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.

Monday, July 17, 2017

Symphony in the Cities

Last night, our campers were the guests of honor at the Pacific Symphony in the cities concert. We started our excursion in our own private community room where we ate yummy boxed lunches from the Concordia cafeteria. After, we were joined by a very special guest, Carl St. Clair! The founder of the arts-x-press camp, and the conductor for the pacific symphony. Carl shared with us how he grew up in a small town and dreamed about a place where he could be surrounded by all forms of art and people who he could share this passion with. This was the starting point for the arts-x-press camp. As you know, arts-x-press also includes creative expression classes where the students get to explore the art of writing. Carl explained how this idea was birthed from his teacher and mentor Leonard Bernstein. The one thing Bernstein said everyone should do every day, is write. The arts-x-press program is about more than just expressing. It's about expressing AND sharing with others.


After our memorable meeting with Carl St. Clair, we were shown to our seats which were right in front of the stage! We were even joined by KUSC's very own Rich Capparella, and the mayor of Newport beach.


The concert consisted of a variety of works including classical, film music, and even pieces that included dancers and a children's choir.


The concert was so interactive, that our students even had the chance to go up and conduct Sousa's "hands across the sea". 
Overall the concert was a lot of fun, and we are looking forward to our Pageant of the Masters trip tonight!

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