The string quartet as a genre has its roots in the community; musicians and friends would gather to experience new works of art in domestic and informal environments, still seeking to connect with and explore music at a high emotional and intellectual level. We firmly believe that the same holds true today, and are committed to offering programs and events beyond the stage that encourage our audience to join us as active, curious, and joyful participants in bringing the early string quartet repertoire to life!
The members of the Franklin Quartet have extensive experience at presenting high-quality educational and interactive programming.
Dan is a full time faculty member at Settlement Music School in South Philadelphia, a community oriented school where students are guaranteed continued enrollment through grants and financial aid.
Pictured below: Dan in costume posing with one of his rad students at the annual Suzuki Halloween ‘Play-in’ at the Settlement Music School, free and open to all Suzuki Students!
Becky Harris has served as a Teaching Artist for The Philadelphia Orchestra’s School Partnership Program since 2008, and has co-designed and performed interactive performances for Live Connections. She currently serves on the violin faculty for the Curtis Summerfest Young Artist Summer Program.
Pictured below: Here is Becky hosting a – ‘create your own rondo’ adventure for some of Philadelphia’s youngest concert-goers (photo enthusiastically captured from the audience mid-activity!)
Marika has a Master’s Degree in Baroque Violin Pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of the Hague, the Netherlands – a program that she initiated and wrote the curriculum for. She has led Baroque Opera productions at Harvard, Cornell and Brandeis, and coached baroque violin students at Rutgers. Marika has also given master classes and guest lectures at the Novia University of Applied Sciences in Pietarsaari, Finland, and was on the violin faculty at the American School of The Hague, the Netherlands for 5 years.
Pictured below: Franklins with two of the youngest and most enthusiastic audience members at the quartet’s Outreach Concert at Settlement Music School.
Becca Humphrey, along with Belladonna Baroque Quartet, was the recipient of an educational outreach yearlong grant in 2015 with Minnesota Public Radio, and a 2016 EMA educational outreach grant. She maintains a private teaching studio.
Pictured below: Becca with her dapper student!
