ARTS
FINE & PERFORMING
W H E R E G IR L S CR EATE G IR L S P R E PA R AT ORY SCHOOL
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G I R L S P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
THE ARTS FOR EACH GIRL The Fine and Performing Arts Program at GPS touches each girl. Dance, drama, visual arts, and music are all required in sixth and seventh grades. From there, a student can craft her own path, with more than 40 arts classes to choose from throughout her GPS career. Recognized as a tenet for educating and engaging the whole girl, the arts are integral to the GPS experience. Classes provide a safe space for young girls to take risks, make mistakes, uncover hidden talents, and foster deep connections. Beautiful works are created but, more importantly, a girl learns to master a creative process that will benefit her throughout her life—whether she wants to be a software engineer, a painter, or an accountant.
Not every girl will become an artist, but each girl learns to be a creator.
G I R L S P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
“GPS has developed a thriving arts program with more than 35 classes offered in our curriculum as well as a wide variety of after-school arts programming. Whether it be theater, dance, music, or the visual arts, our aim is for each girl to experience the power of creating—through learned skills, risk-taking, collaboration, decision-making, and the often humbling and edifying process of revision. Our hope is that when she leaves our classrooms, she appreciates that most problems have multiple solutions, that mistakes are a prerequisite for discovery, and most of all, the importance of her creative voice.” Amanda Byars ’99, Director of Fine & Performing Arts
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THE CREATIVE CLASSROOM Engaging different parts of her brain, the arts are uniquely positioned to foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and confidence —all elements of the GPS learning framework. (adapted from the National Education Association)
G I R L S P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
CREATIVITY | “English composer Frederick Delius once
said, ‘There is only one real happiness in life, and that is the happiness of creating.’ Music classes at GPS inspire our girls to be active participants in the music experience, take risks, and explore the possibilities each composition or performance holds. Through the process of learning and performing music, GPS students develop a lifelong engagement with music and the arts.” Emily K. Tousek ’01, Director of Cadek Conservatory and Music Teacher
CRITICAL THINKING | “Critical thinking skills are a natural
outcome of working in the theater arts space. You are always thinking beyond yourself to the other actors, the story you are telling, the production staff, and even the audience itself. Theater arts forces you into a place where you are constantly thinking beyond your own life and reframing your decisions and choices in ways that fit the given moment of the production.” Heather Hammond, Middle School Theater and English Teacher
COMMUNICATION | “In dance, girls have to conceive,
create, and rehearse as a group. Through this they learn how to have a strong voice but also an openness to receive. It’s about voicing opinions while realizing that not every opinion will fit.” Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90, Dance Teacher and Director of Terpsichord
COLLABORATION | “The wonderful thing about theater
is that students can use their own unique talents to build something wonderful together. Whether they are on the stage, backstage, or in the tech booth, all of these parts must work together to perform a show. It’s fantastic to see them collaborate and experience the smiles on their faces when they pull off something amazing.” Chelsea Padro, GPS | McCallie Director of Theater Arts
CONFIDENCE | “Girls often have to talk about the pieces they’re creating, and when they hear positive feedback from both their teacher and their peers, it can really boost their confidence levels in ways that transcend the art room. They learn very early on that being creative always works to their advantage. They learn to find their voice and that what they have to say matters.” Meg Persinger Brock ’79, Fine & Performing Arts Teacher
“Music has helped me learn to be a problem solver, gain confidence, and connect with others.” Margaret Lim ’18, who played violin in the Tango String Quartet and studied neuroscience at Duke University
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THINKING LIKE AN ARTIST MEANS…
» D EVELOPING CRAFT continually assessing what works and what doesn’t » O BSERVING taking the time to closely examine the world around you
G I R L S P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
» S TRETCHING feeling free to make mistakes and refining your process along the way » E XPRESSING learning to have a strong voice but an openness to receive feedback » E NGAGING AND PERSISTING having the discipline to push through barriers » C ONNECTING realizing great works aren’t accomplished in a vacuum
Formed in 1954, Terpsichord was the first high school contemporary dance company in Tennessee and is one of the longest-running dance programs of its kind in the U.S.
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DESIGNED FOR GIRLS Girls thrive in a learning environment that offers community, connection, and experiential learning. They learn best when they feel supported. Each member of the fine and performing arts faculty is deeply committed to establishing a supportive environment in which each girl can thrive.
G I R L S P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
» “ I can honestly say that I felt more challenged and supported in the art department at GPS than I did in my collegiate art classes. That does not mean that my college art program was weak but that the GPS program is so incredibly strong. The community fostered in the GPS art classrooms is invaluable for a young artist.” Abigail Hegwood ’18 majored in studio art at Hollins University and attends Midwestern University for medical school. » “ I think GPS does well in resisting labels for their students. I was never the art girl, or the rowing girl, or the smart girl. I did well in those areas, but I was always just me. When I found myself in a more competitive environment—better students, better athletes, better artists—I didn’t lose my identity because GPS taught me to value myself beyond my performance or ranking.” Lauchlan Davis ’14 graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in English and art history and works as an artist in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Charleston, South Carolina. » “ While I value my experience at GPS in its entirety, I can trace nearly everything I’m doing professionally back to early foundations in the GPS arts program. Perhaps the most important thing I gained was the sense of community it fosters. In the arts, we strive to do our best in ways that are unique to us and celebrate others for doing the same.” Jennifer Goldsmith Clements ’01 graduated magna cum laude from Marist College, earned her MFA in creative writing from George Mason University, and was a Fulbright Scholar recipient. She serves as managing director of Theater Alliance in Washington, D.C.
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OUR PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
35+
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES OFFERED FROM 6TH TO 12TH GRADES
100%
ARTS PARTICIPATION IN MIDDLE SCHOOL; 77% IN UPPER SCHOOL
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AVERAGE NUMBER OF ART CLASSES A GIRL WILL TAKE WHILE AT GPS
2 THEATERS | 4 DANCE STUDIOS | 7 ART STUDIOS 700: the number of seats in Frierson Theatre, one of the largest theaters in Chattanooga 3: number of AP art classes offered* (AP 3D, AP 2D, AP Drawing Portfolio) 9: average number of professional artists, musicians, and dancers who visit campus each year as part of the Guest Artist program
KEY PARTNERS in the community, such as the Chattanooga Symphony, Chattanooga
GUEST ARTISTS are welcomed to campus throughout the year. National and international
professionals in both dance and visual arts have given presentations and hosted workshops thanks to the Fine Arts Visions Guest Artist Fund and other individual donations. Music students are allowed to take a complimentary master class one semester per year, gaining one-on-one instruction from a professional musician.
THE FLETCHER BRIGHT FELLOWSHIP for Inspiring Artistic and Community Engagement, is awarded to a rising GPS senior with the goal of fostering growth as she develops a discerning sense of inquiry and explores an area of concentration that brings excitement and sensitivity of wonder. This monetary award allows the winning fellow to channel her passion for dance, music, theater, or any of the arts in a way that enriches the diverse communities in our region. Fellows can use funds for lessons, workshops, master classes, summer programs, supplies, travel, or to underwrite a final performance/exhibit.
*Some AP classes may be offered in alternate years.
State Theater Program, and local art galleries, strengthen the program and enrich academic experiences by offering students an opportunity to showcase their talents outside of GPS and contributing their expertise and talents to GPS productions. In return, GPS supports local community nonprofits by providing works of art.
G I R L S P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
AT GPS, THE ARTS ARE… INDIVIDUALIZED A student doesn’t have to love the spotlight to find her place. Each girl is encouraged to foster her creativity in the subjects that interest her. We allow girls to tell their own stories, from their own lives, and be their own heroes.
INTEGRATED The arts can enhance understanding in other disciplines, and teachers always seek ways to collaborate. This might look like an eighth-grade dance class demonstrating the 5 Atomic Theories through movement, or a sixth-grade visual arts class painting masks that mirror the global cultures being studied in geography. English and dance teachers have partnered to help sixth-graders understand the rudiments of poetry through movement. An Upper School science teacher even asked for input on Gyotaku fish printing to supplement her lesson on fish dissection.
TRANSFORMATIVE We meet each girl where she is and challenge her to reach her full potential. A student who had never read music now shines as a violinist, one of the most difficult instruments to learn. An eighth-grade girl who hadn’t danced beyond preschool ballet was selected for a prestigious summer dance intensive. The GPS Fine and Performing Arts program opens girls’ eyes and uncovers talents of which they may have been previously unaware.
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by Abbey Hegwood '18
G I R L S P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
THE ARTISTIC ADVANTAGE Extensive and deep involvement in arts activities was a significant predictor of students’ later academic achievement and community involvement. The relationship between arts-rich educational opportunities and subsequent achievement persisted, even when controlling for socio-economic status. (Source: The Brookings Institute)
High school students who have taken 4+ years of art classes score, on average, 49 points higher on the verbal portion of the SAT and 38 points higher on the math portion. (Source: Critical Evidence)
CHILDREN WHO STUDY THE ARTS ARE: » Four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. » Elected to class office within their schools three times as often. » Four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair. » Three times more likely to win an award for school attendance. » Four times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem. (Source: Americans for the Arts)
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HONORS & ACCOLADES
G I R L S P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
» G PS girls consistently apply and are admitted to the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts month-long summer programs. » T he GPS instrumental music curriculum boasts one of the largest performance-aimed programs in the area. » T he Tango String Quartet is a semi-professional ensemble that performs throughout the school year, from on-campus luncheons to weddings and banquets at the Convention Center and Hunter Museum of American Art. Students have even won cash awards to help with college expenses. » T he Middle School vocal program has consistently earned a superior rating in performance and sight reading from the East Tennessee Vocal Association. » E ach year numerous students receive honors from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Established by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, this award recognition program is the nation’s longest-running program for creative teens and considered the most prestigious. » G PS | McCallie Middle School’s play, Let ‘Em Play was featured in American Theatre magazine.
“Now as a professor, I realize that many of my entrylevel students don’t know how to use basic design software. Having a high school offer graphic design classes puts GPS students ahead of the game, and I know I would not be where I am today if I hadn’t had the graphic design opportunity at GPS.” Christina Singer ’08, assistant professor of graphic design at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, formerly an in-house designer for a Meredith Corporation magazine in Vermont after graduating from East Tennessee State University
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A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE A snapshot of the incredible GPS alumnae making an impact in the arts. MARSHALL PERSINGER ’77, film and TV producer
Marshall began her entertainment career in 1986 in New York, cutting her teeth on such high-profile projects as The Silence of the Lambs, The Thin Blue Line, Married to the Mob, and Miami Blues. Her company, Fresh Produce Pictures, allows her to pursue creatively challenging and innovative projects. She has overseen multiple well-known productions including the Emmy-nominated series The Alienist, Peabody Award-winning Rectify, and Lifetime’s hit series Army Wives. Her documentary Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession was an official selection at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and subsequently screened at film festivals all over the world. Marshall also produced Showtime’s Wild Iris, which garnered Best Actress Emmy nominations for both Gena Rowlands and Laura Linney, with Linney winning the award. “When I was at GPS, there was not a formal fine arts department; the exposure to the arts was across the board in our regular classes, including English, history, Bible, French, and even Terpsichord. All of the faculty were committed to teaching in unique and memorable ways. They imbued a deep curiosity and interest in many topics, cultures, and religions, which continue to drive me in my work today as I determine what films or TV series I will explore and/or produce.”
PHOEBE-AGNÈS MILLS ’18, painter | A graduate of Sewanee:
The University of the South with honors and awards in both her majors of philosophy and art, Phoebe has studied abroad in Paris and was selected to attend the New York Academy of Art summer program while in college. While at GPS, her painting “Watercolor Windows” won the Congressional Art Competition, which led to its being displayed in the U.S. Capitol. In 2019, Phoebe won Best in Show runner-up at a juried member’s show for the Association for Visual Arts. “Many of the great strides that I made both in artistic skill as well as in confidence in my abilities were cultivated while at GPS. All of the faculty were (and still are) incredibly supportive, though this support was well matched with a good amount of freedom. The GPS Fine Arts Department introduced me to opportunities that have been invaluable to my growth as an artist.”
G I R L S P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
SARAH UNRUH ’95, designer, owner of Maquette Kids
A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in furniture design, Sarah has worked for some of the country's largest housewares brands, including the Food Network and Martha Stewart. In 2016, she launched Cosmos Textiles, a home textile company specializing in upcycled, antique linens. Her latest venture—Maquette Kids—is a line of modular birchwood dollhouses that children assemble themselves. “GPS gave me the space to explore and deepen my creative thinking, which led to a career in problem solving—design. I’ll never forget the sparkle in Mrs. Carrithers’ eye when I was accepted into the Rhode Island School of Design.”
MARY CHANDLER GWIN ’14, medical student, dancer
Mary Chandler is a dancer, choreographer, scientist, and medical student. Although she graduated from Yale with distinction in her major, molecular biophysics and biochemistry, she pursued the arts with equal fervor, navigating dance, art history, writing, and theater classes. In 2018, Yale honored her with the Louis Sudler Prize for Excellence in the Creative Performing Arts. As a medical student at UNC-Chapel Hill, she still finds time to dance with a local performance company. “At GPS I was able to dance with Terpsichord while also competing in Science Olympiad and JETS, allowing me to fully explore my appreciation of science and art from an early stage. The interdisciplinary approach of the GPS Fine Arts Department taught me the importance of balance and provided me with some basic tools on how to establish such. I’m thankful that I was able to learn these strategies at a young age.”
MARY ALICE HANEY ’89, creative director and CEO of
HANEY | Mary Alice’s résumé is as glamorous as the women who wear her namesake line, HANEY—Reese Witherspoon, Heidi Klum, Taylor Swift, and Kerry Washington, to name a few. After graduating from Southern Methodist University and getting her MFA from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, she began her career working for Harper’s Bazaar. After serving as the west coast editor for Allure, GQ, Marie Claire, and Lucky magazines, she went on to a successful career as a celebrity stylist for A-listers such as Jennifer Lawerence, Brie Larson, and Blake Lively. In addition to launching her own ready-to-wear label in 2013, Mary Alice has created and hosted several TV fashion shows and served as a fashion expert on the Today show and Good Morning America. “My art portfolio from GPS was one of the main reasons I got into SMU and then later into American Film Institute. The art department and also Terpsichord gave me so much joy and confidence. I can't express how important the work I created at GPS was to my future career in the arts.”
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KAREN WILSON HARPER ’79, session singer,
production designer, floral designer | Karen has graced many famous stages as a Los Angeles-based singer, including live performances at the Oscars, Grammys, and The Hollywood Bowl. In addition to singing in more than 130 films, numerous TV shows, and commercials, Karen has recorded as a session singer with various big-name artists, including Harry Connick Jr., Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Alan Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, and more. She’s also performed live with Enya, Perry Como, Randy Newman, and Gnarls Barkley, and as lead singer in many LA-based jazz and pop bands, including The Red Hots. In 2009, she started pursuing production design for film and TV and launched a successful floral design company in 2011. “I draw on my experiences from the GPS fine arts department often in my career. Thanks to amazing teachers, I felt supported to pursue all types of mediums. The most important to me was the music department, but I loved Terpsichord as well, as it opened my eyes to a new kind of expression. GPS also helped me realize my love for painting, drawing, and even sculpting.”
LINDSAY MEEKS EDWARDS ’99, dance therapist
Lindsay is a board-certified dance/movement therapist and licensed professional counselor, receiving a Master of Art degree from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Florida State University. She currently serves as director of the creative arts therapies department at a federally qualified health center in Philadelphia. She has been recognized throughout her career, including receiving the Most Excellence in Clinical Work award for dance/movement therapy from Drexel University and the Association of Performing Arts Professionals’ Emerging Leadership award while working for the Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography. “By studying dance in an educational setting, students who didn’t excel by traditional standards were still given opportunities to shine. I internalized that every person has something unique to offer, and collectively we are stronger because of our differences. This helps me as a dance/movement therapist to witness people’s truths and assist them in discovering the gifts they offer. The GPS Fine Arts Department normalized risk taking, failing, process vs. product, conflict resolve, consensus making, and creative expression as a means to teach collectivism.”
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EMILY KILLIAN ’06, actress | Emily works as an actress in Los
Angeles, with nearly 20 television and film credits. She was named Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, and earned Best Actress nominations for her stage roles as Belle in Beauty and the Beast and as Shelby in Steel Magnolias. Her latest credits include the films Planet Dune and The Discernment. “GPS provided the most inclusive, student-focused theater program I could have hoped to be a part of, creating an environment that not only equipped us with the skills to bring excellence in our work, but also armed us with the curiosity and confidence to become better stewards of our craft. The collaboration I learned has made me a better team member on stage and on set today.”
JENNIFER HALENER ’92, violin maker | Jennifer has been making violins in Nashville since 2004, and her instruments have been played on stages at the Grand Ole Opry, Chattanooga River Rocks Festival, and the 2015 Maker’s Fair in Nashville. Jennifer was first introduced to the craft when she watched Jim Humble of Ooltewah make her first violin at age 11. It wasn’t until she graduated Belmont University and started apprenticing with local luthiers that she gave the craft serious consideration. Jennifer has been recognized by the Southern Violin Association and recently built a replica of a 1743 Guarneri del Gesu Cannon for old-time/bluegrass fiddler Jesse Wells. “I enjoyed getting to play music in orchestra at GPS, but it was probably the visual art department in which I spent the most time, getting to dream and create on a different level. I was given the autonomy and responsibility to come up with my own ideas and how I wanted to express them, which still informs my work today.”
DESIRÉE EARL SOTERES ’84, opera singer, voice teacher,
cofounder of Aria412 | As both an operatic singer and musical theater performer, some of Desiree’s many career highlights include singing for Pavarotti as a World Finalist in his competition, singing the role of Cunegonde at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., and being a featured performer in a series of concerts in Europe, South America, and Australia aboard Cunard Cruise Lines. A favorite role was Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute, which she performed on opera stages throughout California and Oregon. Desiree is also co-founder of Aria412, a collection of professional singers seeking to expand opera’s reach through informal presentations. “GPS is one of the reasons I'm a performer today. The drama teacher at the time, Susan Pendleton, had a very positive impact on me. She exposed us to many different kinds of genres, which helped broaden my outlook.”
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GIRLS P R E PA R AT O RY SCHOOL
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