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.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

arts-X-press Week 2- DAY ONE

Our morning started off early with all the arts-X-pressers saying “See you soon” to their friends and family and hopping on board the arts-X-press Party Bus!

Once all the students arrived to the UCI campus, they spent their morning checking in and then playing New Games, an opportunity to break the ice and get to know one another and start to have some real arts-X-press fun! After new games, it was time for their first arts-X-press meal! Eating at UCI has so many options! Don’t worry parents, we try and make sure they’re all eating a balanced meal and drinking a lot of their H2Ooooo yeah!

After lunch, it was time for their first Arts Workshops. Students broke off into their groups: Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Visual Art, Dance and Theater. They spent 2 hours in their workshops before breaking and heading to Creative Expression. Creative Expression is the opportunity for the students to express themselves through creative writing.

By the time that was done, all the students changed into their arts-X-press Tshirts, hopped on the arts-X-press party bus again and headed off to Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre to see the Pacific Symphony Concert. Before the show, the students had the opportunity to go on a backstage tour and meet the Conductor, Carl St.Clair. Everyone enjoyed their night spent under the stars listening to the beautiful music of the Pacific Symphony.

Once it was over, it was time to head back to UCI, get unpacked and get ready for bed. They all survived their first 3 minute shower! It was a great day and everyone’s getting rest for another big day tomorrow!

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