Holiday break

Happy holidays to arts-X-pressers everywhere! We'd love to hear what you're up to. But don't worry, we're not expecting a holiday newsletter. Your challenge: post a comment on this blog telling your fellow arts-X-press alumni what your year has been like, using ONLY one sentence or one picture. The arts-X-press staff offers two photos that pretty much sum up the year: super-counselor Jack Meza looking super-suave, and Pacific Symphony staffer Mollie Gilmore with Siena St.Clair in Heisler Park this summer. Happy holidays to all, and don't forget to keep in touch!

Giving thanks for arts-X-press

Thanks to everyone who attended Alumni Night at the PSYO concert the other night. What a great concert! The staff at arts-X-press wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Here are some photos from Week 3.

What do these AXP Alumni have in common?

Greg Oertel, Betty Ling, Rose Rogers, Youval Yadlin

Answer: They are all part of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra performance on November 16th!

Come support your fellow arts-X-pressers, meet the coolest new conductor in Southern California, and get the answer to the question: what's a cimbalom? Discount tickets are still available at www.pacificsymphony.org/artsxpress

Don't miss arts-X-press Alumni Night!

arts-X-press Alumni Night at the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra Concert
Nov. 16, 2008, 7 pm @ Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Special AXP discount:
$10 tickets for students
$16 tickets for accompanying non-students
Buy tickets online or call 714-755-5799 and mention arts-X-press

PLUS, arts-x-pressers are invited to arrive at 6 pm for a special chance meet new conductor Maxim Eshkenazy (pictured at right)--and you can ask him what scuba diving and conducting have in common!

What to wear: Wear your “concert best” (slacks or a skirt) OR your arts-X-press t-shirt.

When to arrive: Join us in the auditorium (look for the arts-X-press sign) at 6:00 to catch up with your friends, learn more about the music and meet Maxim. The concert starts at 7 p.m.

Where to go: Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is located in the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Parking is $8 at all OCPAC structures, but only $6 at the Wyndham hotel!

Map and Parking info

We hope to see you there!

arts-X-press 2008 photo-rama

You asked for it, you got it! Check back often for more photos of AXP 2008!

arts-X-press Alumni Night @ Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra

Take advantage of a discount on ticket prices AND an opportunity to see your friends!

Special ticket offers for arts-X-Press alumni and their guests. Call 714-755-5799 and mention arts-X-press or visit www.pacificsymphony.org/artsxpress

Eastern European Journey

Sunday, Nov. 16 at 7PM
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra
Maxim Eshkenazy, conductor

Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra introduces its new music director, Maxim Eshkenazy, and begins the season by featuring Rimsky Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnol,” a piece based on Spanish melodies and often lauded for its orchestration. Enjoy classical standards, performed with the enthusiasm and skill of Orange County’s finest young musicians!

$10 tickets for students
$16 tickets for accompanying non-students

Photos and DVDs coming soon!

Watch your mail for photos and DVDs of this summer's arts-X-press fun! We will be mailing everything NEXT WEEK. Thanks for your patience. And if you haven't already, mark your calendars for November 16, 7 pm for arts-X-press alumni night at the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra concert in Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

Reunion 2008 was a sucess

I wanted to thank all of you who attended the arts-X-press 2008 reunion concert. It was a wonderful event and we hope that everyone had a great time. It amazes us every year to see the friendships that young artist created in their week at camp and it makes us so hopeful for the future of the arts as a whole. We hope that you all have a great school you and be sure to keep us updated on whats happening in your lives. Cheers!!!

get your tickets for the arts-X-press Reunion

Hello everyone, I wanted to remind you all that our arts-X-press 2008 reunion held at Irvine verizon wirless amiptheater is comming up. If you haven't already I would suggest that you call that arts-X-press hotline as soon as you can, due to the fact that tickets are limited and they are going fast. Remember that the tickets are $11 for students and $19 for adults (paid to pacific symphony arts-X-press), as well as there being an $8 parking fee (paid at Verizon Wireless). We are all so excited to see all of our arts-X-press friends again. Hope that your summers are comming to a glorious close and that your school year starts wonderfully. Thanks

From a Counselor's Point of View pt.4

This is the one the only Mr Jacktastic = ) and still no name Ruthie. Its our last night here at Arts X Press and for me is my last night as a counselor. I will be too old next year. This week was a blast for me i really enjoyed the time i got to know your kids. Today we didnt take a field trip any where but it was still really busy getting ready to perform for all of you and talent show and a music and dance workshop. Im suprised the kids still have energy. On a more personal note as ive already said this is my last year as a counselor and all your kids helped make it one of the most memorable summers. Im so sad to say good bye to them all tomorrow but i know you all miss them. We counselors have seen all your kids grow so much over the past few days and im really proud to say that were not sending home the same kids were sending home more talented artists. Thank you for taking the time to read my blogs is been a blast see you all tomorrow.

We Got the Beat the Much Love Beat and it goes ...........

WEEK THREE-DAY FOUR

Today, arts-X-press spent all day on UCI campus.

In Creative Expression and Arts Workshops, the students were busy wrapping up their presentations for tonight’s Parent Presentation. We can’t tell you how much each student has grown through the risks they have taken at arts-X-press this week.

After our morning activities, we had our final lunch at UCI with Pacific Symphony musicians. Those musicians then stayed with us after lunch and gave us an Instrumental Spotlight Workshop where each student had the opportunity to take part in making music with these professionals. All these students are so creative!

Then, the students had another opportunity to spend time in another art form by having a Dance Spotlight Workshop. Each student learned how to express themselves through movement and how a simple movement can be transformed into dance.

After working hard with both workshops, the students had more time to open their own creativity by working on their Talent Show performance. We’ve got numbers varying from dances to skits to instrumental music, etc!

We ate dinner this time with our Arts Workshop groups to do final preparations for the Parent Presentations. After a quick group photo, it was time for the Parent Presentation! It was great to see what each group brought forward to showcase their week of learning and risk taking!!

Once the parent presentation was over, it was time for the students to have their Talent Show! We are so proud of them all and they are all so disappointed that arts-X-press is coming to a close. The night wasn’t done yet though, there was one more opportunity for the students to spend some time together…at the PARTY!

It had been a long day so everyone made their way back to the dorms, did some packing and got a goodnight’s rest.

The students are so excited to come home and share all they’ve learned and experienced with you!

From a Counselor's Point of View pt.3

Welcome to another blog of From a Counselor's Point of View. Its just me tonight the one the only Mr Jacktastic = ) all the other counselor's just put your kids to bed and are now asleep too. Today was one of the funnest days for the kids and staff. Lets from the beginning we woke up today and of course my Suite beat YoYo's suite for bing the first up and ready to go. (They dont call me Mr Jacktastic no nothing) And altho im glad that the boys are all getting along we started to see that they were just hanging out with each other so i gave them a challenge. I told them that i wanted them to meet two new people from other suites and to my suprise they did it all day they were mixing it up and making new BFFN's (Best Friends For Now) After lunch we took the bus to Lagunan and the students really jumped right into the arts. Asking questions on the back stage tour asking the local artist questions about their work. In the workshops they all really gave it 100%. After that the counselor's were able to see the talent show preps and let me tell you your kids got some talent we are all blown away. After that we were able to take a wonderful and exciting walk back to the festival and take a better look at the art that was out. But of course the highlight of the day was watching the Pagent of the Masters show. I wish you could see their faces. They all were blown away i believe that the backstage tour and then seeing the show itself really helped them see just how much work goes into a show that big. After the show the counselor's took the kids back to the suites for a little one on one with them to get their feed back i dont know about any one else but i know that my boys could not stop talking about it. Tomorrow as you all know is the parent performacne i hope you can all come. Its also our last full day and im really sad that our time together is coming to an end. We have one last blog of From a Counselor's Point of View i hope you can all read it. Night Night

WEEK THREE-DAY THREE

The students woke up this morning prepared and excited for the idea that we’d be spending the afternoon and evening in Laguna at the Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters. So after breakfast, the students went through their morning routine of Creative Expression and Arts Workshop. It amazing to see their growth in just a few days!

Then we went to lunch. The students love all the options available each day at meals. Especially the soft serve ice cream available for dessert!

After filling their stomachs, the students loaded onto the bus with sweatshirts and jackets in hands, and made their way to Laguna Beach.

When they arrived, the students received backstage tours of the Pageant of the Masters. They got the opportunity to go onstage and see up-close the backgrounds of the paintings and sculptures. They also had the opportunity to see the costumes, headpieces and makeup area below the stage. Being behind the scenes made the students even more excited for what was to come tonight!

But for now, the students had an opportunity to dabble in some visual arts. They broke up into groups and got to do some printmaking, painting of Raku pots and mixed media projects. Once they were done with their projects, it was time for a quick water break and bathroom break then we walked to the park where we would have dinner.

The students spent some time getting to do preparation for their Talent Show and then had the opportunity to once again meet Carl St.Clair and his family. Then it was dinner time and all the students were excited because what was for dinner? Pizza!

After filling their stomachs, we made our way back to the Pageant of the Masters grounds and viewed some of the artwork of artists that are showcased at the Festival of the Arts. But soon, it was time to go to our seats. As the lights went down in the Bowl, the students were on the edge of their seats. This year’s Pageant theme is “All the Worlds a Stage,” inspired by playwright and poet William Shakespeare.

Once the show was over, the students were exhausted so we got back on the arts-X-press Party Bus and made our way to UCI to go to sleep.

Tomorrow, we will be spending all day on campus and the students can’t wait to see their friends and family at the Parent Presentation so they can share all they’ve learned!

From a Counselor's Point of View pt.2

Hello all you wonderful parents out there! This is the one and only Mr Jacktastic again and today im joined by fellow counselors Tina and No Kool Name Ruthie. Today was our first FULL day here at arts-X-press and it was AMAZING! There was a little bit of trouble getting those wonderful children of yours out of bed. Some "noisier" tactics were safely used by our trusty counselors. The ice cream is a big hit in the dining hall which is definitely a quick sweet treat for all of them. Room checks were reviewed tonight in which all of your children were shocked by their results. You will have to ask them what their scores were, hopefully they will reveal the truth to you. During our bonding exercise, we all had the opportunity to appreciate someone here at arts-X-press and someone at home. It was really something to see the children bonding with each other and making so many new friends. And like yesterday their energy is out of control. We as counselor's are trying so hard to keep up with all of them, but were having a great time while doing it. Our time together is half way over and all the counselor's are ready to give your kids 100000000000% of our energy so that when they go home they have storys to tell you for weeks to come. Well is getting late and tomorrow is a very busy day. Good night = )

On our next episode of "From a Counselor's Point of View":

• Day 3 of Creative Expression Classes and Arts Workshops
• Another chat with Carl St. Clair
• Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts Excursions
• Craft making and backstage tours

Thank you for reading our blogs and we look forward to seeing you again!

Much love, Session 3 Counselors :)

WEEK THREE-DAY TWO

This morning the students woke up pretty early in arts-X-press fashion. They got ready quickly and visited the artsMart and had the opportunity to purchase sweatshirts, tshirts, waterbottles, cameras, etc. Then it was time for breakfast! So many options to choose from…cereal, fruit, eggs, pastries, etc…the students didn’t go hungry!

From there it was time for Creative Expression. The students are already starting to make greater connections with their peers and spending time expressing themselves and opening up.

After a short bathroom break, they moved on to Arts Workshops. Its amazing getting to see the improvement they’ve all made in just a day! Every Arts Workshop is busy preparing for the Parent Presentation so they can share with you what they’ve learned.

By the time Arts Workshop was ending, all the students were hungry again so we went to lunch. After lunch we got on the bus and went to our second excursion of the week. We saw Evita at The Chance Theater. The students loved getting to see this production in such an intimate space. After the show ended, we even got the chance to talk with the cast and crew!

Then it was time to head back to the UCI campus, where we would spend the rest of our night. When we first got back, we had dinner and then went off to a Theatre Spotlight Workshop. Every student got the opportunity to express themselves in this workshop. It was so fun!

Then we had Bonding, a time when we sit down and share with each other one person we appreciate at home and one person we appreciate at arts-X-press. It was great to see how every student has made a connection with someone here already. They are all amazing people and we are so thankful to have them spending the week with us!

When we wrapped up bonding, everyone was exhausted so we headed on back to the dorms to get some sleep because tomorrow we will spend a great portion of the day in Laguna at the Festival of the Arts and seeing the Pageant of the Masters.

We've definitely got an energetic group of students this week....just look at what they've done to some of our counselors!

WEEK THREE-DAY ONE

Session 3 has begun! The students joined counselors and staff at their bus stops early this morning and made their way over to University of California, Irvine on the arts-X-press Party Bus!

Once greeted at UCI, they dropped their luggage off in the dorm and it was time for an orientation session where the students learned about Cole Carsan St.Clair and how arts-X-press came into being. After some time getting to know a little more about arts-X-press and getting to meet the counselors and staff of the week, the students joined the counselors for some New Games! These games were an opportunity for the students to meet each other and start to connect with their peers.

With a little prep about our meals, like students must have something grown on their plate(fruit or vegetable) and must have a glass of H2Oooooooh yeah! with each meal, it was LUNCH TIME! The students had a variety of choices on what to eat and had the opportunity to sit with some of our Symphony musicians.

Once lunch was complete, students were divided into their Arts Workshops: Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Dance, Theater and Visual Art. Although students may not have received their first choice of workshops, the students are all taking risks! From there, it was time for Creative Expression. This is the opportunity for our students to express themselves through their writing. From writing “I am” Poems to Journaling…the students got to know one another even more!

After our daily activities were complete, it was time for our first excursion! We went to the Symphony in the Cities Concert in Irvine! We got to meet with Carl St.Clair and also got a backstage tour. Then it was time for the concert! As we enjoyed our picnic dinner, we listened to some great music by the Pacific Symphony and even heard from pieces from “The Sound of Music.”

When the concert ended, we made our way back to UCI and got ready for bed. Yes, every student took a 3 minute shower!

Tomorrow is going to be a long day so for now, good night from arts-X-press!!