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New for Summer Program 2008!  Themed Weeks!

Four one-week sessions are offered; families are encouraged to enroll for
two consecutive weeks, with acceptance to additional weeks made
on a space-available basis.  The program is the same from session
to session, however each session has its own theme, around which
musical selections and group activities will be selected.

Click here for the Summer Program 2008 Fact Sheet, including details
and cost information

To receive a Summer Program application packet, please e-mail
Elizabeth Hart, or call us at 413-540-9720, ext 202

Session 1: July 13 – 19         
On Broadway
(focusing on musical theater activities)

Session 2: July 20 – 26                     
Jazz it Up
  (focusing on jazz-related exploration)

Session 3: July 27 – August 2           
Tanglewood Adventures
  (visiting the Tanglewood
area twice for activities such as concerts and museum visits)

Session 4: August 3 – 9        
Rock On
  (focusing on classic rock from the 60s, 70s and 80s)

The dates for the 2008 Summer Music Therapy Camp Program
(for ages 7 - 11) will be Thursday, August 14 - Sunday, August 17

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
Philosophy
Staff
Program
Facilities
Cultural Resources
Accommodation and Meals
Health and Safety
Eligibility
Location

The Experience

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..

Philosophy

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 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.

Staff

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.

Program

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.

Summer Program offerings include:

  • Private instrumental and voice lessons

  • Chorus, vocal and instrumental ensembles.

  • Guest performers, and classes which provide an entertaining insight into BHMA's academic year program.

  • Fun with friends, fitness and recreational activities, including swimming, working out in the fitness center, eurhythmics, movement class, nature exploration and outdoor games.

  • Leisure and social activities, including dances, talent shows and field trips to nearby attractions.

  • The Summer Program culminates in Parents' Weekend, with a final showcase performance

Facilities

Berkshire Hills Music Academy is situated on a 40-acre estate with beautiful view of 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:

  • A professional digital audio/video studio

  • A computer lab with seven stations

  • A life skills kitchen training laboratory

  • A well-equipped fitness center

  • Music practice rooms with pianos, digital keyboards, and drum sets available for student use.

Cultural Resources

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

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.

Health and Safety

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.

Eligibility

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.

Location

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.

 

 

Join us for friendship,

music and fun!

 

The 2008 Summer Program

At Berkshire Hills Music Academy

South Hadley, Massachusetts