Read more about the article The Merling Trio Mini-Class

The Merling Trio Mini-Class

On October 28th, the Merling Trio of Western Michigan University plus Tom Knific on bass, performed a Gershwin medley for the entire Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and spoke to them about the value of chamber music study. Also on the short program was a portion of the Dvorak Piano Quintet played by our own Franklin Pond students of the Cincopation Quartet: Ava Posner, Harriet Skowronek, Lucy Gelber, Jordan Leslie, and Nicholas Lin. Bravo to them on short notice! The Merling Trio (quartet) will return in February for a full masterclass for all the Franklin Pond groups.

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Read more about the article Eclectic and interesting student groups for the school year

Eclectic and interesting student groups for the school year

Of the six groups Franklin Pond is coaching this school year, two of them came as pre-formed groups, having been together also last year school year. We love that because the longer the students are together, the better they play together, and the more rewarding it is for them and for the coaches.

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Read more about the article Masterclass with Nick Curry

Masterclass with Nick Curry

Saturday, July 29 was our dress rehearsal and last masterclass with Nick Curry of University of North Florida. Nick joined in all the festivities of the day; listening to all the groups at Kellett, our last lunch together at nearby Landmark Diner, and our last coaching sessions at the Pond. It’s always sad when the last person leaves!

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Masterclass with Tom Key

Tom Key, well known actor and Artistic Director of Theatrical Outfit, worked with our students at the Pond today. He was absolutely fabulous and the kids seemed to have a good time. By the end of the masterclass, they were speaking with infinitely more self-assurance and not as shy about doing it. He worked on breathing, showing their own personality when they speak, looking people in the eye, and speaking so they can be heard.

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