About

What is Franklin Pond?

Founded by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra violinist Ronda Respess, Franklin Pond Chamber Music is a year-round training program for talented young musicians. Students accepted into the program work closely with faculty members from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and The Atlanta Opera, play in masterclasses led by renowned guest artists from around the country, and participate in seminars related to music performance such as public speaking, eurythmics, and Alexander Technique.

Students enrolled in FPCM significantly strengthen their individual playing skills, and they also develop interpersonal skills that positively affect their daily lives:

Communication – giving and receiving constructive criticism and speaking to audiences
Confidence – reaching outside comfort zones and taking musical risks
Expression – relaying emotion to group members and audiences both verbally and through music
Leadership – knowing when to collaborate, when to listen, and when to speak
Self-discipline – being a reliable and responsible member of a team

Click Below to Watch Our Video About Franklin Pond!

Franklin Pond Video

A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Franklin Pond has been serving the Atlanta community for 20 years. Being an active part of our community is important at Franklin Pond. Students and faculty regularly perform throughout the metro area for a wide variety of audiences, from churches, assisted living facilities and libraries to Symphony Hall and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. The bonds students form at “the Pond” are strong and long-lasting, carrying through to college and beyond.

Mission

Franklin Pond Chamber Music educates young musicians to perform, communicate, and lead through the art of chamber music. As a promoter of classical music, Franklin Pond engages the broader community in our high quality performances, workshops, master classes and special programs designed to engage music lovers of all ages.

Vision

Franklin Pond Chamber Music enriches the personal, cultural, and social lives of all people, especially young musicians, through chamber music.

Diversity & Inclusion

Franklin Pond Chamber Music is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment within our institution and throughout our community. We endeavor to provide fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff and will not tolerate actions that oppose this principle. As an institution that educates and develops student artists who are the future of music, we understand the systemic factors that have historically contributed to inequities in our field and, together with our community partners, will continue to establish and engage in opportunities for broader dialogues and experiences that embody our commitment to a more diverse and inclusive future.

What is Chamber Music?

Chamber music is instrumental music played by a small ensemble, usually two to eight players, with only one player on a part. Unlike orchestral music, each chamber musician is solely responsible for their part and must be both a leader and a collaborator, blending with the others for a common sound and interpretation of the music.