Arts-X-press is a summer arts immersion program for 7th and 8th grade students created by the Pacific Symphony in celebration of Cole Carsan St.Clair. 150 students are nominated by teachers throughout Orange County to come together for 5 days of creative exploration each summer. The program has two goals: 1) To expose students to all 5 performing and visual arts; and 2) To foster respect for and interest in each student’s individuality, talents, interests, and background.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Week Three Day One


What’s behind the green glass door? What does it mean when I say "four is cosmic?" What is the trick behind “WHOOP Johnny?” Can you figure it out?!?

It is only the first day here at arts-X-press 2007 session three and your students are hard at work! Not only are we puzzling their minds with our riddles, they have been working hard in their Creative Expression and Arts Workshop.

Everyone got to UCI on the arts-X-press Party Bus and they were all ready to go. They all made friends very quickly and are anxious to spend more time with their new found friends. Staff Members even overheard students say “Wow! We really are like Best Friends Forever Right Away.” The arts-X-pressers checked in and were given an orientation on the program and what they should expect from themselves, the staff and the program this week. From orientation, the students went to play New Games where they all got to know the counselors and play ice breaker games with fellow arts-X-press attendees. There were giggles and smiles all around.

Then it was time for our first lunch on the UCI campus. Three Pacific Symphony musicians joined us at lunch and many of our students got to speak with them and learn about their instruments and who they are. Oh and don’t worry…all the students had their H2OOOOOOYA along with many selections from the dining hall including their veggies!

After lunch, it was the time they had all been waiting for, what Arts Workshop would they be in? Dun Dun Dun! All the arts-X-pressers seemed to enjoy their first experience in Arts Workshops. Maybe not all the students received their first choice, but they all took some creative risks. More risks were taken as the students switched from their Art to Creative Expression. Here, many of the students began to learn more about one another and create strong bonds with one another.

Once our classes on the UCI campus were complete for the day, we all went to Symphony in the Cities at Heritage Park in Irvine. The students seemed to really enjoy their backstage tour given by the Symphony’s Stage Manager, Eric, and also had the opportunity to meet Carl St. Clair, Music Director and Conductor of the Pacific Symphony. Everyone enjoyed their pack out dinners while we watched the concert. Our students were amazed by the talent of young musicians who played along with the Pacific Symphony tonight.

They are all now fast asleep in bed, after the three minute showers that were promised, getting rest for another big day tomorrow.
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