The sixth grade studio art class is focused on skill development using the elements of art and design as a foundation for learning. Projects demonstrate aptitude and age appropriate understanding of the subject matter. A variety of mediums are used in the sixth grade studio art course. Several projects are effectively combined with sixth grade core class material creating an exciting interdisciplinary approach along with increased knowledge and competency. All necessary materials are provided.

The seventh-grade studio art class is focused on developing skills incorporating the “principles of art and design.” The course is designed to challenge a student’s imagination and problem-solving abilities. Project materials and techniques in this interdisciplinary class become increasingly more complex as the year progresses. All levels of talent are served by this curriculum. Art 7 projects offer experiences in drawing, design, sculpture, painting, printing, and more. All necessary materials are provided.

This studio course builds on concepts introduced in seventh grade art and places emphasis on developing a more detailed and personal approach to abstract and realistic art. Students will explore the creative worlds of drawing, painting, and sculptural textile arts with a variety of materials, color mixing, and design principles. Students will use problem solving techniques and imagination is the key ingredient in this course. All necessary materials are provided.

At GPS, dance is for everyone. The sixth grade curriculum is based on creative movement while developing the student’s expressive voice through dance. Girls who have been dancing for years, and those with no previous experience, find new ways of learning and communicating. Every class includes technique, choreography, and collaboration with peers. Each dancer will learn to explore new ideas, give productive feedback, and have fun playing movement games! Required dance clothing can be purchased through the school (see dance instructor).

Seventh-grade dancers enjoy this interdisciplinary class that collaborates with the seventh-grade history/social sciences class. The students will explore historical events, discuss the reasons and the results of the events, and reinforce learning and understanding through physical movement. The cultural history of many countries around the globe aid in illuminating and enriching this exciting dance class. Required dance clothing can be purchased through the school.

This course is based on learning various dance techniques beginning with modern dance followed by ballet and jazz. Each of these components includes dance history relevant to each style. Through each genre of dance, students are asked to create movement phrases in small groups based on what they learned in previous classes. Putting together phrases through inspiration from class focuses the student on collaborative skills, competency, and authentic experiences. The class concludes with a student-created video documenting each girl’s choreographic studies in the various styles of dance. Required dance clothing may be purchased through the school.  This is a semester course.

This course is based on learning various dance techniques beginning with modern dance followed by ballet and jazz. Each of these components includes dance history relevant to each style. Through each genre of dance, students are asked to create movement phrases in small groups based on what they learned in previous classes. Putting together phrases through inspiration from class focuses the student on collaborative skills, competency, and authentic experiences. The class concludes with a student-created video documenting each girl’s choreographic studies in the various styles of dance. Required dance clothing may be purchased through the school.  This is a semester course.

A student in this general music class will listen to classical composers for form and style, learn the basics of playing symphonic instruments in the string, woodwind, brass and percussion families, and learn to sing the traditional GPS songs. Students will study the fundamentals of music, including reading and writing rhythms, and interval recognition. This 6th grade class will also perform a special Class Day song to sing to the seniors in May.

This course is for the vocal music student who wishes to further develop skills as a performer. Focus is placed on the development of healthy vocal tone, ensemble skills, and music reading and terminology. MS Choir is open to 7th and 8th grade girls. This group will have two (2) required evening performances during the year. Students who enroll in this course will receive further information from the instructor including required materials, or placement information. This is a full year course. Highly motivated students can audition for placement in the Coordinate Choir with McCallie, which functions as a daytime club activity through GPS.

This class is for students of the violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Repertoire will range from beginning to intermediate pieces. An instrument must be purchased or rented for this class. This group will have two (2) required evening rehearsals and 2 required evening performances during the year one for fall, and one for spring. Students who enroll in this course will receive further information from the instructor including required materials, auditions, or placement information. All experience levels are welcome.

This class is for beginning to experienced students of flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, and percussion/drums. Students will improve their music reading ability, learn multiple 5 note patterns, scales and master beginning rhythm techniques. An instrument must be purchased or rented for this classThis group will have two (2) required evening rehearsals and 2 required performances during the year. Students who enroll in this course will receive further information from the instructor including required materials, auditions, or placement information. All experience levels are welcome.

The Movement and Music Theory course is designed for students who enjoy modern technique, choreography, and music! Dance elements will be explored, applied, and combined with music to give the dancer a dual experience in both artistic forms. Each dancer will examine the symbiotic relationship between music and modern dance by exploring rhythm, dynamics, meter, and tempo. This will lead to finding meaningful ways to connect with an audience and culminate in a small performance at the end of the semester.

The sixth grade experience is an all immersive one in the building blocks of playwriting, acting, and production that focuses on the individual voice of each young woman. Students will take part in a playwriting and production laboratory and learn the introductory theater terminology and practices that will form the foundation of their work. The class culminates in performances of original plays written, directed, and performed by students.

In this course, we will dive deeper into the magical world of theater arts. We will establish the theater family and the importance of working as a team and following directions as well as taking feedback. We seek to build connection and confidence through the art and craft of theater arts. We explore modes and methods of acting (including improv, voiceover, monologue, and scene work), playwriting, directing, and stage management.

In this course, we will dive deeper to the magical world of theater arts by performing a one-act play. We will establish the theater family and the importance of working as a team and following directions. We seek to build connection and confidence through the art and craft of theater arts. We dive into blocking, acting, character development, theater terminology, stage management, production, and everything needed to perform for a live audience…culminating in a class performance for peers, parents, and faculty.

The sixth-grade studio art class is focused on skill development using the elements of art and design as a foundation for learning. Projects demonstrate aptitude and age-appropriate understanding of the subject matter. A variety of mediums are used in the sixth-grade studio art course. Several projects are effectively combined with sixth-grade core class material creating an exciting interdisciplinary approach along with increased knowledge and competency. All necessary materials are provided. Meets one (1) time per week for the full year.

The seventh-grade studio art class is focused on developing skills incorporating the principles of art and design. The course is designed to challenge a student's imagination and problem-solving abilities. Project materials and techniques in the class become increasingly more complex as the year progresses. All levels of talent are served by this curriculum. Art 7 projects offer experiences in drawing, design, painting, printing, and more. All necessary materials are provided. Meets one (1) time per week for the full year.

This studio course builds on concepts introduced in seventh-grade art and places emphasis on developing a more detailed and personal approach to abstract and realistic art. Students explore the world of collage, sculpture, calligraphy, drawing, and painting. Students participate in an informal, relaxed atmosphere where talent is appreciated, but not required. All necessary materials are provided. Meets two (2) times per week for the full year.

At GPS, dance is for everyone. The sixth-grade curriculum is based on creative movement while developing the student’s expressive voice through dance. Girls who have been dancing for years, and those with no previous experience, find new ways of learning and communicating. This class also performs their collaborative choreography on the morning of May Day. The sixth-grade dancer will have one other performance during the school year during school hours. Required dance clothing can be purchased through the school (see dance instructor). Meets one (1) time per week for the full year.

This course challenges students to refine their understanding and personal approach to the study of modern and contemporary dance. These classes deepen the student's understanding of dance history, somatic awareness, efficient athleticism, and creative voice. The youth development component co-occurs within the class for the dancers to have an opportunity to develop an increased awareness of themselves while learning modern dance. Therefore, the dancers' cognitive and social-emotional development are impacted, such as social-emotional competence (communication skills, conflict resolution, and social awareness and adaptability) and cognitive competence (problem-solving, self-regulation, self-awareness, and self-talk). Required dance clothing can be purchased through the school (see dance instructor). Meets one (1) time per week for the full year.

This course is based on learning various dance techniques beginning with modern dance followed by ballet and jazz. Each of these components includes dance history relevant to each style. The art of improvisational dance continues to be an aspect of this course, as in every other dance course at GPS. The class concludes with a student-created video documenting each girl’s choreographic studies in the various styles of dance. Required dance clothing can be purchased through the school (see dance instructor). Meets two (2) times per week for the full year.

A student in this general music class will listen to classical composers for form and style, learn the basics of playing symphonic instruments in the string, woodwind, brass and percussion families, and learn to sing the traditional GPS songs. Students will study the fundamentals of music, including reading and writing rhythms, and interval recognition. This 6th grade class will also perform a special Class Day song to sing to the seniors in May. Meets one (1) time per week for the full year.

The sixth-grade experience is an all-immersive one in the building blocks of playwriting, acting, and production that focuses on the individual voice of each young woman. Students will take part in a playwriting and production laboratory-developed initially by New York City's 52nd St Playhouse and learn the introductory theatre terminology and practices that will form the foundation of their work. The class culminates in a staged reading laboratory organized and managed by the students. Meets one (1) time per week for the full year.

The fall semester classes are primarily exercises and lessons that build on the performing skills of movement theater and ensemble theater with an emphasis on physical creativity. In the spring semester, vocal and text exercises are added and the students extend their acting skills into the realm of dramatic literature. Lectures and discussion surrounding theater history, theater vocabulary, improvisation, and good performance practice are integrated. All necessary materials are provided. Meets one (1) time per week for the full year.

The students will learn to use their vocal instrument to create a correct and pleasing sound. In addition to learning proper vocal production and technique, students will also learn music reading and sight-singing skills. This group will have two (2) REQUIRED performances throughout the year. Additionally, the Coordinate Choir participates in the East Tennessee Choral Music Festival for adjudication scores and comments. MS Coordinate Choir is open to 7th and 8th-grade girls, by audition only. Concert clothing will be the GPS winter uniform. All necessary materials are provided. Meets two (2) times per week for the full year.

This class is for students of the violin, viola, cello, and string bass who have played for several years and can read music well. The repertoire is more advanced and performing opportunities are given throughout the year including a required fall and spring concert. An instrument must be purchased or rented for this class, along with a concert performance suit or dress. Students who enroll in this course will receive further information from the instructor. Admittance to this class is by audition only. Meets two (2) times per week for the full year.