Fine Arts Diploma Seal (FADS) Information 

The Georgia Fine Arts Diploma Seal (FADS) recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to the arts through coursework, community service, and a culminating capstone project. Seniors in public school districts that have applied to award the seal may earn the FADS by completing the following requirements:

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the FADS, students must:

 Complete a Fine Arts Pathway

·       Earn 3 credits in the same arts discipline (e.g., orchestra, band, chorus, theater, visual arts, or dance).

·       Earn 1 additional credit in fine arts or in an approved creative industry course.

 Complete 20 hours of arts-related community service

·       Hours must be completed during the senior year.

·       Community service activities must be related to the arts and approved by the orchestra director.

·       FADS community service hours can also count for Tri-M service hours.

 Participate in two or more arts-related clubs or organizations.

·       Examples: Tri-M Music Honor Society, drama club, visual art club, jazz band, marching band, color guard or other approved arts club or organizations.

 Complete a Capstone Project

·       The capstone project must demonstrate artistic growth and contribution to the arts community.

·       Projects must be approved by the orchestra director prior to beginning.

Capstone Project Options

 Students may complete one of the following approved projects:

• Write an essay (400–500 words) on an arts-related topic to be displayed at the final concert.

• Write program notes (200–300 words) for a senior-year concert to be displayed at the concert program, with prior approval from the director.

• Perform a substantial public solo or chamber work (e.g., concerto, sonata, motet, madrigal, aria, etc.) for a live audience, approved by the director.

• Organize and perform a 15- to 20-minute concert for a middle or elementary school class or program.

• Perform a solo recital as part of participating in private instruction.

• Perform a substantial solo or chamber work as part of any organized ensemble, either in or outside of school, with director approval.

• Consistently teach or coach music students at a middle or elementary school music program for at least 6 contact hours over a minimum of 3 weeks (hours may not be completed in fewer than three weeks).

• Compose a 2- to 3-minute original work for your respective ensemble (any musical medium), with director approval.

Additional capstone ideas may be proposed but must receive prior approval from the director.

Verification and Awarding of the Seal

 Students must submit documentation verifying completion of all requirements, including transcripts, community service logs, and proof of arts organization participation.

 The capstone project must be completed and presented by March 6th of the senior year. In the event a capstone project is presented after March 6th, the student must submit a plan for their project and receive approval to be consider eligible. Students who do not complete their plans by the week of the final concert will not receive their cords and seals.

 The orchestra director will review submissions during the first week of March and forward eligible student information to the school administration for district approval.

Timeline and Deadlines

• Sept. 19: Deadline to submit the FADS Intent Form (available from the orchestra director).

• March 6: Final documentation due, including community service verification, club participation, and capstone project completion.

Students who meet all requirements will be recognized at the spring banquet awards ceremony and will receive a graduation cord and the Georgia Fine Arts Diploma Seal on their high school diploma.