
 
Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 
 
They will submit those with a school picture to the governor. 
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories