Session 2 Parent Presentation

Good Morning to ALL!

Just a reminder that tonight is our parent presentation, which is your chance to see what all the students have been up to this week! 

IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tonight's Parent Presentation is at College Park Elementary, address is:

2380 Notre Dame Rd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Time is 6:45pm


BE there or BE square! 

See you soon :)

Magic Monday!

 Hola arts-X-press parents and friends! It feels like we started just yesterday, but we're already more than halfway through the week. Today started off early with a delicious breakfast of the frenchiest of toasts and scrambled eggs before the kids went to their Creative Expression classes to do some soul-searching and explore their personal abilities. 

Right after we grabbed lunch, we took off for the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach. The Festival of the Arts was a paradise for the visual arts, with aisles upon aisles of Southern California's best artists displaying their works. Art pieces ranged from normal oil and watercolor paintings on canvas to glass sculptures to chairs made of recycled plastic bags, and some of the artists were on hand to answer student's questions. After browsing the art at the Festival of the Arts, we explored the backstage of Pageant of the Masters with the Pageant's electrical engineer and costume manager before heading to Heisler Park overlooking the beach for some games and pizza dinner. 

At Pageant of the Masters, we marveled at the actor's abilities to hold their poses and enjoyed the wonderful music from the pit orchestra. Paintings at this year's Pageant of the Masters featured famous partnerships that ranged from Lewis and Clark to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera to Wilber and Orville Wright.

The students are looking forward to seeing everyone at the parent presentation, and they're definitely ready to show off their artistic abilities! This is counselor Jordan signing off! See you all tomorrow! 

Hi Arts-X-press parents, families, and friends,

We've got the beat, the Arts-X-press beat! It is day three and we continue our journey in exploring, celebrating, and expressing our individuality.

Yesterday in CE, we reflected upon our unique characteristics to create a "ME Recipe" as well as a written thumbprint.

After CE, we had the opportunity to experience Spotlight workshops. Through movement, sound, and teamwork we became a united machine (theater), we sang in a two part harmony (vocal), and we showed off our best moves (dance).

"To be, or not to be: that is the question" (Hamlet, William Shakespeare). Last night's excursion was a private performance of "Sonnets, Songs and Sorry Will's Been Dead 400 Years!" at the Strawberry Bowl. We had a blast experiencing Shakespeare in a new light and asking the actors and actresses questions after the performance.

We had an incredible day and look forward to sharing our experiences with you tomorrow night!

-Kelly's CE Class
Erin, Kaitlyn, Fallon, Kayla, Jessica, Corina, Noe, Makenna, Paola, Aaron, Jaime, Jack, Quynh Anh, and Anna

Day 2!

Today, our wonderful campers experienced our spotlight workshops.  Spotlight workshops give our campers an opportunity to try an art for that they have never tried before.  They all rotate between 30 minutes of vocal music, theater, and dance and are immersed in the different styles of art that could help push them to take creative risks.  The kids also had a chance to reflect on there appreciation to their fellow campers and to those at home who have supported their artistic journeys. Then, the campers had an evening excursion to the Strawberry Bowl to see Shakespeare OC performed. This original piece written by the main actress put a modern twist on Shakespearean sonnets. It was followed by a talk back with the actors and actresses where the campers could have their questions answered. The campers had a great day packed with many fun and enlightening experiences.

From,
Your favorite counsellors of week 2,
Marissa and Daven

Good Morning from CE

Hi parents and friends!

Sending a shout-out from Michal's CE class, made up of Julia W, Julia S, Cece, Megan, Marley, Madison, Ricky, Caden, Kat, Sydney, JP, Jake, Molly, Julieann, Emilia, and Miranda.

We've been talking a lot about individuality and have shared some of our unique traits, whether it's having our appendix out, being able to sail, play seven instruments, or being one of 120 second cousins.

We used those ideas to yesterday write an I AM poem, which allows us to look at ourselves, what we like and dislike, what we hope and dream for, and what we're worried about.

We also talked about how, even with our own individual traits, we can unite these to become even stronger. So today, we combined traits to make Super-Superheroes. One of our superheroes can breathe under water, has super strength, a super brain, and super speed. Another one has extreme flexibility, a huge brain, strong legs, and warp speed.

No spoilers on any finished product yet because we don't want to let out any secrets before the parent presentation! You'll just have to come join us on Tuesday so see for yourself!

Day one and done!

Hi Axp friends! We are winding down from a long but exciting first day of Arts-X-Press session 2! The students have already begun to experience the magic of AxP through arts workshops, creative expression classes, and new friends. Tonight, we saw A Chorus Line at the Chance Theater, and it was amazing! Through this exciting production, the students had the chance to dive into what it means to stay true to your individual and unique self! 

Today was packed full of summer fun. And guess what- it's only the beginning of a wonderful few days together! We can't wait to share our next adventures with you all! 

Session 2 Excursions and Immersions!

Good Morning from Session 2! The students have arrived and we are busy getting to know each other and getting excited for what the week has in store! In addition to getting to create art of our own, we will be heading out to a few performances around Orange County to see some arts professionals at work! 



Tonight we will enjoy a production of A Chorus Line at The Chance Theater in Anaheim. We are thrilled to enjoy the amazing music, dancing, and acting that these performers will bring us this evening!








Tomorrow evening, we will head out to the Strawberry Bowl in Garden Grove for a unique new show called Sonnets, Songs and Sorry Will's Been Dead 400 Years! This is a Shakespearean Vaudeville and is sure to be a fantastic opportunity for our students. This will be a private performance for us where we will get to be up close and personal with the cast!












Finally on Monday, we will make our way down to Laguna Beach for Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters. We will get a behind-the-scenes look at how the magic of the pageant happens as well as get to take part in some of the art activities at the festival. Then of course, we will take our seats and take in the beautiful artwork as it comes to life onstage! 









As you can see...MUCH fun is still to be had...but first? LUNCH TIME!

THEY'RE OURS, YOU CAN'T HAVE THEM BACK

Hello homo-sapien guardians of the fetuses,

We had a wonderful last day together, and there are a lot of sad little faces here tonight going to bed. They miss each and everyone one of you, no question, but we have also created a very special kind of family here at Arts-X-Press. If they could have, I am sure they would have chose to stay up all night having a giant slumber party because the bond between every single camper and counselor is so strong.
Today, before you all arrived, we went through our usual day. Creative Expressions and our Arts Workshops, preparing for this evening's parent presentation. The kids all worked really hard to make their four hours (for CE) and eight and a half hours (for the workshops) count. I was so proud of your kids as I am sure you are too. Each one of these kids is a brilliant, kind, talented soul.
Speaking of talent, after everyone left the kids presented their talent in either a group or solo act. I honestly should get all of their signatures for when they become famous someday.
Finally we counselors surprised the kids with a party, celebrating and commemorating our time at AXP.
I truly thank you for letting us borrow your children for these 100 hours, and you might have to fight us to get them back because we love them so much.

Sincerely,
The fabulous, loving, dabbing counselors of AXP

Just wanting to post a reminder about our Session 1 Parent Presentation tonight!! 

We will be inside Newport Mesa Church, which is on the campus of Vanguard University. Starts at 6:45pm and ALL are welcome. See you soon!!

Molly's CE Class

Haaaappy Tuesday from Molly's CE class!

We started out last Saturday (it seems so long ago) writing acrostic poems on this week's theme, "Courage." We set out to write one poem as a class, but your students are so awesome, they wrote TWO. These young writers are amazing!

Coming out of your comfort zone
One should always be courageous when facing obstacles
Understanding when others are not at their best
Respect others
Accepting people for who they are
Go forward in life
Expanding your horizons

Controlling our fears
Only you can convince yourself to venture further
Uplifting others when they're down
(be a ) Reliable friend
Acting confidently
Great people have great courage
Ending fights and grudges.

Monday Madness

Whew! Another day of arts-X-press flew by, and all the kiddos are fast asleep. The day started off early with a delicious breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs and hash browns before the kids went to their Creative Expression classes to do some soul-searching and explore their personal abilities. After Creative Expression, students began putting the finishing touches on their Arts Workshop presentation. From what I've heard, each arts discipline's presentation is coming together great!

Right after we grabbed lunch, we took off for the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach. The Festival of the Arts was a paradise for the visual arts, with aisles upon aisles of Southern California's best artists displaying their works. Art pieces ranged from normal oil and watercolor paintings on canvas to glass sculptures to chairs made of recycled plastic bags, and some of the artists were on hand to answer student's questions. After browsing the art at the Festival of the Arts, we explored the backstage of Pageant of the Masters with the Pageant's electrical engineer and costume manager before heading to Heisler Park overlooking the beach. A pizza picnic was waiting for us-a welcome site after the long walk from the Pageant.

The sun set, the lights dimmed, and the Pageant of the Masters began. We marveled at the actor's abilities to hold their poses and enjoyed the wonderful music from the pit orchestra. The theme of this years show was "P(art)ners," and each painting featured some sort of famous pairing that ranged from Adam and Eve to Lewis and Clark to Wilber and Orville Wright. Of course, "The Last Supper" finale was the favorite all around.

The students are looking forward to seeing everyone at the parent presentation, and they're definitely ready to show off their artistic abilities! From here at arts-X-press, this is counselor Jordan signing off. Adios!

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!