Arts
GFS is profoundly alive with the energy of the arts. Creativity and performance are woven into our culture—every day, across every division. The choir tours internationally, the theatre program takes on classic musicals and modern masterworks from around the world, and the art department transforms the campus into a giant art gallery each spring.
Explore Our Arts Curriculum
GFS offers a rich and deep curriculum in visual and performing arts. Threads of art history and music theory weave through classes in the earliest grades, while students explore advanced electives and embrace ambitious artistic challenges in the Middle and Upper Schools.
Art News
![GFS A Cappella: Voices Joining in Community]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738272683/germantown/jlco75ioft3le5cslmuz/D83A1619copy.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738272683/germantown/jlco75ioft3le5cslmuz/D83A1619copy.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738272683/germantown/jlco75ioft3le5cslmuz/D83A1619copy.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1738272683/germantown/jlco75ioft3le5cslmuz/D83A1619copy.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1738272683/germantown/jlco75ioft3le5cslmuz/D83A1619copy.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1738272683/germantown/jlco75ioft3le5cslmuz/D83A1619copy.jpg","width":2200}])
A Cappella Fest, a beloved GFS tradition, is celebrating its 30th year in 2025! Hear from students and faculty about how this lively vocal ensemble exemplifies GFS' value of learning in community.
![The Top 10 GFS Events, Activities, and Traditions We’re Excited About for 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1736189892/germantown/c6xcrbzp5qzxw5hhgkhb/GFSTop10feature.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1736189892/germantown/c6xcrbzp5qzxw5hhgkhb/GFSTop10feature.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1736189892/germantown/c6xcrbzp5qzxw5hhgkhb/GFSTop10feature.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1736189892/germantown/c6xcrbzp5qzxw5hhgkhb/GFSTop10feature.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1736189892/germantown/c6xcrbzp5qzxw5hhgkhb/GFSTop10feature.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1736189892/germantown/c6xcrbzp5qzxw5hhgkhb/GFSTop10feature.jpg","width":1920}])
With the new year upon us, we're sharing some of the moments and upcoming events at GFS that we're most looking forward to in 2025!
![GFS Art Department Launches Community Photo Project in the All School Commons]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734450900/germantown/epohbbmh6vrm2muos62n/D83A9683.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1734450900/germantown/epohbbmh6vrm2muos62n/D83A9683.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1734450900/germantown/epohbbmh6vrm2muos62n/D83A9683.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1734450900/germantown/epohbbmh6vrm2muos62n/D83A9683.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1734450900/germantown/epohbbmh6vrm2muos62n/D83A9683.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1734450900/germantown/epohbbmh6vrm2muos62n/D83A9683.jpg","width":2200}])
A new schoolwide photography project asks community members to share moments of beauty they've found in the new All School Commons building.
![GFS Receives SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1714492852/germantown/opxfbtovz7otvrsgiint/D83A9499copy.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1714492852/germantown/opxfbtovz7otvrsgiint/D83A9499copy.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1714492852/germantown/opxfbtovz7otvrsgiint/D83A9499copy.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1714492852/germantown/opxfbtovz7otvrsgiint/D83A9499copy.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1714492852/germantown/opxfbtovz7otvrsgiint/D83A9499copy.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1714492852/germantown/opxfbtovz7otvrsgiint/D83A9499copy.jpg","width":2200}])
GFS was one of just three Philadelphia-area recipients to recieve the 2024 SupportMusic Merit Award, an annual commendation given by The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation to schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to music education.
![Music Department Receives Merit Award!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1683215525/germantown/vuudnwluxqwns0fdfyos/D83A2879.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1683215525/germantown/vuudnwluxqwns0fdfyos/D83A2879.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1683215525/germantown/vuudnwluxqwns0fdfyos/D83A2879.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1683215525/germantown/vuudnwluxqwns0fdfyos/D83A2879.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1683215525/germantown/vuudnwluxqwns0fdfyos/D83A2879.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1683215525/germantown/vuudnwluxqwns0fdfyos/D83A2879.jpg","width":2200}])
GFS has been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.
![Abigail R. Cohen ’91 Memorial Art Lecture with Kevin Snipes]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1683214628/germantown/e4c8bjbtk0jwt6cuqogg/Cohen-Art-1-web.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1683214628/germantown/e4c8bjbtk0jwt6cuqogg/Cohen-Art-1-web.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1683214628/germantown/e4c8bjbtk0jwt6cuqogg/Cohen-Art-1-web.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1683214628/germantown/e4c8bjbtk0jwt6cuqogg/Cohen-Art-1-web.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1683214628/germantown/e4c8bjbtk0jwt6cuqogg/Cohen-Art-1-web.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1683214628/germantown/e4c8bjbtk0jwt6cuqogg/Cohen-Art-1-web.jpg","width":2000}])
Our community gathered together to welcome artist Kevin Snipes for the annual Cohen Art Lecture.
![Middle School A Cappella Rocks A Cappella Fest]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1677874131/germantown/zprl7xiquot9aevakds3/D83A7492.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1677874131/germantown/zprl7xiquot9aevakds3/D83A7492.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1677874131/germantown/zprl7xiquot9aevakds3/D83A7492.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1677874131/germantown/zprl7xiquot9aevakds3/D83A7492.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1677874131/germantown/zprl7xiquot9aevakds3/D83A7492.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1677874131/germantown/zprl7xiquot9aevakds3/D83A7492.jpg","width":2200}])
Middle School A Cappella opened GFS' legendary A Cappella Fest on Friday, February 3.
![Music Students Have Virtual Visit with Santigold '93]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1677247017/germantown/sijjhqlomtubdtl0du4x/324559405_2833905280079373_304743790142462765_n.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1677247017/germantown/sijjhqlomtubdtl0du4x/324559405_2833905280079373_304743790142462765_n.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1677247017/germantown/sijjhqlomtubdtl0du4x/324559405_2833905280079373_304743790142462765_n.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1677247017/germantown/sijjhqlomtubdtl0du4x/324559405_2833905280079373_304743790142462765_n.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1677247017/germantown/sijjhqlomtubdtl0du4x/324559405_2833905280079373_304743790142462765_n.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1677247017/germantown/sijjhqlomtubdtl0du4x/324559405_2833905280079373_304743790142462765_n.jpg","width":1920}])
In January, students had a virtual visit with guest artist Santi White ’93 aka Santigold.
![Upper School Performs Thought-Provoking "Awakening of Spring"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1670257822/germantown/fjglpzuybd8kc13gj33w/Fall-Play-1-web.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1670257822/germantown/fjglpzuybd8kc13gj33w/Fall-Play-1-web.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1670257822/germantown/fjglpzuybd8kc13gj33w/Fall-Play-1-web.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1670257822/germantown/fjglpzuybd8kc13gj33w/Fall-Play-1-web.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1670257822/germantown/fjglpzuybd8kc13gj33w/Fall-Play-1-web.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1670257822/germantown/fjglpzuybd8kc13gj33w/Fall-Play-1-web.jpg","width":2000}])
Our Upper School Theatre Department put on a thought-provoking showing of Frank Wedekind’s Awakening of Spring.