Fine & Performing Arts

The primary purpose of the GPS Fine & Performing Arts department is to implement a curriculum that contributes to the development of aesthetic values and that challenges the intellectual, creative, and expressive powers of each student.
The program encourages students to explore the cultural heritage of our society and those of the world through man’s oldest forms of communication - music, art, dance, and drama. A spectrum of fine arts disciplines in sequential levels helps students develop their individual interests while providing the opportunity for students to become appreciative viewers of the arts. One semester of fine arts courses is required for graduation.

Art II

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)

Grade Levels: 9-12

Prerequisite: Art I

Art II offers students the freedom to develop a personal voice and expressive style, building on the printmaking, drawing and painting skills learned in Art I. Participants are introduced to various materials, techniques, and approaches to fiber arts, drawing, and painting in a relaxed but focused atmosphere. This course of study is intended for the enthusiastic art student. It fosters proficiency and independent decision-making and forming and communicating ideas in visual form. Students learn about growing technical and conceptual skills.
Sen Orch (AS) - Sem

Senior Orchestra AS welcomes students who play a string, wind, or percussion instrument (including piano). This Senior Orchestra meets a total of 3 hours after school - Wednesday 3:30 - 5 pm at GPS, and Tuesday 6:30 - 8 pm at McCallie, as Honors Orchestra. Students are also expected to attend extra "called" combined GPS Orchestra rehearsals before concerts. The Senior Orchestra is the premier instrumental performing class at GPS and is open to all music students playing symphonic instruments. Repertoire is based on the great classical and modern literature. All enrolled students are expected to audition for ETSBOA Senior Clinic in Knoxville in January. Rehearsals continue through the end of the year, working on the Musical (if involved), Commencement music, chamber music, and music theory. Curriculum will include All-State Audition preparation, sight reading, Etudes, GPS Concert repertoire, Chamber music repertoire, music theory and ear training. Students will perform on two evening performances in the fall semester, two evening performances in the spring semester, and the May Commencement performance. Students are required to have a working instrument and the GPS Concert Black Dress. 1 credit. Grades 9-12
Art III

2 Semesters (1 Credit)

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Art II

Art III builds on the techniques acquired in Art II, focusing on student drawing and painting skills as a means of visual expression and communication. Students learn to manipulate a broad range of mediums with confidence and intent, accompanied by learning the critical process for judging success in visual expression. Images are created using both the information technology of the present and previous centuries, using traditional approaches working from life, imagination, or informed by the student's own digital images.
College Art Portfolio

2 Semesters (1 Credit)

Grade Levels: 12

Prerequisite: Art II or Graphic Design II
College Portfolio is designed for the senior who is interested in continuing her studies in visual art outside the structure of an AP course. Assigned projects are designed to meet the creative needs of the student who would like to focus on one topic, technique, or medium as well as the student who would like to have a variety of creative experiences, with the option once per quarter for students to create projects of their choice. Projects may include mediums and techniques that are too large or time-consuming for an AP course.
AP 2D Art & Design

2 Semesters (1 Credit)

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisites: Art II OR Graphic Design II required; Art III recommended
This advanced-level studio course was developed for students who wish to explore 2-dimensional design issues involving the art elements and principles of design. The 2D AP portfolio consists of 15 pieces centered around a single theme exhibiting growth and understanding; these may include drawings and paintings as well as graphic design work, photography, and printmaking. Students with extensive graphic design experience will have the opportunity to create artwork in the studio to supplement their previous graphics work.

Recommended criteria: A student in AP Art should have a strong foundational set of established skills and a willingness for deeper understanding of self yet a sense of flexibility to understand and access situations. A student must consider evidence, challenge assumptions, and support their artistic ideas. AP Art requires a significant overall commitment from the student, including time outside the normal class hours.
AP Drawing Portfolio

2 Semesters (1 Credit)

Grade Levels: 12

Prerequisites: Art II required; Art III highly recommended
AP Drawing Portfolio offers advanced art students with a high level of creative energy the opportunity to continue to explore their vision in developing a portfolio for college-level review and credit that reflects their personal voice, a point of view, and emerging style. This course encourages students to refine and apply drawing skills to the ideas they develop throughout the course. Students will engage in producing drawings, paintings on canvas, and experimental relief and transfer printmaking processes inspired by imagination or direct observation, or informed by digital imagery.

Recommended criteria: A student in AP Art should have a strong foundational set of established skills and a willingness for deeper understanding of self yet a sense of flexibility to understand and access situations. A student must consider evidence, challenge assumptions, and support their artistic ideas. AP Art requires a significant overall commitment from the student, including time outside the normal class hours.
Ceramics I

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisites: Art I
This course offers the opportunity to explore working with clay. Students will learn the basics of hand-building, wheel work, and surface design and work toward acquiring a foundation to manipulate clay as a means of self-expression. No previous experience in clay is necessary.
Ceramics II

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisites: Ceramics I
Ceramics II is for pottery students interested in further developing skills and techniques learned in Ceramics I. Students will choose their own projects within the structure of the course. Exposure to historical and contemporary approaches through guest artists and field trips to museums and local galleries will enhance the students’ awareness of possibilities and critical judgment for their own work. Students are expected to deal with more complex projects, developing a sense of aesthetics and growing in independence in working with clay.
GPS Singers

GPS Singers is an auditioned, performance-based choral ensemble for students in grades 9-12. Students will explore exciting and varied choral music styles, foreign languages, and dialects. Class emphasis will be on vocal techniques that promote the growth of the group such as tone quality, balance, blend, proper vowel production, and correct diction. In addition, students will learn advanced music reading and sight-singing skills. The GPS Singers perform two major concerts each year, (winter and spring), that are REQUIRED and serve as their semester exam. Students in GPS Singers must purchase a black formal concert dress (see instructor for purchase information). This class does NOT have a semester option. Prior music reading skills are suggested, but not required for participation in this class. 1/2 credit. Grades 9-12. Instructor approval required. Prerequisite: Student audition.
GPS Singers will meet two times a week for the full year.
Sculpture I

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisites: Art I
Sculpture I is for the student who wishes to work in three dimensions with a variety of materials such as clay, wood, plaster, and other interesting and sometimes unusual materials. There will be a focus on the elements and principles of art and design. Problem-solving skills and creative aptitude will be addressed as students work in 3D. Mental focus and diligence are critical components of the sculpture course.
Sculpture II

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisites: Sculpture I
Sculpture II will allow the student to create more mature work in her medium of choice. With a focus on elements and principles of art and design and how form intersects space, mental acuity and diligence are critical components of the Sculpture II course.
AP 3D Art & Design

2 Semesters (1 Credit)

Grade Levels: 11-12

Prerequisites: Sculpture I or Ceramics I; Sculpture II or Ceramics II recommended
AP 3D is designed to enable the student to find a means of personal expression and self-identification utilizing the 3-dimensional form in a variety of materials. This course allows for more in-depth and advanced exploration than Sculpture I/II and is for the self-motivated student who is willing to be challenged and eager to develop her ability in working with complex sculptural issues.

Recommended criteria: A student in AP Art should have a strong foundational set of established skills, a willingness for deeper understanding of self, yet a sense of flexibility to understand and access situations. A student must consider evidence, challenge assumptions, and support her artistic ideas. AP Art requires a significant overall commitment from the student, including time outside the normal class hours.
Storytelling and the Stage

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)

Grade Levels: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

This introductory theater class prepares students to confidently approach a variety of situations, from play auditions to speaking in public to understanding others’ motivations in everyday life. Students will build an understanding of the art and craft of acting and develop basic acting skills and performance techniques that can be applied in a variety of acting opportunities on stage or in film, TV, radio, live-streaming, podcasts, voiceover for radio and commercials, and more. Students will develop skills in imagination, movement, observation, concentration, and character development.
Improvisation

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)

Grade Levels: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Improvisation is an invaluable skill for any girl who needs to think on her feet, speak in public, or collaborate with others … in other words, everyone! Students in this class will use active listening and practice “saying yes” as they add new information to others’ ideas in order to tell a coherent story. In Improvisation, students play games to identify character, relationship, environment, and conflict, and then build a story on the spot, making it up as they go along. This class is a great place to practice learning through creativity, failing forward, building on each other’s ideas, and having lots of fun!
Improvisation II

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)

Grade Levels: 9-12

Prerequisite: Improvisation

In this course, students who have already completed Improvisation I will build upon their improvisation skills by learning more advanced techniques. In addition to improv games, students will also perform in an improv-based play, as well as a Commedia dell'arte unit. Students can expect to have more leadership roles within the class, and also, a larger audience with possible outside-of-class performances.
Modern Dance

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)

Grade Levels: 9-12

Prerequisite: None
Modern dance will be taught through the practice of technique, supplemented with discussion, reading, journaling, and viewing of videos. Students learn to look at dance critically and develop the ability to make judgments based on aesthetic criteria. A dance history unit is experienced through research and presentation of a selected historical dance figure. A leotard and tights/leggings or bike shorts are required.
Choreography

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)

Grade Levels: 9-12

Prerequisite: Modern Dance
This Intro to Choreography course offers a more in-depth creative experience to those girls who have completed Modern Dance. Students experiment with beginning approaches to constructing short solo works while learning the basics of designing the dance phrase. This sets the stage for larger group interaction and cooperative choreography. The highlight of the course is a concert of student work, which serves as the final exam. Other aspects of the course include the study of terminology and stagecraft, as well as the development of skills and sensitivity to apply aesthetic criteria to choreography. A leotard and tights/leggings or bike shorts are required.
Advanced Choreography

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)

Grade Levels: 10-12

Prerequisite: Choreography
This course is offered for the student who wishes to explore the elements of choreography in more artistic depth. The focus is on advanced individual studies, which can lead to a digital choreography portfolio and provide the chance to explore a wide variety of sources for challenging subject matter. It is taught concurrently with the Introduction to Choreography class, so that structured feedback is readily available. A leotard and tights/leggings or bike shorts are required.
Dance Technique Lab (10)

2 Semesters (1 Credit)

Grade Levels: 10

Prerequisite: Terpsichord audition
Students are admitted to this course through the Terpsichord audition process and must stay in good standing as company members. This course introduces the student to creating, producing, and performing in major concerts with an emphasis on technique, correct alignment, and a complex class structure as well as developing choreographic structure and presentation skills and learning to handle pressures of public performances. Students learn how to hear and apply corrections in a group atmosphere and will assess their own growth through personal reflection, both formal and informal. Instructor feedback to each student is individualized and used to help them understand the goals they have accomplished and those they should set for their future in dance. A leotard and tights/leggings or bike shorts are required.
Dance Choreography Lab (11)

2 Semesters (1 Credit)

Grade Levels: 11

Prerequisite: Terpsichord audition
Students are admitted to this course through the Terpsichord audition process and must stay in good standing as company members. This course has a choreographic structure emphasis, which is assessed through dance works created throughout the year. Dancers are expected to master more complex technical skills in order to successfully perform in works by various choreographers using different approaches. Dancers continue exploring movement in order to gain a more individual movement style and vocabulary. Leadership skills are developed as dancers provide peers with critical feedback that is respectful and insightful. Overall, each girl is expected to choreograph and perform productively in a group setting by being an active listener, creative mover, and diplomatic leader. Dancers assume more production responsibility at this level. A leotard and tights/leggings or bike shorts are required.
Dance Performance Lab (12)

2 Semesters (1 Credit)

Grade Levels: 12

Prerequisite: Terpsichord audition
Students are admitted to this course through the Terpsichord audition process and must stay in good standing as company members. This course is designed to assess the dancer as a whole through her performance capability and knowledge. At the advanced level, students are expected to master complex combinations with a positive and energetic attitude. They are able to identify and correct individual challenges without continuous prompting. Leadership is expected at the highest level as students must be able to lead a group of dancers through the choreographic process as well as serve as positive role models who demonstrate a respectful and caring approach to group work while maintaining artistic integrity. A leotard and tights/leggings or bike shorts are required.
GPS Singers

2 Semesters (1 Credit)

Grade Levels: 9-12

Prerequisite: Prior voice lessons or ensemble experience is suggested; director approval required

GPS Singers is the premiere performance-based choral ensemble for students grades 9-12. Class emphasis will be on vocal technique that can be applied individually and for ensemble purposes. Techniques developed will improve the overall ensemble sound and include, but are not limited to, tone quality, balance, blend, proper vowel production, and correct diction; students will explore advanced music reading and sight-singing skills. The GPS Singers perform two major required concerts each year, (winter and spring) along with the final dress rehearsal the day prior to the concert. Additional concerts both on and off campus are scheduled throughout the year, including (but not limited to) local retirement communities, the Chattanooga Ballet Nutcracker, and GPS Alumni Events. Students in GPS Singers may also audition for local, regional, and national honor choirs. Optional touring performance opportunities occur on even years. Students in GPS Singers must purchase a black formal concert dress; contact instructor for guidelines.
Senior Orchestra

2 Semesters (.5 Credit)

Meets: 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, plus called rehearsals

Grade Levels: 9-12

Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced skills in a string, wind, or percussion instrument (including piano); placement by audition in August

Senior Orchestra (known as Honors Orchestra at McCallie) is the premier instrumental performing class at GPS. Students will participate in two evening performances in the fall semester, two evening performances in the spring semester, and the May Commencement performance. Curriculum will include All-State Audition preparation, sight reading, Etudes, GPS Concert repertoire, Chamber music repertoire, music theory, and ear training. Rehearsals continue through the end of the year, working on the Upper School spring musical (if involved), Commencement music, chamber music, and music theory. All enrolled students are expected to audition for ETSBOA Senior Clinic in Knoxville held in January. Students are required to have a working instrument and a concert black dress or suit.

NOTE: This course will not be requested during course requests but instead will be placed based on auditions in the fall. If you are interested in auditioning, email Nichole Pitts at npitts@gps.edu.
AP Music Theory

2 Semesters (1 Credit)
Grade Levels: 11-12
Prerequisite: 2 years of high school music experience in an ensemble (GPS Singers, Senior Orchestra or Wind Ensemble) or 3 years of private music instruction on an instrument
Co-requisite: Private lessons or participation in a performing ensemble
AP Music Theory is a college-level course that takes an in-depth look into music and how it is put together. This course is the equivalent to one to two semesters of introductory college music theory coursework and covers topics ranging from musicianship and theory to musical materials and procedures. Musicianship skills, including aural dictation skills and sight reading/singing skills are developed in correspondence with each topic. By the end of the class, students should be able to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Additionally, students perform in this class through the practice of sight reading.
Drawing I

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)
Grade Levels: 9-12
Prerequisites: None
Drawing is fundamental to other art studies. This course deepens the student’s understanding of its technical and conceptual components. Students will focus on observational drawing to investigate still life, portraiture, human figures, and architectural subjects. They will develop their skills using a variety of mediums, including charcoal, colored pencils, chalk pastels, and graphite pencils, to explore texture, shading, line work, and mark-making.
Drawing II

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)
Grade Levels: 10-12
Prerequisites: Foundations of Art or Drawing I
Building on the foundation of Drawing I, this advanced course deepens students' skills and encourages them to explore narrative, symbolism, and personal perspective in drawing. Using various mediums such as charcoal, colored pencils, chalk pastels, and graphite, students will create projects that incorporate multi-view compositions, life studies, visual metaphors, and mixed-media techniques. Emphasis is placed on creative expression and developing a unique artistic voice.
Foundations of Art

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)
Grade Levels: 9-12
Prerequisites: None
Foundations of Art is a studio course that engages students in exploring elements and principles of art and design through various media while fostering visual self-expression and independent thinking. The course includes discussions on art history enhancing students' understanding of the relationship between artists and viewers. Central to the course is the inquiry: What is good art and what do all good art pieces have in common? Students will develop a personal voice, a visual language, and expand their awareness of different perspectives. The curriculum emphasizes creative thinking, critical problem-solving in art creation, and effective art critique, ultimately highlighting the importance of artistic expression in reflecting individuality and shared human experiences.
Painting

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)
Grade Levels: 10-12
Prerequisites: Foundations of Art or Drawing I
With a knowledge of drawing, investigate light, form, and color through the paint medium. Students will interpret still-life arrangements, human figures, structures, and abstraction using traditional and innovative techniques. They will develop their skills with both acrylic and oil paint mediums. In addition to painting, students will keep a visual journal and participate in critiques.
Principles of Production Design

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)
Grade Levels: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This course is for the student that wants to know how live productions are created. Students will learn the theory behind how scenery, lighting, sound, properties, and costumes are taken from the page to the stage from a design perspective. Each student will have the opportunity to dive into productions, artists, or shows that fit their specific interests as they learn about the practice of different technical aspects. Projects for each of the different areas will provide students with insight into the technical design process as they are asked to apply what they have learned to create their own designs for technical elements of varying styles of production.
Printmaking

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)
Grade Levels: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This printmaking class offers students an engaging introduction to diverse techniques for creating multiple impressions of an image on paper or other materials. Students will explore essential printmaking methods, including relief printing, intaglio, and screen printing, while developing technical skills with tools like carving implements, inks, and printing presses. The course emphasizes conceptual development, guiding students in designing original artwork with a focus on composition, color theory, and visual narrative. Additionally, students will examine the historical context of printmaking, learning about influential artists and traditions across cultures. Hands-on studio practice will involve creating print editions, including plate preparation, inking, registration, and printing., We will share our feedback through peer critiques to foster artistic growth.
Symphonic Ensemble

2 Semester (1 Credit)
Grade Levels: 9-12
Prerequisite: Basic proficiency on an instrument
In Symphonic Ensemble, orchestra and band unite for a dynamic musical experience. Open to musicians on string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments, this course emphasizes ensemble balance, tone, and expressive performance. Students will explore diverse repertoire, develop technical skills, and strengthen teamwork through rehearsals and performances. Regular concerts and school events provide opportunities to showcase talents and share a passion for music. Whether you're experienced or eager to grow, this class inspires musical and personal growth.
Technical Theater Workshop

1 Semester (0.5 Credit)
Grade Levels: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This course offers students an opportunity to develop skills for use around the stage and beyond, from the scene shop to the light and sound both. Students will build hands-on, functional competency with various tools, consoles, and equipment, and they will apply those skills to serve real-world needs by contributing to events that take place on Frierson’s stage. Students will learn to construct and finish scenery; focus and program lighting; and compose and map projection and sound elements for concerts, musicals, and events.
Technical Theatre

The Technical Theater course is a practicum including direct instruction and hands-on experience of opportunities in performance support, including the fields of costuming, scenery, props, lighting, and sound. ½ credit (1 semester). Grades 9-12.

Curriculum

Explore Our Curriculum

Fine & Performing Arts

Art II

Sen Orch (AS) - Sem

Art III

College Art Portfolio

AP 2D Art & Design

AP Drawing Portfolio

Ceramics I

Ceramics II

GPS Singers

Sculpture I

Sculpture II

AP 3D Art & Design

Storytelling and the Stage

Improvisation

Improvisation II

Modern Dance

Choreography

Advanced Choreography

Dance Technique Lab (10)

Dance Choreography Lab (11)

Dance Performance Lab (12)

GPS Singers

Senior Orchestra

AP Music Theory

Drawing I

Drawing II

Foundations of Art

Painting

Principles of Production Design

Printmaking

Symphonic Ensemble

Technical Theater Workshop

Technical Theatre

Faculty

Girls Preparatory School