Excelling in the Arts — and in Community

Congratulations to Keely O’Gorman ’22, who received the Berkshire Music School’s inaugural Tracy R. Wilson Scholarship.

Named in honor of the Pittsfield-based music school’s longtime executive director, the scholarship is for weekly, hourly lessons during the school year. The award is based on merit and presented to a student who is also active in community service and school activities.

Keely is the MHS Senior Class President and active in the Miss Hall’s Theater Ensemble. She is also the co-Head of Grace Notes, the School’s a cappella singing group. Last year, while participating in MAPS (Mira’s Alliance for Philanthropic Sustainability), a student-led Horizons site that promotes sustainable philanthropy, she helped organize Bags of Hope, collecting and assembling essential items of toiletries and outerwear to be distributed to the homeless in Pittsfield.

“As you know, Keely is an outstanding student, and we have all been impressed with her activities in the community and at Miss Hall’s, in addition to her work here at BMS,” said Natalie Johnsonius Neubert, the music school’s Executive Director. “Keely is a bright light here and excels in both areas of study, and actively participates in BMS recitals, auditions, and other performance opportunities as they arise.”

The Wilson award is open to any current BMS student or anyone who previously participated in the School’s annual merit/talent scholarships. Keely has studied voice for five years at BMS with Sherri James Buxton, and, before that, studied piano with Amy Renak, who also teaches at Miss Hall’s.

To audition for the scholarship Keely sang “Pur Dicesti O Bocca Bella,” an Italian art song, and “I Don’t Need a Roof,” from the musical, Big Fish. She was nominated and unanimously chosen from a pool of approximately 250 applicants.

“At the Berkshire Music School, we firmly believe that music enriches the lives of everyone who participates, and that the determination, collaboration, creativity, pride, and hard work developed from practicing music makes everyone a better person, in all areas of his or her life,” Ms. Johnsonius Neubert added. “The Tracy R. Wilson Scholarship was conceived to celebrate the student each year who best exemplifies that vision. Keely is truly a remarkable young lady.”

Congratulations, Keely!