Eleanor Neal , Art, Department Head
Elisabeth Cooper, Theater
Craig Johnson, Chorus
Barrett Alexander Band Director
Kelly McPhee, Art
Whitney Duncan, Orchestra
Students enrolled in Gwinnett County Public Schools' Fine Arts (GCPS) programs receive quality instruction in dance, music, theatre arts, and visual arts. The Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) represent the GCPS standards of excellence for all Fine Arts students and spiral from grade to grade, ensuring that students are immersed in arts experiences.
Gwinnett County Public Schools' Fine Arts students participate in numerous local, statewide, regional, national, and international festivals and competitions, and are known for their excellent performance standards. The continued enthusiasm and support of the central and local level administrators, community, parents, and students enable the GCPS Fine Arts programs to achieve world-class standards and to remain an essential element in a complete educational program.
Dance, instrumental and choral music, theatre arts, and visual arts are elective Fine Arts courses at the high school level. Offerings at both beginning and advanced levels are provided at all schools based on the needs and interests of the students, with appropriate AKS instruction for each course.
Fine Arts Department Courses:
2/D 3/D Art: This is the beginning art class. It includes drawing projects and sculpture projects. Successful completion of this class is a prerequisite for all other art classes. Grades 9-12.
Sculpture: Advanced 3D projects. Successful completion of 21D 31D Art and Teacher Recommendationrequired Grades 11-12.
Drawing and Painting: This is an advanced course. Students must have strong drawing skills. Successful completion of21D 31D Art and Teacher Recommendation required. Grades 10-12.
Crafts: Student complete advanced 2D and 3D projects. Successful completion of 2D 3D Art and Teacher Recommendation required. Grades 10-12.
Graphic Design: Students complete advertising designs. Strong drawing skills recommended. Successful completion of 2D 3D Art and Teacher Recommendation required Grades 10-12.
AP Portfolio: Designed for students who plan a career in fine or graphic arts. Must have successfully completed three other art courses (including 2D 3D Art), have a portfolio review by the art faculty, and an art teacher recommendation. See Ms. Neal Grade 12 only.
Introduction to Theater/ Acting: This course is offered to the student interested in learning the basics of acting and theater skills. Student will learn the background of the theater, developing a character, and theater history. All students will be required to perform memorized scenes and monologues in class. This course is a prerequisite for Advanced Theater Workshop. Grades 9-12.
Advanced Theater Workshop: This course is designed for the advanced theater student and has an after-school requirement. Students attend class in the theater on Saturdays as well. Students in Advanced Theater Workshop work in every facet of theater production: set design, set construction, lighting design, sound design, stage management, acting, singing, dancing, publicity, and box office. Students must have completed Introduction to Theater/Acting and successfully audition for the class. Students must commit to the after-school requirement.
Beginning Chorus: Open to all students who like to sing regardless of experience level. Grades 9-12.
Chorus Advanced Mixed: Open to all males, regardless of experience level, and females by audition.
Music Technology: This class will cover computer basics, electronic keyboard (synthesizer), MIDI sequencing applications, "intelligent accompaniment" software and notation software. Students will create original multi-track sequences and original musical compositions. Grades 9-12.
