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.

Orientations for Week of 3/16

Hi new arts-X-pressers! Here is more information for orientations taking place during the week of 3/16:

Monday, March 16, 7:00-8:30 pm
Capistrano Unified School District Office
Staff Development Rooms 2&3
33122 Valle Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Map

Wednesday, March 18, 7:00-8:30 pm
Garden Grove Unified School District Office
Annex Conference Room
10331 Stanford Avenue
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Map

Thursday, March 19, 7:00-8:30 pm
Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Office
1301 Orangethorpe Avenue
Placentia, CA 92870
Map

Saturday, March 21, 10-11:30 am
Heninger Elementary School
417 W. Walnut St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Map

Come back soon for more info on orientations during the week of March 23.

If you need to attend a different orientation than the one you RSVPed for, that's okay. Just call us at (714) 876-2336 and let us know when to expect you.

Welcome AXP 2009!

A big arts-X-press welcome to the incoming class of 2009. We are so excited that you will be joining us! You will receive most of your paperwork and your session assignment at your orientation meeting, so don't forget to RSVP. You can visit this blog for updates, maps, and reminders starting next week. We can't wait to meet all of you!

Veteran Counselor Volunteer Oppportunity

A new generation of arts-X-pressers is about to attend their first orientation, and we need some AXP veterans to welcome them! Please check out the dates below, and if you are able to come to a meeting to share your experiences and answer questions, please e-mail us at arts-x-press@pacificsymphony.org

Monday, March 16, 6-9 pm
Capistrano Unified School District Office

Wednesday, March 18, 6-9 pm
Garden Grove Unified School District Office

Thursday, March 19, 6-9 pm
Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Office

Saturday, March 21, 9am-noon
Heninger Elementary, Santa Ana

Monday, March 23, 6-9 pm
Newport-Mesa Unified School District Office

Tuesday, March 24, 6-9 pm
Irvine Unified School District Office

Thursday, March 26, 6-9 pm
Holder Elementary, Buena Park

AXP 2009 Applications due FEBRUARY 6!

Don't miss out! Student applications for AXP 2009 are due NEXT FRIDAY, February 6. Download applications here.

Interested in being a counselor this summer? Information on applying to be a counselor is coming soon!

Now Accepting Applications for AXP 2009!

Did you love arts-X-press? Do you know someone--a sibling, a cousin, a neighbor, or a friend--who should join the AXP family? Be sure to let them know that we are now accepting applications. Don't delay, applications are due February 6. Forms are available on the Pacific Symphony website . Or e-mail arts-x-press@pacificsymphony.org to receive application materials!

AXP wishes you all a magical new year

AXP alumnus and counselor Stephanie Garcia was inspired to share this after coming across the arts-X-press video on www.pacificsymphony.org:

"AAAAAAAAAARTS X PRESS is summer fun for you and ME!" Yes, my name is Stephanie Garcia! I am a sophomore at Westmont College, who has been caught on various occasions singing this song in the Dining Commons (Regardless if it's summer or not). Having been a counselor for 3 summers, and experiencing AXP as a student myself I believe in the Arts-X-Press Magic! I believe in the Magic like a 5 year old child believes in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy; I believe with all of my artistic heart. Many of you must be wondering how I can believe? After all Arts-x-press was but a few months ago, and for some of you a few YEARS ago. Yet, no matter how much time we have had away from AXP, the Magic has a way of seeping into our everyday lives. This happened to me recently reaffirming that the Magic is real (Like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy).


Well it started off as a normal day in my dorm. I was innocently procrastinating on the internet. A friend of mine had asked me to recommend him a few concerts he should attend. My first thought was "AT PSO we LOVE the music in the Air!" So now I had to decide, what did I want to recommend? Maybe he would like a family concert, or pops, maybe classical, or a PSYO concert, the possibilities were endless! Then I ran across the Education Link! I clicked on the link to find the Arts X Press link!!! I could no longer avert my eyes! I had to click on the Arts-x Press link! Then I noticed that they had a video under the caption Arts X Press! I couldn't resist. MOVIE TIME!

As I watched the movie I was in AWE! Many of the students in the video were from my first summer as a counselor in 2005! They all shared about the amazing experiences they had. Arts-X-Press had changed their lives in different ways. They were all inspired to take different artistic risks. A familiar face popped up! Jacob Sanders shared about how Arts-X-Press had affected him. I knew that Jacob was greatly inspired and changed by the program. He was one of the Arts-X-Pressers my first summer. This past summer he returned as a counselor. This is common among Arts-x-pressers. So many of US are touched by the Magic that all WE want to do is share that Magic that we experienced at the age of 13 or 14. I couldn't help but feel the tears of joy dribble down my face. In that moment I knew that WE, all the Arts-x-press staff, had done our job. We were able to "Make life better" and "Bring the People together!"

Then it hit me! Many of the students my first summer are now entering a new Magical experience! Many of you are finishing High School and preparing for College!! I ask that you not let the Magic die. I beg that you don't let AXP become some amazing WEEK of your life. I encourage you to continue to take artistic risks! Even if you're not entering College and are simply starting 8th Grade or entering High School let the magic live on. Arts-X-Press is MORE than just SUMMER fun for you and me. Arts-X-Press Magic is the motion of living our Artistic Imaginations to its fullest potentials!!!!! Keep Feeling the BEAT!

With Much Love,
Stephanie Garcia!

Holiday break

Happy holidays to arts-X-pressers everywhere! We'd love to hear what you're up to. But don't worry, we're not expecting a holiday newsletter. Your challenge: post a comment on this blog telling your fellow arts-X-press alumni what your year has been like, using ONLY one sentence or one picture. The arts-X-press staff offers two photos that pretty much sum up the year: super-counselor Jack Meza looking super-suave, and Pacific Symphony staffer Mollie Gilmore with Siena St.Clair in Heisler Park this summer. Happy holidays to all, and don't forget to keep in touch!

Giving thanks for arts-X-press

Thanks to everyone who attended Alumni Night at the PSYO concert the other night. What a great concert! The staff at arts-X-press wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Here are some photos from Week 3.

What do these AXP Alumni have in common?

Greg Oertel, Betty Ling, Rose Rogers, Youval Yadlin

Answer: They are all part of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra performance on November 16th!

Come support your fellow arts-X-pressers, meet the coolest new conductor in Southern California, and get the answer to the question: what's a cimbalom? Discount tickets are still available at www.pacificsymphony.org/artsxpress

Don't miss arts-X-press Alumni Night!

arts-X-press Alumni Night at the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra Concert
Nov. 16, 2008, 7 pm @ Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Special AXP discount:
$10 tickets for students
$16 tickets for accompanying non-students
Buy tickets online or call 714-755-5799 and mention arts-X-press

PLUS, arts-x-pressers are invited to arrive at 6 pm for a special chance meet new conductor Maxim Eshkenazy (pictured at right)--and you can ask him what scuba diving and conducting have in common!

What to wear: Wear your “concert best” (slacks or a skirt) OR your arts-X-press t-shirt.

When to arrive: Join us in the auditorium (look for the arts-X-press sign) at 6:00 to catch up with your friends, learn more about the music and meet Maxim. The concert starts at 7 p.m.

Where to go: Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is located in the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Parking is $8 at all OCPAC structures, but only $6 at the Wyndham hotel!

Map and Parking info

We hope to see you there!

arts-X-press 2008 photo-rama

You asked for it, you got it! Check back often for more photos of AXP 2008!

arts-X-press Alumni Night @ Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra

Take advantage of a discount on ticket prices AND an opportunity to see your friends!

Special ticket offers for arts-X-Press alumni and their guests. Call 714-755-5799 and mention arts-X-press or visit www.pacificsymphony.org/artsxpress

Eastern European Journey

Sunday, Nov. 16 at 7PM
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra
Maxim Eshkenazy, conductor

Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra introduces its new music director, Maxim Eshkenazy, and begins the season by featuring Rimsky Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnol,” a piece based on Spanish melodies and often lauded for its orchestration. Enjoy classical standards, performed with the enthusiasm and skill of Orange County’s finest young musicians!

$10 tickets for students
$16 tickets for accompanying non-students

Photos and DVDs coming soon!

Watch your mail for photos and DVDs of this summer's arts-X-press fun! We will be mailing everything NEXT WEEK. Thanks for your patience. And if you haven't already, mark your calendars for November 16, 7 pm for arts-X-press alumni night at the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra concert in Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

Reunion 2008 was a sucess

I wanted to thank all of you who attended the arts-X-press 2008 reunion concert. It was a wonderful event and we hope that everyone had a great time. It amazes us every year to see the friendships that young artist created in their week at camp and it makes us so hopeful for the future of the arts as a whole. We hope that you all have a great school you and be sure to keep us updated on whats happening in your lives. Cheers!!!

get your tickets for the arts-X-press Reunion

Hello everyone, I wanted to remind you all that our arts-X-press 2008 reunion held at Irvine verizon wirless amiptheater is comming up. If you haven't already I would suggest that you call that arts-X-press hotline as soon as you can, due to the fact that tickets are limited and they are going fast. Remember that the tickets are $11 for students and $19 for adults (paid to pacific symphony arts-X-press), as well as there being an $8 parking fee (paid at Verizon Wireless). We are all so excited to see all of our arts-X-press friends again. Hope that your summers are comming to a glorious close and that your school year starts wonderfully. Thanks

From a Counselor's Point of View pt.4

This is the one the only Mr Jacktastic = ) and still no name Ruthie. Its our last night here at Arts X Press and for me is my last night as a counselor. I will be too old next year. This week was a blast for me i really enjoyed the time i got to know your kids. Today we didnt take a field trip any where but it was still really busy getting ready to perform for all of you and talent show and a music and dance workshop. Im suprised the kids still have energy. On a more personal note as ive already said this is my last year as a counselor and all your kids helped make it one of the most memorable summers. Im so sad to say good bye to them all tomorrow but i know you all miss them. We counselors have seen all your kids grow so much over the past few days and im really proud to say that were not sending home the same kids were sending home more talented artists. Thank you for taking the time to read my blogs is been a blast see you all tomorrow.

We Got the Beat the Much Love Beat and it goes ...........

WEEK THREE-DAY FOUR

Today, arts-X-press spent all day on UCI campus.

In Creative Expression and Arts Workshops, the students were busy wrapping up their presentations for tonight’s Parent Presentation. We can’t tell you how much each student has grown through the risks they have taken at arts-X-press this week.

After our morning activities, we had our final lunch at UCI with Pacific Symphony musicians. Those musicians then stayed with us after lunch and gave us an Instrumental Spotlight Workshop where each student had the opportunity to take part in making music with these professionals. All these students are so creative!

Then, the students had another opportunity to spend time in another art form by having a Dance Spotlight Workshop. Each student learned how to express themselves through movement and how a simple movement can be transformed into dance.

After working hard with both workshops, the students had more time to open their own creativity by working on their Talent Show performance. We’ve got numbers varying from dances to skits to instrumental music, etc!

We ate dinner this time with our Arts Workshop groups to do final preparations for the Parent Presentations. After a quick group photo, it was time for the Parent Presentation! It was great to see what each group brought forward to showcase their week of learning and risk taking!!

Once the parent presentation was over, it was time for the students to have their Talent Show! We are so proud of them all and they are all so disappointed that arts-X-press is coming to a close. The night wasn’t done yet though, there was one more opportunity for the students to spend some time together…at the PARTY!

It had been a long day so everyone made their way back to the dorms, did some packing and got a goodnight’s rest.

The students are so excited to come home and share all they’ve learned and experienced with you!

From a Counselor's Point of View pt.3

Welcome to another blog of From a Counselor's Point of View. Its just me tonight the one the only Mr Jacktastic = ) all the other counselor's just put your kids to bed and are now asleep too. Today was one of the funnest days for the kids and staff. Lets from the beginning we woke up today and of course my Suite beat YoYo's suite for bing the first up and ready to go. (They dont call me Mr Jacktastic no nothing) And altho im glad that the boys are all getting along we started to see that they were just hanging out with each other so i gave them a challenge. I told them that i wanted them to meet two new people from other suites and to my suprise they did it all day they were mixing it up and making new BFFN's (Best Friends For Now) After lunch we took the bus to Lagunan and the students really jumped right into the arts. Asking questions on the back stage tour asking the local artist questions about their work. In the workshops they all really gave it 100%. After that the counselor's were able to see the talent show preps and let me tell you your kids got some talent we are all blown away. After that we were able to take a wonderful and exciting walk back to the festival and take a better look at the art that was out. But of course the highlight of the day was watching the Pagent of the Masters show. I wish you could see their faces. They all were blown away i believe that the backstage tour and then seeing the show itself really helped them see just how much work goes into a show that big. After the show the counselor's took the kids back to the suites for a little one on one with them to get their feed back i dont know about any one else but i know that my boys could not stop talking about it. Tomorrow as you all know is the parent performacne i hope you can all come. Its also our last full day and im really sad that our time together is coming to an end. We have one last blog of From a Counselor's Point of View i hope you can all read it. Night Night