Oboe section from the 2023 AMP Summer Series Philharmonia Orchestra in Performance. (credit: Qu West Photography)

Atlanta Music Project receives $4.6 million in two transformative gifts

EarRelevant Staff | 15 NOV 2023

Atlanta, GA— In a Tuesday afternoon press release, the Atlanta Music Project (AMP) publicly unveiled the receipt of two significant gifts from the Chestnut Family Foundation and an anonymous donor totaling $4,642,000, marking a pivotal moment in its mission to provide top-tier music training and performance opportunities to youth in underserved communities.

This development coincides with AMP’s most expansive year of service, wherein it will engage over 700 students spanning grades 1 through college in extensive programming that includes band, orchestra, choir, private lessons, summer programs, and college and career support.


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In September 2023, an anonymous donor bestowed upon AMP the largest single gift in the organization’s history, amounting to $3,500,000. The funds are earmarked for acquiring high-quality orchestral instruments for the AMP Youth Orchestras and for providing Steinway & Sons pianos for the entire AMP Center for Performance & Education in southwest Atlanta. Additionally, the funds will facilitate the establishment of two new endowments—one supporting national and international performances and competitions for AMP ensembles and the other for sustaining the ongoing maintenance of AMP instruments and equipment.

Subsequently, in October 2023, the Chestnut Family Foundation contributed $1,142,000 to AMP, representing the foundation’s most substantial single gift to date. These funds are designated to bolster various aspects of AMP, including the development of teaching artists, the creation of a new full-time Music Career Counselor position, support for AMP’s partnerships within local public schools, and reinforcement of AMP’s two new endowments.


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Recognized as one of AMP’s steadfast philanthropic supporters, The Chestnut Family Foundation has previously played a key role in supporting initiatives such as AMP’s Next Movement Capital Campaign, the establishment of AMP’s headquarters, and the creation of the AMP Chestnut Family Foundation College Scholarship Fund for support of AMP alums pursuing post-secondary education.

In a statement, Ben and Teresa Chestnut, trustees of the Chestnut Family Foundation, said, “At the Chestnut Family Foundation, we believe in the life-changing potential of the arts. Our support of the Atlanta Music Project reflects our commitment to providing young musicians with the tools to thrive. We are proud to continue to support the wonderful growth trajectory of AMP and the expansion of its impact on our community.”


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AMP leadership anticipates these transformative gifts will significantly enhance its ability to serve its most advanced young musicians while supporting the professional musicians who instruct them. This infusion of funding represents a significant stride toward the organization’s financial sustainability, ensuring the continuation of life-changing experiences for AMP students.

“We are humbled and elated by the incredible generosity of the anonymous donor and the Chestnut Family Foundation,” expressed Dantes Rameau, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Music Project. “Their respective investments in AMP, which were developed using principles of trust-based philanthropy, underscore the power of music to support youth development and achievement.”

Philip M. Juravel, Chair of the Atlanta Music Project Board of Directors, stated, “As a longtime volunteer board member of AMP, I am deeply moved by the profound impact these transformational gifts will have on the children we serve. The generosity of the anonymous donor and the Chestnut Family Foundation has ignited a new era of possibilities. On behalf of the AMP Board of Directors, thank you.”

For more information, visit the Atlanta Music Project’s website: atlantamusicproject.org.

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