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Summer Program 2009, July 12 - August 8 Four week-long sessions for young
people ages 16-25
Click here
to see the Summer Program 2009 Fact Sheet, including
details
To receive a Summer
Program application packet, please e-mail (Click here for information about our Summer Music Therapy Program, for ages 7-11.) Summer Program
The Berkshire Hills Music Academy offers a unique
summer program. People with special needs have an opportunity
to foster musical skills in a positive environment.
Friendships are born in this entertaining and supporting atmosphere.
Under the encouraging guidance of our exceptional staff of music
therapists, professional musicians and residential assistants,
participants have an opportunity to try a variety of musical and
enrichment activities. Experience
Our
academic year programs strive to help students identify and develop
their talents and skills, experience success, and to contribute to
society in a way that is Our experienced staff of music teachers, educators, recreation leaders, and residential support staff are drawn largely from the regular full-time staff of Berkshire Hills Music Academy. Many staff members have graduate or professional degrees. Our music instructors are all seasoned performers with a special skill for fostering the musical talents of young adults with learning or developmental disabilities. The summer program is musical, growth-oriented, and recreational. Based on an evaluation of prior music experience and interests, participants have daily individual lessons and group music activities. Families may sign up for 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks; the cost is $1200 for one week only, and $1100 per week for multiple weeks. Summer Program offerings include:
Berkshire Hills Music Academy is situated on a 40-acre estate with
beautiful view of
Accommodations and Meals 
Our dormitories are located on the second floor of the main building, with separate wings for men's and women's living spaces. Each wing has a modern, dormitory-style bathroom. Most rooms are double-occupancy and nutritious meals are served family-style in the Academy's dining room. Overnight staff ensures the safety and comfort of residential students. The building features state of the art security, smoke and fire alarms, and sprinkler system. A unique feature is a special fire alarm, designed to meet the needs of individuals with sensitive ears. Numerous staff members are Red Cross certified for first aid, CPR, and medication administration. A nurse will check-in all students as they arrive and will be on call during the program. This program is intended for young adults, ages 16-30, with learning and developmental disabilities who have a high interest in exploring musical talent. Preference is given to applicants who are prospective candidates for BHMA’s school year program. In addition to musical aptitude, applicants to the summer program must have basic self-care skills, display consistently positive social behavior, and exhibit mature group behavior skills. Berkshire Hills Music Academy is located near the intersection of Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) and Interstate 91, and approximately 30 miles from Bradley Airport, Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Escorted transportation with Berkshire Hills Music Academy staff is available to and from the airport for a reasonable fee by pre-arrangement. Have more questions about getting here? Or where to stay? Note: Although the information and descriptions provided above are accurate as of the time of this publication, details of the summer program are subject to change. The Berkshire Hills Music Academy admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. The Berkshire Hills Music Academy is an equal opportunity employer. To learn more about our Summer Program contact Elizabeth Hart at 413.540.9720, ext 202.
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Join us for friendship,
The 2009 Summer Program
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At
the Berkshire Hills Music Academy Summer Program, individuals with
special needs make friends, have fun and develop their musical
skills. Under the encouraging guidance of our exceptional
teaching staff, participants have an opportunity to try a variety of
musical and enrichment activities, enjoying concerts, museums,
parks, nature preserves and bike trails..
personally significant. The Summer Program applies these
values in an informal way and provides a glimpse of student life at
BHMA, where a shared passion for music is nurtured in an atmosphere
of mutual acceptance to create a joyful community. A focus on
abilities rather than disabilities, opportunities to try new
experiences, and meaningful participation in our life together are
key elements of our program philosophy.
Western
Massachusetts' Holyoke Range. Our school and dormitories are
housed in a gracious renovated mansion with a formal dining room, a
welcoming student lounge and an elegant Great Room for student
concerts. Other facilities include:
Berkshire
Hills Music Academy is located in the middle of the “Five Colleges”
region. Mount Holyoke College is within walking distance and
they share swimming facilities with us. Smith College in
Northampton, as well as Hampshire College, Amherst College, and the
University of Massachusetts at Amherst, are all a short distance
away by public transportation. This naturally beautiful and
culturally rich area offers unique opportunities for attending
high-quality concerts, theatrical and dance shows, visiting cultural
and natural attractions such as the Eric Carle Picture Book Museum
and Smith's Botanical Gardens, and participating in recreational
activities such as Connecticut River boat cruises, hiking and biking
a network of scenic trails and visiting a variety of other local
attractions
