Summer Intensive Program
Late June – Early August
Grades 3 – 12
Application open: January 1
Application deadline: April 1
Tuition: $2,000
Program Offerings
The Summer Intensive program runs from late June through early August. Participants in the program will play challenging pieces from the standard and modern chamber music repertoire. During this time, students will participate in:
- Bi-weekly (twice a week) coachings with coaching artists from the Atlanta Symphony and Atlanta Opera
- Weekly masterclasses with nationally recognized distinguished artists
- 5-day retreat at the University of North Georgia
- Outreach performances in the Atlanta metro area
- Formal performance at the end of the summer session
Additional coachings, master classes, and performance opportunities are available for groups exhibiting consistent rehearsal practices and marked improvement.
Eligibility
The Summer Intensive Program is open to students in grades 6-12, with a prep program available to younger students grades 3-6. Students who hae recently graduated from high school may also apply. Although the majority of applicants are string players and pianists due to the broad repertoire available for those instruments, non-string players are welcome and encouraged to apply. Franklin Pond will do everything possible to place all accepted students into a group with matched ability and temperament. Pre-formed groups, both string and non-string, are welcome and encouraged to apply.
Schedule
The Summer Intensive Program meets at least twice a week (usually Mondays and Thursdays) as well as the retreat. The schedule changes a bit annually to work around the July 4th holiday. Please note that every participant must attend all sessions, including the retreat. An absent student affects their entire chamber group. If a student has an unavoidable conflict, a parent/guardian may request special permission for the student to miss one day; however, the inability to attend all sessions could have an effect on the applicant's acceptance into the program.
A minimum of three hours of rehearsal per week outside the scheduled Summer sessions is required of each group. Students will be responsible for scheduling the time and place of these rehearsals. Much like individual practice done between weekly private lessons, this rehearsal time is critical to the group’s progress; the more a chamber group rehearses together, the better they will become. Franklin Pond can help facilitate scheduling if needed.
Coachings & Masterclasses
At each summer session and the retreat, ensembles will receive coachings from the renowned Franklin Pond coaching artists. Ensembles will work with multiple coaches throughout the summer so they can benefit from a variety of musical perspectives.
Each day of the Summer Session also includes a masterclass, led either by a FPCM coaching artist or a visiting guest artist. Most masterclasses will focus on ensemble performance, giving students a chance to "perform" their pieces multiple times before the formal concert at the end of the summer. Other classes will include focus on topics such as public speaking, rhythm, and sight-singing.
Retreat
The retreat takes place on the campus of the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, GA. Franklin Pond students stay in the dorms on campus, eat at the university’s dining hall, and rehearse in the music building. Retreat activities include:
• Daily intensive rehearsals and coachings
• Masterclasses with FPCM coaching artists and guest artists
• Faculty performance
• Recreational time in and around campus
• Dinner at the Smith House
• Free time in the Dahlonega main square
The retreat is a strong bonding experience for all students and a highlight of the summer. Parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up students from the retreat. All costs of the retreat are included in the Summer Intensive Program tuition.
Performances
Every chamber group will perform at the Summer Finale Concert, held the last week of July or first week of August (depending on the start of the school-year). Each group will also play at least one community concert in the Atlanta Metro area. Other performance opportunities are available depending on the preparedness of each group.
All performances are free, kid-friendly, and open to the public.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded upon request. A teacher recommendation is required for all students seeking scholarship. Franklin Pond will do everything possible to give deserving students the ability to attend our programs, as we believe financial limitations should never deprive a student of a high quality music education. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the number of students requesting scholarships as well as the annual generosity of our wonderful donors.
For questions or scholarship requests, please email fpcm@franklinpond.org or contact Ronda Respess at (404) 252-3479. Teachers should send their recommendations to fpcm@franklinpond.org.