Join us on June 23, 2026!

Our 2026 Kids 4 Harmony Summer Gala Concert is scheduled for June 23. Join us for a summer evening at Tanglewood, celebrating the accomplishments of young people in our Kids 4 Harmony program.

Every year, this special event brings together friends, family, and community to uplift and support the next generation of musicians. Proceeds go directly to Kids 4 Harmony, a program of 18 Degrees, enabling free tuition and music education for young people in Berkshire County. 

Last year, K4H graduates went on to continue their music education at Berklee College of Music, Berkshire Community College, Boston University, Howard University, Westfield State, and more. This year, we welcome a new cohort of first and second-year students. This group has been discovering their sound, learning the discipline of daily practice and building the confidence that comes from performing together. They arrive with curiosity, courage, and big dreams. With your support, we can continue to provide students with exceptional music education, in an environment where they can be seen, heard, and valued.

Read our 2025 Gala Program Brochure to learn more about the program, our students, alumni, and staff!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED THE $20,000 MATCH CHALLENGE. 

You helped us raise another $52,000 after the Gala to help support the next generation of Kids 4 Harmony students! Many thanks to the Gilson Family Foundation and Edward and Susan Kopelowitz, who sponsored the $20,000 matching challenge, and to our friend and supporter Smitty Pignatelli who kicked off the campaign for us at the reception!

It was a warm and heartfelt evening celebrating our largest graduating class—many with us since the program’s early days—plus a moving tribute to Ed Bride with a video of our North Adams Beginner's. Seniors gave a surprise performance at the reception and shared their post-high school plans.

The concert featured an original composition by senior Davis Albayeros and piano accompaniment by senior Zoë-Ruth Brizan—examples of the multifaceted talents of our students. We were also thrilled to welcome Boston-based cellist Francesca McNeeley in performing Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 1 with our Elayne P. Bernstein Ensemble.

Kids 4 Harmony is nurturing the next generation of musicians and leaders—we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you!

Congratulations to '25 Seniors!

Andrew, Violin: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Atlas, Violin: St. Michael's College

Bella, Cello: Applying for college entry in Spring ‘26 

Davis, Violin: Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Violin Performance

Gina, Cello: Boston University, Cello Performance

Jason, Cello: University of Rochester

Jenny, Violin: Berkshire Community College, Music Education

Lisa, Violin: Princeton University

Mady, Viola: Westfield State, Music Education

Zoë-Ruth, Cello & Piano: Howard University, Piano Performance

Our 2026 Guest Artist

This year we welcome back Ted Rosenthal, internationally acclaimed pianist and composer and winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, as our 2026 Guest Artist. A celebrated faculty member at Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music, Ted is recognized not only for his award-winning career, but for his ability to build bridges across musical disciplines, inspiring students to take artistic risks and expand their musical imagination within the classical tradition. His past collaborations with K4H have been deeply meaningful, and we are honored to welcome him back for an experience that will uplift our students’ talents and accomplishments.

2025 Gala Honoree, Ed Bride

Ed Bride has been a longtime member of the Kids 4 Harmony Advisory Committee, past chair of the Gala Committee, and passionate supporter of the program. Many people know Ed as the president and founder of Berkshires Jazz, Inc., whose mission is to present jazz performances and encourage jazz education in Berkshire County. Through his influence, Kids 4 Harmony has been able to collaborate with jazz artists including Ted Rosenthal and Grace Kelly. We're so grateful to Ed for his years of service to 18 Degrees as a volunteer and donor, ensuring the lasting success of the Kids 4 Harmony program. Thank you, Ed, for all that you do to bring music to the Berkshires!