SUNDAY FUNDAY

SUNDAY, FUNDAY  !!

We started off with a healthy breakfast and then made our way over to our Creative Expressions class where we discussed the emotional play, Hamlet, that we had seen the night before at
The Strawberry Bowl in Garden Grove. Talk about revenge back firing on you!! After exploring our own emotions with our I Am poems and creating some fun emojis, our class talked more about courage and risks we sometimes take to do something that we have always wanted to do.
In the afternoon, we saw a fantastic production of  A Chorus Line at the Chance Theatre in Anaheim.  Wow!!  We were blown away at how the performers "put it all on the line" and gave the audience a great show.  It gave us all alot to talk about at dinner on the patio when we returned. We bonded together as a group by sharing about someone we appreciate both at home and here at Artsxpress.  We all have much to be grateful for.  Over and out.

WEEK 1 DAY 2

Hey hey heeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyYYYYYYY!!!!1!11!111!!!

Madeline and Dominica checking in after a fun-filled day of many laughs, tears, and magic moments! 

The day started out bright and early-- many of the campers even waking up before call-time in anticipation to reveal the day's surprises. After stretches on the lawn, and tummies full of delicious food, they headed to their Creative Expression workshops, where they furthered explored  the meaning of "courage". Ooooh. Aaaaah. 

With lots of new risks taken in their Arts Workshop, the campers headed to see the fabulous "A Chorus Line" musical at the Chance Theater! This musical covered the struggles of artists and encouraged the campers to pursue the arts despite various difficulties. After the show, AXPers even got to talk to the cast of the musical! :) :) :) ;)

The campers left the Chance Theater full with exciting things to share with each other about what they had just experienced. Little did they know, there was even more excitement waiting for them back at Vanguard University. After a warm dinner under the sunset, the students participated in Spotlight Workshops, where they were able to explore many new art forms- dance, theater, and vocal. Ooooh. Aaaaah. 

To close the night, campers, counselors, and staff all experienced the AXP tradition of Bonding. Many heartfelt comments were exchanged tonight, and many hugs shared. :') :') :') ;') 

The campers are now tucked in, sleep and sound, with many, many, many, smiles on their faces!

Goodnight, sweet prince.

Cat's Kittens CE Group

Wow, I must say that I have a great Creative Expressions Group this session.  Parents, thanks for sending them to us!  I have never had a group that was so open to the ideas I present and so willing to share.  They are amazing!  So far, the campers have written in their journals about their experiences, done a fun icebreaker with crazy questions to ask each other, done "I Am" poems, wrote a seriously funny Hamlet madlib, worked on acrostic poems on the word "courage" (our theme this week) and also did a partner write on "Ancient Door" pictures.  We've had some really insightful and creative results. These campers are already courageous risk takers.

Here's just a few examples of the amazing work they have done:

"I spin words with my tongue like silk."  - Liam

Quiara penned an insightful "I Am" poem:

I am unique
I wonder if there is anyone like me
I hear conversation
I see happiness
I want joy
I am nervous.

The Ancient Doors writing is always very interesting.  Here's an excerpt by Jenna and Sonia:

The door, the door,
The beautiful wooden door,
As I stand before it, I wonder what secrets it holds.
On the other side there could be a treasure or a trap.
As if the ocean blue windows are taunting me to look, I wonder.
What could be on the other side?

Nemo and Jessica evoke a darker mood in their Ancient Doors writing:

A young man was courageous enough to finally open the door.  The door showed nothing but his own reflection.  He closed the door and the bridge fell.  The demon cried, "I warned you!"

There's so much more but I do want to save some for the Parent Presentation on Tuesday night.  We hope to see you there.  Cat's Kittens are Quiara, Sonia, Jasmine, Christopher, Kenzie, Kate, Jessica, Liam, Solana, Jenna, Nemo, Cameron, Sophia U., Mia, Hope, Kaylei, and Allison P.

How lucky are we to take a picture with the entire case of "A Chorus Line" after our excursion to the Chance Theater?!

WEEK 1 Day 1!

Arts-X-Press is in full swing as we wrapped up our first day. We are so excited to have all of our campers settled and ready for the AXP magic. Today the students were assigned into their arts workshop group as well as into their creative expression classes. To end the day, we headed out to the Strawberry Bowl to see a production of Hamlet performed by Shakespeare Orange County which was great. It has been a long but fun-filled first day and it is just the beginning.

Excursions and Immersions Week 1

We have officially welcomed our Session 1 arts-X-pressers, and everyone is already getting to know each other! We've got some awesome artistic opportunities lines up for the week including three adventures out to some terrific performances in Orange County!

Tonight we we are excited to attend The Strawberry Bowl tonight for their production of Hamlet! We will be immersed into the world of Shakespeare, which will surely be a unique opportunity under the stars at this outdoor amphitheater!


Then tomorrow afternoon, we will attend the matinee performance of A Chorus Line at the Chance Theater in Anaheim. It will be so fantastic to see so many art forms come together for this show!  

Finally, on Monday we will head down to Laguna Beach for the Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters where we will do some hands-on art activities as well as explore the theme of Partners in the artwork that is showcased in the performance. 

Feel free to click around on all of their websites as we are so thankful for these amazing organizations and arts partners who bring artistic opportunities to the community!

Hello there, arts-X-press families!

This is just one last reminder about our 2016 arts-X-press Welcome Concert coming up THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 5^th at 3pm.

The concert will take place at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, where Pacific Symphony will perform Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz! As arts-X-pressers, we get the special price of $10 for students and $20 for adults to this afternoon concert, and the opportunity to meet Music Director and Founder of arts-X-press, Carl St.Clair!

If you haven’t gotten your tickets and want to join us, call our BOX OFFICE AT 714-755-5799 to get them by THIS Friday, June 3, 2016…our special AXP discount will NOT be available at the door.  

ALSO, our Summer Orientations are coming up on Wednesday, June 15^th 2016 at 7pm and Saturday, June 18^th at 10am. Both taking place at Vanguard University in Smith Hall 101. We hope to see all of you at ONE of these in order to receive packing lists, sign up for bus stops and meet some of our staff and counselors J

See you all soon! 

ATTENTION ATTENTION!

We are looking for 2 Creative Expression Instructors for this coming summer! Openings are for Week 1 (July 9-13) and Week 3 (July 23-27). 

Creative Expression Instructor

Job Description

Job Title:                    arts-X-press Creative Expression Instructor

Salary Range:             Negotiated privately at time of interview

Department:               Education & Community Engagement

Reports to:                 Director of Community Arts Participation

Employment Status: Seasonal temporary employment, exempt

Position Summary:  The arts-X-press Creative Expression (CE) Instructor works with 15-18 students of diverse ability and background in a classroom setting for one hour a day.  The purpose of these workshops is to foster understanding and bonding between students as well as reflection on the program experiences throughout the week.  Though the main method of expression is creative writing, this position has in the past been successfully filled by those who teach language arts, music, art, theater, and a variety of other disciplines. All arts-X-press instructors reside on campus for the duration of their 5-day session and take part in excursions and workshops in addition to classroom instruction. More information about the program can be found at www.pacificsymphony.org/arts-X-press.

Essential Functions:

1.    Daily instruction in the CE workshop (4 hours total) will culminate in a 5 minute student presentation the last evening of the program.  The focus of arts-X-press is on creative process in the arts.  The presentation does not have to be a completed “performance.”

2.    The main method of expression in these classes is through creative writing, but other methods of expression through the visual and performing arts are encouraged as well.  CE instructors need not be formally trained in creative writing.

3.    arts-X-press instructors are responsible for creating and directing all activities for their class.  There is no set curriculum for the workshops.  Instructors are encouraged to create their own plan for using class time.  The most effective instructors have created activities where all students could participate, feel involved, and learn about themselves and their classmates.

4.    Live onsite at Vanguard University during program execution (24 hours per day for 5 full days) assisting in all aspects of the program including mentoring and supervising students and counselors and attending excursions and workshops.

5.    This position requires the instructor be both a teacher and a chaperone for the program.

Other Functions:

1.    Procure all needed classroom supplies.  The CE instructor will be provided with a small budget for supplies.  All supplies purchased with this budget money will remain the property of the Pacific Symphony.

2.    Participate in all activities, workshops, and excursions.

3.    When needed, enforce safety or rules.

4.    Live in the dorms with students as a program chaperone.

5.    Make pre-session phone calls to welcome students.

6.    Meet buses on first and last days of programs to ensure student safety.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education: Completed college degree preferred but not required.

Experience: Teaching experience in a class setting is required.

Specific Skills:

• Understanding of age-specific learning and emotional needs for middle school students.
• Enthusiastic about working with children, volunteers, and artists and able to manage classroom time or events in a flexible, calm, patient, and forgiving manner.
• Must have strong organizational, detail-management, written, and interpersonal communication skills.  Self-motivation and the ability to set own working hours and manage own time.
• Must be punctual, persistent, a problem solver, timely, creative, and have sustained energy.  Able to work long hours with a very busy schedule and still able to lead by example and motivate staff members and program participants.

Supervisory Responsibility: Responsible for supervising middle school students and high school age counselors.  While executing program responsible for student participant safety at all times.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires minimal attendance at week-day or weekend training meetings.

• Living onsite during the program is required.
• The program is very physically demanding.  There is quite a bit of walking, sometimes up to 2-3 miles in a day, and going up and down hills.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Please e-mail cover resume to:

Attn: Alison Levinson

arts-X-press Instructor Search

Address: 3631 South Harbor Blvd., Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92704

E-mail: alevinson@pacificsymphony.org

Believe it or not, Spring Registration Meetings are underway! Had a great turn out in Mission Viejo last night with our South County 2016 arts-X-pressers, and looking forward to meeting our Newport-Mesa friends tonight! 

Here is a list of the meetings for your reference! 

Monday, March 14, 2016 @ 7pm Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, Mission Viejo- Jacaranda Room B

Tuesday, March 15, 2016 @ 7pm Newport-Mesa Unified School District Office- Board Room

Monday, March 21, 2016 @ 7pm Irvine Unified School District Office- Board Room

Tuesday, March 22, 2016 @ 7pm Garden Grove Unified School District Office- Annex

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 @ 7pm Placentia-Yorba Linda School District Office- Board Room

Monday, March 28, 2016 @ 7pm Santa Ana Unified School District Office- Training Room

See you soon!

It's that time of year again! 

arts-X-press 2016 applications are available, and we are in search of 150 arts-X-pressers to make magic with this summer! 

Know an awesome 6th or 7th grader who loves the arts? Head on over to our WEBSITE TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION!

Applications are due to Pacific Symphony offices by February 12, 2016!

arts-X-press 2015!

arts-X-press started in 2001, in celebration of Cole Carsan St. Clair, and for fifteen years, we have dedicated three weeks during the summer to creating an environment where young artists can immerse themselves in art, friendship, and creative risk-taking! Pacific Symphony Music Director Carl St. Clair, whose passion for arts education has been the driving force for this program for the past 15 years, explains, "I formed arts-X-press around someone who looks a lot like me at that age. I was a painter, I wrote poetry, I was in the one-act play, I played in a rock band, I sang. I did all of the arts, because I find there's such an intertwining action between them. To have everybody in the arts-X-press weeks experience all the arts in a single day can be a very, very influential and powerful moment in their lives." And from our arts workshops to our Creative Expression writing classes, and even our excursions to places like Pageant of the Masters, Symphony in the Cities, and a theater production of Tarzan, each student was able to experience all of the art forms in new and inspiring ways. 

arts-X-press really is like a family. We hope to create a safe, loving environment that helps our young artists be themselves and continue to take creative risks, whether it's during their five days with us, or back in their own schools and communities. We hope that they will remember the magical moments in their time with us, and share them with the people they love back home. As one of our campers put it, "magical moments last a lifetime," and we hope that our young artists keep searching for those magical moments, wherever life takes them next!

We wanted to share some of the stories that our arts-X-press campers, counselors, and staff shared with us at the end of their sessions. We are so inspired by the ways that arts-X-press really transforms all those who have experienced the program, and we hope you will be inspired too. :) 

"My favorite moment was waking up on Sunday, and realizing that I wasn't at home. I was at a place that I hadn't been before, but I would have a great experience. I've made a lot of new friends and they have all helped me feel like I'm actually a part of something." -Mircea, AXP camper

"When I was a camper, I really wanted to get into visual arts. But when I got here, they put me into vocal arts! And I loved it. Now, I'm in show choir in my high school--I've been in it for many years--and I came back to arts-X-Press as a counselor! I love seeing these kids grow and get out of their comfort zones, just like I did when I was a camper." -Daven, AXP counselor


"Whether it's visual art or creative writing, whether it's dancing or learning how to sing, or being an actor, our campers get that opportunity to be themselves in a safe place, where they can just let it happen and let it flow." -Wendy, AXP teacher


We are so proud of all the amazing young artists that we got to work with this summer. We hope you will continue to take creative risks, and rediscover your passion for art wherever you go! Special thanks to all of the counselors and staff who put so much hard work into making our 15th year so special! And thank you to the St. Clair family, for your incredible support for this amazing program that has touched so many lives, and will continue to inspire all of our young artists for years to come. 

THE LAST NIGHT

Hey everyone!

Dominica and Amrit here on our -- can you believe it -- final night here at Arts-X-Press! It was fantastic seeing you all at the Parent Presentation, and we're looking forward to sharing more with you about the day.

After a slightly delayed start due to late-night Pageant shenanigans, the campers visited their usual arts workshops for their final presentation preparation and last-minute run-throughs. Then, four members of the Pacific Symphony joined us for lunch: Nancy, a violinist, Andy, a cellist, Mike, PSO's principal trombonist, and Cindy, a flautist.

Lunches devoured, your campers proceeded to an Instrumental Spotlight workshop, where our PSO guest musicians introduced and demoed their instruments. The students then were joined by members of the Pacific Symphony's Youth Ensembles, who graciously volunteered their time to allow your campers to try out a variety of instruments from the violin to the French horn. A huge shout out to these wonderful volunteers -- without them, this amazing workshop and opportunity would never have been possible.

Next, your young Arts-X-Pressers were visited by the one and only Molly Pontin, the former director of Arts-X-Press. Molly led us in a group percussion activity and asked a profound question of the campers: have you ever seen a penguin dancing? (Ask your students about this one)

But these excited penguins were not done for the day yet. They then proceeded to the Parent Presentation, which was held in Vanguard's beautiful Needham Chapel. The presentation was a resounding success! Many "Standing O's" were given :) Thank you to those who made it out.

The young grasshoppers continued to the Heath building, where they shared their amazing talents with one another during our much-awaited talent show, which featured acts as diverse as trio singing and recycled percussion.

And after a long day of learning, experimentation, and creativity, your campers took their customary 3-minute showers and hit the hay.

Just as a reminder, please be on time to your child's designated bus stop, which is the same as the one that he or she departed from.

This is Dominica and Amrit signing off for the evening (morning? week? year?)... it's been a wild ride with your fantastic campers. We hope that, inspired by their Arts-X-Press experience, they'll continue their pursuit of happiness and achieve their goals both inside and outside the artistic world!

Parent presentation tonight at 6:45pm!!! We will be at Newport Mesa Church in Costa Mesa and can't WAIT to see everyone there!!

Cat's Creative Expressions Group

My "kittens" were busy creating great stuff right away.  I have never been so impressed by the quality and creativity of a group!  So amazing!  On Day 1, we started with the usual journaling and then went into an icebreaker activity which they enjoyed.  Then, they did an acrostic on the word "Happiness."  We had many truly wonderful results!  Some of the campers finished quickly and were able to go individual prompts.  Here is what Audrey created on her prompt:

I know it's a little hard to read.  It says: "List of things that have no weight: A feeling."  I just love that!

Mircea also created an amazing poem on a prompt.  It's called "The Horse and Rider."  Here's the beginning:



Rider and horse

We are one

I see the sky

Endless blue, a work of art

Little white shapes here and there

Horse and rider

We go further

Onto plains.

 

Isn't that beautiful?  What's more amazing is that he didn't even know he could do that!

 

On Day 2, we went a little serious.  Our first activity was to look at Norman Rockwell's painting entitled "The Problem We All Live With."  This is the famous painting of little Ruby Bridges being escorted to school back in 1960 which currently hangs in the White House.  The kids came up with some very insightful and heartfelt journal entries.  We moved from there to one of my favorite activities called "Ancient Doorways."  The students get into small groups (2 -3) and receive a photo of an ancient doorway.  The idea is to dig deep and think about what's on the other side.  Once again, they came up with some truly wonderful work.  Emma and Lara produced this gem:

 

A towering arch standing tall

A secret doorway leading all

Mysteries on the other side

Unknown happiness is waiting for me.

 

For Day 3, we lightened the mood.  The kids had seen "Tarzan: The Musical" on Day 2, so I gave them a fun assignment called "Who's Your Mama?"  Each camper got a picture of an animal and had to think about what it would be like to be raised by that animal. I don't hate to say that, once again, they were amazing!  This elegant diamante turned out by Lauren was so beautiful, I just have to share it:

 

Butterflies,

Colorful, graceful,

Floating, flying, caring

Wings, tongues, abdomen, antenna

Crawling, swiveling, running

Scary, cool

Insect.

 

 

Today was our final full class of CE, so the kittens were finishing up, getting ready for parent presentation (tonight at 6:45 p.m.!), and doing some additional writing and/or drawing on prompts from the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts.  Needless to say, there were some wonderful results.  I would have loved to post it all, but I'm sure they'll be showing you what they did themselves and I do want to leave a few surprises!

 

This week's group has been so wonderful!  They have done so much and grown so much over the past few days.  Thank you, Parents, for sharing your talented children with us.  It has been a joy and an honor to have them in my CE class these past few days.  My CE class is Emily, Haydee, Cade S., Mircea, Lara, Audrey, Sydney, Donna, Lauren, Hollis, Samantha H., Carol, and Emma.



Llamas up! Our campers today began an early morning with llama and unicorn songs, followed by a scrumptious delicious breakfast. Of course, these well filled bellies were enough to get them energized for their arts workshops where they continue to take creative risks and prepare for the parent presentation! With everywhere they went, their heads bobbed to the many camp songs that they've been able to learn this week, bobbing and shaking with frustration as they try to figure out riddles and mind games.

With their minds flowing, and tummies filled with a tasty meal, we safely made it to the Festival of Arts in Laguna to explore the visual arts. Hands were busy with making wonderful creations: scratch art, raku pots, print-making. These curious arts-x-pressers were thrilled when we were able to tour backstage the Pageant of the Masters, voices oooooooohing and aaaaaaaaahing at the beautiful masterpieces, props, and meeting the famous pony, Zack.

The gorgeous Laguna Beach made a wonderful dinner setting, and with Carl St. Clair stopping by for a visit, campers were extremely inspired to be brave in their Pursuit of Happiness. These fired-up arts-x-pressers continued with more oooooooohing and aaaaaaaaahing at the many recreated masterpieces Laguna had to offer. Campers followed Washington and Jefferson in America's creation, rode horses across the great plains, danced under Japan's beautiful cherry blossoms, fawn over the first taste of coffee, dance with native Africans, celebrate with Hindu traditions, all in all living through many cultures and finding Happiness in its many forms throughout History.

The campers are all sound asleep now, ready to wake up bright and early to perform their hearts out at tomorrow's parent presentation. Arts-x-pressers dream happily tonight.

Daven and Dominica, checking out.

Good morning CE!

This morning's blog post is brought to you by Michal's CE class, also known as: Jackson, Sabrina, Chelsea, Presley, Maxx, Faith, Daiana, Timothy, Collin, Lydia, Xavier, Kaylee, Esther, Julia, Cassie, and Lea. Each morning, we start out with writing a goal, a discovery, and journaling what we did the day before. Then we dive into our activity. One day, we wrote Ancient Doorway poems. Another morning, we did Super Speedy Stories, and this morning, we did a PAUSE activity, using pictures from Pageant. Here are some examples of what we've been doing!

Ancient Doorway poem:
The door shrouded in shade
The branches arch over the path
The door slowly creaking open
The land of the fairies

Walking through the door we see wondrous sights
A glowing cave, blinding to the eyes
Beyond the crashing waterfall lies their secrets
The land of the fairies

Vines grasping at the walls
Flowers blooming from the ground
A rocky path narrowing into a home
The land of the fairies.

Super Speedy Story
There once was a brittle old man. He was very wise. He taught his grandson everything he knew. All the magic in the world now obeyed his loving grandson. One day the grandson asked the old man a question. "What is the most important thing for somebody to have?" asked the grandson."Only you can answer that." he said. Because of these wise words, he will always look for an answer to the question. As he grew up more something tragical happened. His dog died. He grew up with this dog. Despite this loss, he was determined to find the answer to the question. The grandson searched everywhere he could think of. He asked monks this question. They only said "You have to find that answer yourself." Two years later, he found the answer. The answer was that the most important thing somebody could have is one's family and one's self.

Ancient Doorways Poem:
Behind his door are a bunch of old ancient Greek ruins.
Also, there are a lot of tourists.
None of the locals ever come to the ruins, because they all know the story behind the walls already.
If you go behind his door, you will be surprised on how ruined these ruins really are.
You will realize how much money you wanted to go behind the door and you will be sad.

Super Speedy Story:
There was once a child named Bob. He was a kind person. Whenever he saw an old man, he'd help him. He was always there whenever he needed help. H helped with stuff like groceries and helping him clean his house. He also had a special ability that nobody had. He could read minds. This power proved helpful when the man needed something for Bob to do. Then one day something spectacular happened. Somebody knocked on the door. It was his role model. "Oh my gosh!" yelled Bob. He couldn't believe what his eyes were telling him. It was Captain Raven. Then Captain Raven and Bob lived together happily ever after.

PAUSE story:
Rob was walking down the street when he saw his old friend John. Rob decided to follow him, since he was bored and he was going home anyway. John seemed to go into a bar, so Rob went in as well. As he went inside, four cats went up to him and greeted him. John turned and saw his cats snuggling against Rob. John called them over and looked at Rob. "Rob, is that you?" John asked. Rob nodded and replied, 'Yes, it is, John. Where were you all this time? You never contacted me anymore!" John sighed. "I'm sorry, but I cannot tell you why." Rob guessed it was important but his curiosity took over him. "Tell me! I haven't talked to you in a long time and you're my friend! I have a right to know why!" "No, you don't." "Yes, I do!" "No." "Yes!" "No." "Yes!" "Fine! I'm a detective for the police, and it was supposed to be a secret!" "What?" "And you are arrested for robbing a bank last Saturday, Robber Rob!" John handcuffed him and took him to the police. Rob was enraged but he decided to listen to John because John was right about him robbing a bank, and because how as a good friend that helps the community.

PAUSE story:
Mrs. Gallagher was reading the book "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens. "This is boring," complained Jack. "You're right," Sandy said in agreement. Then Jack threw the book across the room and it hit Mrs. Gallagher. The teacher, fazed, quickly recovered and yelled, "Jack! I will not tolerate these shenanigans!" Go have a time-out!" Jack then fired back, "No! I'm leaving this dumb class, you tyranist! Good day to you!" Then Jack and his fellow gang stormed out of the room which left seven students. The teacher, flustered, put down her book and said, he face reddening, "um... well, children, it's nap item!" The seven students then napped as the teacher ran out of the classroom and moved to Ethiopia. The end.

We're excited to share more with you on Tuesday at the Parent Presentation!

While Your Little Dudes Are Catching Up On Some Well Deserved Z's

Today we started bright and (a little too) early at 7:15 am. Kids were woken up with loud music of the counselor's choice, ranging from Jump by Kris Kross or What Does the Fox Say? by Ylvis. Dominica and Helena used pots and pans to wake up their girls. We got our creative juices flowing at creative expression and got to experience a new, more artistic, side of ourselves in arts workshops. Some of us have found new arts that we love. After lunch we got to see Tarzan the Musical at Plummer Auditorium. We laughed, we cried, and we were extremely impressed by the flying actors and actresses. 10/10 must see! We got to have a conversation with the cast that really inspired our campers to pursue the arts and to always work hard. Later we got to experience all arts workshops (dance, vocal, and theatre) by making a dance, being in a scary movie, and singing some scout tunes. We ended the night with bonding where everyone took a risk and told us about one person at camp we are thankful for and one person outside of camp we are thankful for. Campers are in REM sleep a little early to prepare them for a busy day tomorrow.

Bye Felicia,
Emily and Wendy (Wemily)

Oh my goodness! What a great time we're having today! Your campers got their creative juices flowing in their Creative Expressions classes, where they use free-form writing, different styles of poetry, and learn how to verbalize their thoughts and feelings more clearly.

The next stop is their super-awesome Arts Workshop, where they are busy learning and growing in their visual or performing arts as well as preparing for their fun Parent Presentation. Here at a-X-p, we focus on the process and not the product, which takes pressure of the students and allows them the opportunity to take creative risks and find what works best for them; it's not about trying and failing or succeeding, it's about trying and finding out what works or doesn't and understanding why and finding the joy in the process.

We got to see a FANTASTIC production by 3-D Theatricals at Plummer Auditorium - Tarzan, the Musical! The campers really enjoyed it, with a lot of singing, dancing, flying through the air, beautiful sets, and even a Talk-Back session right after the performance where they got to ask different cast members about anything they wanted!

Right now, your students are off experiencing the other art forms they're not assigned to in Arts Workshop in what we call Spotlight Workshop; they cycle through Theatre, Dance, and Vocal tonight in three groups and visit a shorter workshop class of each art form. (Don't worry, they'll get a taste of Visual and Instrumental in other workshops on other days). That's right, they are immersed in EVERY art form while they're here! It's sooooo much fun!

Thank you so much for sharing your students with us this session. We'll consider returning them again on Wednesday. ;)

- Becky

Excursions and Immersions: Week 3!!!

Hello everyone!!! Our session 3 arts-X-press students are already having a wonderful time settling in and making new friends! Can't wait to see the amazing things that they learn throughout the week!





Tonight, we will be heading to the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre to see our very own Pacific Symphony perform Rimsky-Kosakov's Scheherazade, Verdi's Overture to "La Forza del Destino," and Beethoven's Emperor Concerto with pianist Rueibin Chen! For those of us that have never been to the symphony, this is sure to be a magical and inspiring experience!








Tomorrow, we will be attending a production of Tarzan, put on by the wonderful artists at 3D Theatricals! We are excited to experience a new telling of this Disney classic that so many of us already know and love. Tarzan is sure to keep us on the edge of our seats with a timeless story of self-discovery, family, and friendship.









On Monday night, we conclude our excursions at the always-amazing Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach! We will get to explore different art exhibits and even create some of our own art together that the students can take with them! During the Pageant show, we'll get to watch as people are transformed into living representations of both ancient and modern art pieces. This year's theme for the Pageant is "The Pursuit of Happiness," and we are beyond excited to learn about the way we can explore happiness in our own different art forms.

Off we go! Stay tuned for more updates and photos as the week goes on!!! 

OUR LAST DAY :'(

Welcome to the LAST blog post of week 2 AXP (cue tears). This blog post is brought you by the actual coolest counselors: Marissa and Naomi.
     After a final day of CE classes and our arts workshops, campers were surprised with special guests: musicians from the Pacific Symphony Orchestra! The kids were able to sit with these incredible artists during lunch, and invigorating conversation was had by all.
     Following lunch, campers got a quick sampling of instrumental music. Our musicians demonstrated their own instruments before the kids got to try out instruments themselves in an instrument petting zoo. There was definitely some creative risk-taking happening ;p
     Kjersti, one of our wonderful CE teachers, led campers in a percussion workshop in which kids learned the power of details, and the value of taking your time in life.
     Dinner was delicious as per usual, and from there it was full speed ahead for parent presentation.
     Every workshop and CE class showed us what they've been busy doing this week, and we finished with a grand finale of a full cast "Under the Sea" rendition.
     BUT WAIT, there's more!
     At the talent show, campers showed off their unique artistic abilities to the AXP family. From singing to playing an instrument, and beyond, your kids are INCREDIBLE.
     Finally, we surprised the young artists with a quick party to celebrate our week together. It was a perfect ending to a perfect week.
     From the AXP staff to you, we thank you for letting us borrow your wonderful, talented, and inspiring children for these 100 hours :D
   

Cindy Ellis, a flutist from PSO, teaches us about her flute

The Visual Arts workshop at the Parent Presentation