Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Today was yet another jam-packed and thrilling day at AXP! After a long night at the Pageant we got a special treat this morning...sleeping in! Which at Arts-x-Press means waking up at 7:40 instead of 7:15. We quickly got to breakfast and got energized for our busy day. Everyone went to creative expression and explored poetry and ink monsters. We then went off to our arts workshops, where we continued preparing for the parent presentation. Then we got re-fueled with a delicious lunch, and had the treat of dining with musicians from the Pacific Symphony. Then it was off to our instrumental spotlight, where we together composed a piece for the musicians to play. It was pretty inspiring to see professionals play for us and talk to us about their instruments. Then we got our own chance to experiment with drums, and had a blast creating our own rhythms! We had a nice dinner and then headed off to the parent presentation! Everyone did an amazing job, and it was great to say a quick 'hello' to friends and family! We continued the night with our talent show where we were blown away by everyone's talents! We then had a quick surprise party and showed off our dancing skills. Tomorrow we all go home, but our AXP friendships will never end!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Hello All,
Abbe, here! These last four days have been truly inspiring. My Creative Expression class has done some really introspective work, discussed real issues, and examined themselves in really thoughtful ways. On top of the excellent excursions (last night's trip to the Pageant of the Masters was phenomenal) these students have been experiencing real connections with each other and focused self-discovery, which can be seen in many of the projects they have done in my class.
On Day #1 and #2 the students had to come up with fifty words that positively described themselves, then they went on to use this list to create self-portraits with words. These self portraits turned out great, and we're so unique and individual.
On Day #3 the students practiced writing personal poems using figurative language and distinct, concrete imagery. We then created a beautiful collaborative poem, using excerpts from the students personal poems.
On Day #4 we had a truly inspiring conversation about "masks", or fake versions of themselves that they feel pressure to display in certain life situations. To break free of these "masks" and celebrate the true person underneath, they created actual masks that represent pieces of themselves they like and are proud of.
The students can't wait to show off all of these projects at the Parent Presentation tonight, so we'll see you there!
-Abbe
Abbe, here! These last four days have been truly inspiring. My Creative Expression class has done some really introspective work, discussed real issues, and examined themselves in really thoughtful ways. On top of the excellent excursions (last night's trip to the Pageant of the Masters was phenomenal) these students have been experiencing real connections with each other and focused self-discovery, which can be seen in many of the projects they have done in my class.
On Day #1 and #2 the students had to come up with fifty words that positively described themselves, then they went on to use this list to create self-portraits with words. These self portraits turned out great, and we're so unique and individual.
On Day #3 the students practiced writing personal poems using figurative language and distinct, concrete imagery. We then created a beautiful collaborative poem, using excerpts from the students personal poems.
On Day #4 we had a truly inspiring conversation about "masks", or fake versions of themselves that they feel pressure to display in certain life situations. To break free of these "masks" and celebrate the true person underneath, they created actual masks that represent pieces of themselves they like and are proud of.
The students can't wait to show off all of these projects at the Parent Presentation tonight, so we'll see you there!
-Abbe
Parent Presentation - Week 3
We can't wait to see everyone at the Parent Presentation on Tuesday! It begins at 6:45 pm in Newport Mesa Church, in which is on the the northeast corner of Vanguard's campus. Parking is free, the whole family is welcome, and your young artists can't wait to show you what they've accomplished this week.
A professional videographer will record the presentation. You can pre-order a DVD for $15 and professional group photos for $10 on Tuesday night. ArtsMart merchandise will also be on sale.
A professional videographer will record the presentation. You can pre-order a DVD for $15 and professional group photos for $10 on Tuesday night. ArtsMart merchandise will also be on sale.
Day 3
Woohoo!! Yet another full, fun, fantastic day of arts-x-press has passed! We had a long fun day; after our usual morning routine of Creative Expression and Arts Workshop classes, we had the pleasure of eating lunch with Pacific Symphony musicians! Then we loaded the bus and were on our way for our excursion of the day-the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters! The campers had a wonderful time creating their own works of art, from printing pieces to raku pots. Then we watched the amazing Pageant of the Masters, where the pieces varied from The Last Supper, to a movie poster for Psycho! It was a long, hard, tiring day, however the students learned a lot about the art culture and had a great time! It was definitely one of the best days yet!
Jessica and Brendan
Woohoo!! Yet another full, fun, fantastic day of arts-x-press has passed! We had a long fun day; after our usual morning routine of Creative Expression and Arts Workshop classes, we had the pleasure of eating lunch with Pacific Symphony musicians! Then we loaded the bus and were on our way for our excursion of the day-the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters! The campers had a wonderful time creating their own works of art, from printing pieces to raku pots. Then we watched the amazing Pageant of the Masters, where the pieces varied from The Last Supper, to a movie poster for Psycho! It was a long, hard, tiring day, however the students learned a lot about the art culture and had a great time! It was definitely one of the best days yet!
Jessica and Brendan
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Today was yet another exciting day at AXP! We started the day by getting our creative juices flowing and then went on a riveting adventure to the Plumber Auditorium to see..."Shrek!" The kids got to let their "Freak Flags Fly" during this upbeat musical, and then even got to ask the cast questions after the show. After returning to Vanguard and re-energizing with our first meal in the Caf, students were immersed in dance, vocal, and theater exploratory classes. It's been amazing seeing all the risks each student has been taking! We finished off the day by appreciating each other and reflecting on the magic that has already happened here at Arts-x-Press. Now off to bed so we can get ready for our busy day tomorrow!
Day 2
 |
| Meeting Carl St.Clair! |
Day 2 creative expression - Lisa
Day 2 is under way! Students are busily working in their arts workshop and have just finished Creative Expression. My creative expression class worked on monster ink blots and created poems based on the personality and physical attributes their monster has. Yesterday we discussed our own identity and had the students create poems about themselves. I'm excited to have the students create stories about artwork they will see later this week at the pageant and more poetry about an event they experienced this week. We're looking forward to sharing all out work to you all this Tuesday!! I've attached a pic of some of the completed monster drawing poems! ---Lisa
Day 1 was awesome!!!
Week 3 is off to a fantastic start! From the moment they stepped off the bus everyone was already singing songs and playing games to get to know each other. After some rousing renditions of Little Sally Walker and the machine game, we were already off to a delicious lunch. After lunch, the artists were off to their first arts workshop. Our singers practiced some vocal exercises. Instrumentalists already started three new songs. The visual artists tried circle painting. Our actors played theater games while our dancers learned some fun Bollywood exercises! After arts workshop, everyone headed out to Creative Expression where they took some time to express themselves through writing.
After workshops we were headed off to our first excursion. During the world famous Arts X Press bus ride, we sang lots of fun songs about eclairs and Boom Chicka Boom Booms. We arrived at Oso Viejo park to see the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Our artists were surprised with a special treat: a backstage tour led by Alfredo. The campers learned about everything that goes into putting on an outdoor show, from putting up the stage the night before, organizing music, rehearsals, and setting up the microphones for all 51 musicians.
The surprises were not over, when we were joined by the one and only Carl St. Clair! He gave an inspiring speech about what the magic and hopes of Arts X Press. On that high note we were ready to enjoy the concert. The concert featured music from all of types of composers. We enjoyed everything from a parachutist landing in the audience, classical waltzes, patriotic fanfares, a West Side Story medley, to a Doo Wop quartet. Our artists were swaying, dancing, and snapping all night to the awesome show put on by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.
We headed home with a bus full of happy and tired campers. They all enjoyed their first night in the dorms and are energized and ready for another exciting, fun-filled, and magical day of Arts X Press!!!!!!
Counselors Ben and Darlene, signing off!
After workshops we were headed off to our first excursion. During the world famous Arts X Press bus ride, we sang lots of fun songs about eclairs and Boom Chicka Boom Booms. We arrived at Oso Viejo park to see the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Our artists were surprised with a special treat: a backstage tour led by Alfredo. The campers learned about everything that goes into putting on an outdoor show, from putting up the stage the night before, organizing music, rehearsals, and setting up the microphones for all 51 musicians.
The surprises were not over, when we were joined by the one and only Carl St. Clair! He gave an inspiring speech about what the magic and hopes of Arts X Press. On that high note we were ready to enjoy the concert. The concert featured music from all of types of composers. We enjoyed everything from a parachutist landing in the audience, classical waltzes, patriotic fanfares, a West Side Story medley, to a Doo Wop quartet. Our artists were swaying, dancing, and snapping all night to the awesome show put on by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.
We headed home with a bus full of happy and tired campers. They all enjoyed their first night in the dorms and are energized and ready for another exciting, fun-filled, and magical day of Arts X Press!!!!!!
Counselors Ben and Darlene, signing off!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Week 3 underway!
Thanks to all you North Bus families for your patience this morning. Everyone has arrived on campus (miraculously, only 30 minutes late!) and had a terrific lunch, followed by the first meeting of our arts workshops! Pictures soon...
Excursions and Immersions! Week 3
Session 3 Arts X-Pressers are here, and the energy is INCREDIBLE!
There is hustle and bustle all over the Vanguard University campus right now as campers are getting themselves ready for a week of off-the-charts FUN! Currently, everybody is filling their bellies with lunch, and getting excited for a weekend of artistic adventures!
Tonight we will make our way down to Mission Viejo for Symphony in the Cities put on by Pacific Symphony! This is a free event at Oso Viejo Park that has hands on musical activities for kids, and lots of live music! We will get to go on a backstage tour, have dinner, and meet Carl St.Clair before the concert begins! We will then take in the beautiful sounds of the symphony. This is sure to be a fantastic evening out in the community!
On Sunday afternoon we will venture on up to Fullerton to enjoy the matinee performance of 3D Theatricals' Shrek the Musical! This production is based on the 2001 DreamWorks film we all know and love. The students are SO excited about this performance, and we are going to have a BLAST! This is sure to be a musical unlike any other!
If you think that's all we've got in store for excursions, think again! On Monday afternoon, we will be heading out to Laguna Beach to spend the afternoon at the Festival of the Arts. We will get to explore all of the different art exhibits, as well as have the opportunity to create some of our own!
We will then cap off the evening with the well-acclaimed, always fantastic Pageant of the Masters. This performance includes real-live people being made up, dressed, and posed to replicate various forms of artwork. This year's theme is "The Big Picture," and will consist of classic works that have inspired early filmmakers.
That's it for now! As you can see, TONS of fun is about to be had, so let's get to it!
There is hustle and bustle all over the Vanguard University campus right now as campers are getting themselves ready for a week of off-the-charts FUN! Currently, everybody is filling their bellies with lunch, and getting excited for a weekend of artistic adventures!
Tonight we will make our way down to Mission Viejo for Symphony in the Cities put on by Pacific Symphony! This is a free event at Oso Viejo Park that has hands on musical activities for kids, and lots of live music! We will get to go on a backstage tour, have dinner, and meet Carl St.Clair before the concert begins! We will then take in the beautiful sounds of the symphony. This is sure to be a fantastic evening out in the community!On Sunday afternoon we will venture on up to Fullerton to enjoy the matinee performance of 3D Theatricals' Shrek the Musical! This production is based on the 2001 DreamWorks film we all know and love. The students are SO excited about this performance, and we are going to have a BLAST! This is sure to be a musical unlike any other!
If you think that's all we've got in store for excursions, think again! On Monday afternoon, we will be heading out to Laguna Beach to spend the afternoon at the Festival of the Arts. We will get to explore all of the different art exhibits, as well as have the opportunity to create some of our own! 
We will then cap off the evening with the well-acclaimed, always fantastic Pageant of the Masters. This performance includes real-live people being made up, dressed, and posed to replicate various forms of artwork. This year's theme is "The Big Picture," and will consist of classic works that have inspired early filmmakers.
That's it for now! As you can see, TONS of fun is about to be had, so let's get to it!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Session 3 - it's your turn!
Session 3 is on its way! Just in case you've misplaced your bus schedule, here it is. Don't forget your Medicine Labeling Form! Here's the Packing List in case you need an extra copy.
View arts-X-press Bus Stops in a larger map
BUS A
Placentia Yorba Linda Unified Education Services Center
4999 Casa Loma
Avenue
Yorba Linda, CA
92886
Student
arrival time: 8:05 am
Garden
Grove Unified District Office
10331 Stanford Ave
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Student Arrival
Time: 8:45 am
Santa Ana Unified District Office
1601 E Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Student
Arrival Time: 9:15am
BUS B
Saddleback
Valley
Unified District Office
25631 Peter A Hartman Way
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Student
Arrival Time: 8:10am
Irvine
Unified District Office
5050 Barranca Parkway
Irvine, CA 92604
Student
Arrival Time: 9:00 am
California Elementary
3232 California Street
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa, CA
Student Arrival Time: 9:30
am
View arts-X-press Bus Stops in a larger map
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Talents and Performing
Hello Everyone!
Nick, the councilor, coming to you live from Arts-X-Press. Today was without a doubt the most packed and fun day for everyone of our Arts-X-Pressers! After our regular fun mornings of Creative Expression and Arts Workshops, we went into a nonstop timeline of events. After lunch we had a pleasant visit from three P.S.O. musicians wielding a cello, a viola, and a flute. Through a few rolls of the dice by the students, a completely random and unique piece of music was made that the musicians then played for the students, whom were amazed by the musicians ability to perform the piece with no practice before-hand. We then went into a percussion activity led by our director for this week, Kjersti. The students used small drums and wooden blocks to create beats to mimic spoken words; definitely a challenge, but the students persevered! Then, after days of preparation, we had our parent presentation where the students got the chance to show their friends and family all the hard work that they did throughout the week with performances and presentations from their CE classes and Arts Workshops. After three minutes of hugs and hellos and then goodbyes and a beautiful rendition of the Arts-X-Press song, the students had the chance to show off their talents in our one-minute-talent-show-extravaganza just for the students, councilors, and staff. Everyone got up and gave a one minute display of their arts capabilities whether it be singing, dancing, acting, stand-up comedy, and more. The students then had the chance to completely relax and have fun in a 15-minute dance party!! Woohoo, DJ'd by yours truly!
Unfortunately, the end of this day does mark the end of our last full day of Arts-X-Press. The students are both excited and sad that they are heading home tomorrow, but all are taking home the experiences of a lifetime.
Nick, the Councilor signing off
edited by Emmanuel the Councilor
Nick, the councilor, coming to you live from Arts-X-Press. Today was without a doubt the most packed and fun day for everyone of our Arts-X-Pressers! After our regular fun mornings of Creative Expression and Arts Workshops, we went into a nonstop timeline of events. After lunch we had a pleasant visit from three P.S.O. musicians wielding a cello, a viola, and a flute. Through a few rolls of the dice by the students, a completely random and unique piece of music was made that the musicians then played for the students, whom were amazed by the musicians ability to perform the piece with no practice before-hand. We then went into a percussion activity led by our director for this week, Kjersti. The students used small drums and wooden blocks to create beats to mimic spoken words; definitely a challenge, but the students persevered! Then, after days of preparation, we had our parent presentation where the students got the chance to show their friends and family all the hard work that they did throughout the week with performances and presentations from their CE classes and Arts Workshops. After three minutes of hugs and hellos and then goodbyes and a beautiful rendition of the Arts-X-Press song, the students had the chance to show off their talents in our one-minute-talent-show-extravaganza just for the students, councilors, and staff. Everyone got up and gave a one minute display of their arts capabilities whether it be singing, dancing, acting, stand-up comedy, and more. The students then had the chance to completely relax and have fun in a 15-minute dance party!! Woohoo, DJ'd by yours truly!
Unfortunately, the end of this day does mark the end of our last full day of Arts-X-Press. The students are both excited and sad that they are heading home tomorrow, but all are taking home the experiences of a lifetime.
Nick, the Councilor signing off
edited by Emmanuel the Councilor
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
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