Food, Wonderful Food!

We LOVE the dining commons at Vanguard!!

The Ever Amazing Counselor's Blog: Part 1

Yo yo yo dawgie fresh! This is the amazing and FABULOUSLY awesome counselors James, Laurel, Kit and Tim, writing to update all you new AXP Artist Parents! I know you're all concerned on the status of your creative children. As of 20 minutes and 27 seconds ago, your artists are now in full sleep mode, getting ready for a full day of of Laguna antics and fine Vanguard dining. Oh yes, it has been declared unanimously that your artists LOVE the food over here at our new home. The artists are also excited to meet Marvin, our cafeteria buddy here at Vanguard. (Ask your kids about Marvin later.)

Your artists had an exciting day full of bonding, art making, shakespearian insults, and crazy high fiving actors. After a hearty meal at breakfast, (complete with PANCAKES!), the budding artists got to experience Creative Expression and then their Arts Workshops, all with riddles in between provided by us wonderful counselors to keep them on their toes. After another fantastic meal for lunch, we all got treated to an awesome theater workshop with the director of the Shakespeare production we were about to see. Us counselors now know that your artists have mad rapping skills. word.

Next, we had a "crazy sick" bonding activity where we got to really think about who we appreciate in our own "crazy sick" lives. Finally, the artists were all excited for the highly anticipated Shakespeare By The Sea production of "Love's Labour's Lost" in Laguna Niguel, the big LN! Your own artists can fill you in on all the details about the amazing production ;)

And here we are now, getting ready for our new day with our 50 new homies. Catch you on the flipside G! (That's arts-x-press talk for "See you Tuesday night G!")

-The amazing counselors,
James a.k.a. Chinchilla, Kit-Kat, L Money, & Tim Geezy

Fun with Theater

We had a great day yesterday here getting to know each other, learning Arts-x-press songs, and attending workshops. Last night we went to the Barclay theater in Irvine for the National Choreographer's Initiative! We enjoyed seeing original dances by four different choreographers. Today we have a theater spotlight workshop with the director of the production we'll see tonight: Shakespeare By the Sea's Love's Labours Lost.

Pictures: First day games, arts workshops and a pyramid of arts-X-pressers in front of the Barclay Theatre.

We have had such a fun-filled day today that we didn't have enough time to blog! Pictures and stories coming very soon...stay tuned!

What to Bring to AXP

OMG! The first session of arts-X-press starts this Saturday!
In case you've misplaced your packing list, here you go:





WHAT TO BRING:
**All clothing should be clearly marked with your name**
Enough comfortable, casual clothing for five days, including:
At least one pair of long pants or jeans
At least one long-sleeved shirt
Two pairs of closed-toed shoes (sneakers and another comfortable pair)
At least 3 pairs of socks
A sweater or jacket

Soap
Shampoo and conditioner
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Comb/ brush
Feminine products (if needed)
Medications and medication form

OPTIONAL:
Musical instruments (a secure storage space will be provided)
Items for talent show (costumes, music, props, dance shoes, etc.)
Bedding and linens will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own pillow, blanket and/or towel
(Optional) $25 or less spending money

See you soon!

Excursion Spotlight: National Choreographers Initiative

The 6th annual National Choreographers Initiative began this rehearsal this week. For three weeks, teams of choreographers and professional dancers will engage in an intensive creative effort to produce new dance works which will culminate in a public showing of NCI Discovery at Irvine Barclay Theatre. arts-X-press students in week 1 will attend the performance.

Under the direction of Molly Lynch, NCI provides an opportunity to engage outstanding choreographers from around the U.S. in the creative process. There is a need nationwide to have a workshop setting where choreographers can create works of their choosing and have time to experiment and develop their craft without the pressure or constraints of a commission. Through this project, NCI provides this opportunity and therefore supports these national choreographers, dancers, and the greater dance community. Each choreographer is given complete freedom to choose the style and theme of the work. For more information, visit www.nchoreographers.org.

Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters

This summer, all arts-x-press students will have the opportunity to attend the Pageant of the Masters and the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. The Festival of Arts includes an art exhibition of original paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, and ceramics. It also includes daily art activities like workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and musical entertainment. A highlight of the Festival of Arts is the Pageant of the Masters. It features an interesting display of real people posing as famous works of art. This year's theme is The Muse. The displays will focus on the inspiration and creativity of artists.

AXP Partner Spotlight: Laguna Playhouse

As part of its mission to enrich lives through the magic of live theatre, to provide educational opportunities for children and adults, and to create experiences that stiumulate cultural and social interaction and inspire our community, the LagunaPlayhouse has been bringing music and theater to California since 1920.

Thanks to the generosity of the Laguna Playhouse staff and supporters, arts-X-pressers in Week 3 will have the opportunity to attend a performance of "My Way" at the Playhouse this summer. The Pacific Symphony is grateful to its cultural partners for helping make it possible for arts-X-press students to attend high-quality performances as part of their immersion experience.

Summer Orientation

Don't miss the Summer Orientation, where you can meet your counselors, sign up for bus stops, and more!

Saturday, June 13, 10 am
OC Dept. of Education
200 Kalmus Dr., Costa Mesa
Building D (way in the back, behind buildings A and B)

See you there!

View Larger Map

Congrats to AXP 2009 Counselors!

We had a record number of amazing counselor applicants this year, and are pleased to welcome back 11 veteran counselors and 13 new recruits!

Week 1
Sarah Beth Arroyo
Tajia Ayers
Kit Bean (vet)
Jamie Lee
Laurel Morris (vet)
James Suazo (vet)
Darlene Tieu
Tim Walton

Week 2
Leah Espinoza
Yolanda Galvez (vet)
Stephanie Garcia (vet)
Taylor Lane
Vannie Luong
Jacob Sanders (vet)
Garret Wehrman (vet)
Claire Yee

Week 3
Aileen Blumenthal (vet)
Kelly Casassa (vet)
Claudia Feghali
Mohammad Jaffrey (vet)
Timothy Mathiesen (vet)
Lexi Medina (vet)
Allie Redmond
Ellyn Risueno

(Photos at right: 2008 counselors)

AXP Alumni News

Check it out! Three arts-X-press alumni are in the upcoming Lagunatics production of “Just So,” based on the stories by Rudyard Kipling:

Pacific Symphony Staff member Mollie Fry Gilmore (counselor, 2001&02) and Gabrielle Crivello (student, 2008) will be part of the show which directed by Noah Plomgren (student, 2003).

The show is at the No Square Theater in Laguna Beach from June 19-28. Tickets can be purchased at www.nosquare.org

Eddie Oliver

Meet the staff: Eddie "It's all good" Oliver

2001

2009

Eddie has been with arts-X-press every year since it began in 2001. He he has been with AXP longer than any other staff member! His primary artform is instrumental music. He resides in Rincon, GA and is also part of the faculty for Boston Symphony's Days in the Arts. Look for Eddie on staff this summer during weeks 2 and 3.

Counselor Interview- Available Times

Updated 05/18/09 2:37 pm
If you have received an invitation to be interviewed, please choose from the available slots:
Wed., 5/20- FULL

Thurs. 5/21
3:15
5:50

Wed., 5/27- FULL

Attention all counselor applicants

Thanks to everyone who sent in their applications to be counselors for AXP 2009! All applicants should have received an e-mail notifying you whether you have been invited for an interview. If you have been invited for an interview, please call the hotline to schedule a time. Available times (updated 5/8/09 11:25 am):
Wednesday, 5/20- all slots between 2:45 and 6 pm
Thursday, 5/21- all slots between 2:45 and 6 pm
Wednesday, 5/27- all slots between 3-4 pm

If you sent in an application and have not received a notification in your e-mail, please let us know.

AXP Alumni News

AXP Alumn Jacob Sanders (AXPer 2005, counselor 2008) is giving a recital on May 13th at 7 pm in Segerstrom High School Theater.

Got updates? We love to post news about what our alumni are doing. E-mail us your news at arts-x-press@pacificsymphony.org

Memories of an arts-X-press alum

Check out this awesome photo montage from Maggie J., AXP Alum 2008, Session 3. Thanks Maggie!



Do you have photos or video you'd like to share? Let us know!

Vanguard University

Learn more about our new home, Vanguard University .

Vanguard University is located in Costa Mesa next to the Orange County fairgrounds. The university has been around for many years and has been on its home campus since 1950. The palm-tree filled campus has housing, dining areas, a library, theaters, and a variety of other facilities. Check out pics and more info on http://www.vanguard.edu/

All students will be staying on campus in the dorms during their session. The dorms will be "quads" with 4 rooms sharing a common lounge/living area. Each room also has its own bathroom! The delicious food in the cafeteria will be provided by the company Bon Appetit. There will be plenty of options to choose from.

Make sure to check back soon for staff and counselor profiles!

***Reminder: All paperwork and tuition payments are due on May 1.***

AXP 2009 Registration

It was so great to meet our new students and parents at the orientation meetings! Special thanks to everyone who volunteered their time to help the meetings go smoothly: AXP counselors Jacob Sanders, Laurel Morris, and James Suazo; Pacific Symphony education intern Cathy Walejko, volunteer extraordinaire Kathy Mills, and AXP alum Brendan Williamson.

All forms and the balance of tuition are due on May 1. Invoices will be mailed next week with details of financial aid awards and payment plans.

Get your tickets now for the 2009 AXP Welcome Concert on May 9. Tickets for new AXP students are $10, tickets for family, friends, and AXP alum are $20. Call (714) 755-5799 and use the code "arts-X-press" to get your discount.

Orientations for Week of 3/23

Only 3 orientation meetings left! If you haven't yet attended an orientation, please plan to make it to one of the following meetings:

Monday, March 23, 7 pm
Newport-Mesa School District Office
2985 A Bear St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Map

Tuesday, March 24, 7 pm
Irvine School District Office
5050 Barranca
Irvine, CA 92604
Map

Thursday, March 26, 7 pm
Holder Elementary
9550 Holder St.
Buena Park, CA 90620
Map

We look forward to meeting you.

Be an AXP Counselor

As an arts-X-press counselor you can share your experiences and serve as a role model for students excited about the arts! Our counselors have the opportunity to work with professional artists and gain teaching and leadership experience, vital for resume building and college applications. Counselors live on campus at Vanguard University for the 5 days of their arts-X-press session, participate in all activities and excursions, mentor students to excel in the arts, and practice their own art form with professionals in their field.

Counselors may work one or two sessions and are given 100 volunteer service hours for each session worked.

To apply:
1) You must be between the ages of 16 and 20 (as of July 1, 2009)
2) Strong preference is given to applicants who have previously participated in arts-X-press and/or the Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles.
3) You must be able to participate in the mandatory staff training sessions on June 13, 9 am-4 pm and July 8, 9 am-4 pm.
4) You must be available to live on campus for at least one of the following sessions:
Session 1: July 25-29
Session 2: August 1-5
Session 3: August 8-12

If you would like to apply, please e-mail arts-x-press@pacificsymphony.org with "Counselor application request" in the subject line and you will receive application materials. Applications are due May 1 and will ONLY BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY.