News Summary
The GPS School is ending its partnership with the Cadek Conservatory of Music, effective May 30, to focus on enhancing its internal music programs. Despite this closure, Cadek plans to open a new location on the GPS campus this summer. The transition aims to create a sustainable music education model, benefitting both students and the community. With recent growth in GPS’s music department and a commitment to high-quality arts education, the future looks promising for music education in Chattanooga.
Goodbye, Cadek Conservatory: GPS Music Program Takes Center Stage
In a significant move for the music community in Chattanooga, GPS is concluding its partnership with the Cadek Conservatory of Music. This decision, approved at a recent GPS Board of Trustees meeting, means that the beloved Cadek program will wrap up its music lessons at all locations—including GPS itself, The Bright School, and McCallie—on May 30.
Changes on the Horizon
The journey began in 2017 when GPS took over the incorporation of the Cadek Conservatory from UTC. Since then, Cadek has been a key player in providing music education not only to GPS students but to other institutions in the area. However, the time has come to shift focus. The school is now channeling its energy into enhancing its own internal music programs as part of a broader strategic plan aimed at growth and development across multiple domains.
In light of this, GPS has seen noticeable achievements in academics, arts, and athletics in recent years. The push for high-quality arts education has been particular to GPS’s mission since its inception in 1906, consistently recognizing the importance of music alongside other educational offerings.
Growing Internal Programs
Since 2022, GPS’s music program has been experiencing an exciting transformation, featuring new appointments that are helping to strengthen its musical offerings. The arrival of new leadership, including a Choral Director and a Director of Band & Orchestra, has fostered a surge in both choir and orchestra sizes from the middle to upper school levels. This growth speaks to the commitment of GPS to providing students with an enriching education in the arts.
While the partnership with Cadek may be coming to a close, this isn’t the last we will hear of it. The Cadek Conservatory, which has roots dating back to 1904, plans to open a new location right on the GPS campus this summer. This new chapter for Cadek is set to begin with music lessons kicking off on July 1 for the second summer term.
Registration and Opportunities
Parents and students interested in these offerings will be happy to know that registration for Cadek classes will begin through UTC starting April 2. This transition comes as UTC officials have expressed concerns over Cadek’s financial sustainability. The restructured partnership with GPS aims to lay the groundwork for a more sustainable model that maintains community access to essential music education.
As GPS prepares to move forward, they remain committed to preserving the rich legacy of the Cadek Conservatory, emphasizing its historical significance in the Chattanooga community. The school aims to widen access to its music services by actively expanding community partnerships, program offerings, and creating stronger relationships with students.
Benefits for Chattanooga
There is a general sense of optimism about this new arrangement, with many seeing it as a beneficial change for both the Cadek Conservatory and the larger community. By focusing on enhancing its internal music program while supporting the continued presence of Cadek in the area, GPS is effectively creating an ecosystem where music education can flourish.
The community can look forward to an even richer musical education landscape as these changes take effect. With plans laid and excitement brewing, the upcoming months promise to deliver a fresh perspective on musical offerings in Chattanooga. Whether you are a student, parent, or music lover, there’s plenty to anticipate as GPS takes the helm in developing an even more robust music curriculum for its students.
As we bid farewell to the Cadek partnership, we welcome new beginnings and the endless possibilities that lie ahead in the vibrant world of music education at GPS!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: Cadek Conservatory of Music Welcomes
- Google Search: Cadek Conservatory
- WDEF: Cadek Conservatory Music Moving to UTC/GPS
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Local 3 News: Writing Mind Alive Intro
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Education
- Chattanoogan: GPS Celebrates Inaugural Chattanooga
- Google News: GPS Music Program
