Today the students go home. Bittersweet! We have all been working so hard. I am exhausted and ready to go home. But, as always, it's been a completely inspiring two weeks, and it's a shame we have to wait until next June to experience it all over again.
Camp is just barely concluding and I'm already having regrets. I was not as open this year as I have been in years past. I usually make the effort to really get to know EVERY counselor and try to talk to as many instructors as I can. I don't know what it was, but this year I was very closed off, and am leaving camp with the feeling that I didn't get the chance to talk and connect to many of my OSAI friends from years past or connect with new ones. Oh well.
After breakfast the students went to the ballroom and filled out their evaluations. Then everyone headed over to the PAC for the closing ceremonies. The chorus sang a song from yesterday's performance, the orchestra played a movement from The Planets, we all watched the video yearbook, and OSAI 2010 was officially over. Hugs were exchanged, pictures taken, and a couple tears were dried then the students made their way back to the housing areas to check out.
Once all my students had left, my last official duty was to drive three instructors to the airport in Oklahoma City. I drove the orchestra conductor, modern dance instructor, and ballet accompanist. Then I drove back to OSAI campus and celebrated the end of another great summer with my fellow counselors and staff.
(8:30am - 6:30pm = 10 hrs) (Grand Total for Internship = 257 hrs)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Saturday, June 26th
Today is the final day of "ONSTAGE Weekend" and the final full day of the institute. There are performances all day today.
The day begins with the Institute Chorus performance, followed by a poetry reading, and our film screening. After all four of the films played, the students sat on stage and responded to questions from the audience, much like a screening at a film festival. Every student who spoke answered thoughtfully and professionally.
After dinner the Institute Orchestra played all seven movements from Holst's "The Planets." Each movement is a different planet. There were NASA images projected on the walls of the performance hall of each planet. And during the last movement you could hear the eerie and ethereal voices of the women's chorus. No one knew where the mysterious voices were coming from until the end of the performance, when the chorus walked down from above the stage. They had been singing in the rafters, as if from the planets above!
After the orchestra concert the students celebrated the end of OSAI at either the All Institute Dance or (for the tired) watching a movie.
(8:30am - 1:00am = 16.5 hrs) (TW = 87.5 hrs) (GT = 247 hrs)
The day begins with the Institute Chorus performance, followed by a poetry reading, and our film screening. After all four of the films played, the students sat on stage and responded to questions from the audience, much like a screening at a film festival. Every student who spoke answered thoughtfully and professionally.
After dinner the Institute Orchestra played all seven movements from Holst's "The Planets." Each movement is a different planet. There were NASA images projected on the walls of the performance hall of each planet. And during the last movement you could hear the eerie and ethereal voices of the women's chorus. No one knew where the mysterious voices were coming from until the end of the performance, when the chorus walked down from above the stage. They had been singing in the rafters, as if from the planets above!
After the orchestra concert the students celebrated the end of OSAI at either the All Institute Dance or (for the tired) watching a movie.
(8:30am - 1:00am = 16.5 hrs) (TW = 87.5 hrs) (GT = 247 hrs)
Friday, June 25th
Today is the first day of "ONSTAGE Weekend." In the next two days every student in each discipline will showcase what they have done and learned in the last two weeks. There will be performances, a gallery opening, poetry readings, and of course, our film screening.
Our screening is tomorrow afternoon, so this morning the students put the finishing touches on the films and began burning DVDs for everyone to take home.
In the afternoon class we celebrated the completion of the films with pizza and cake, then watched a movie.
Just before dinner, everyone gathered at the amphitheater for a short presentation, then made their way to the ballroom for the gallery opening of the Photography and Drawing & Painting students.
The evening's performances were Modern Dance, Ballet, and Acting. The modern dance was a crowd favorite, the girls performed with such passion! They obviously worked very hard the last two weeks, and had quite a few dances memorized in such a short amount of time!
(8:30am - 11pm = 14.5 hrs) (TW = 71 hrs) (GT = 230.5 hrs)
Our screening is tomorrow afternoon, so this morning the students put the finishing touches on the films and began burning DVDs for everyone to take home.
In the afternoon class we celebrated the completion of the films with pizza and cake, then watched a movie.
Just before dinner, everyone gathered at the amphitheater for a short presentation, then made their way to the ballroom for the gallery opening of the Photography and Drawing & Painting students.
The evening's performances were Modern Dance, Ballet, and Acting. The modern dance was a crowd favorite, the girls performed with such passion! They obviously worked very hard the last two weeks, and had quite a few dances memorized in such a short amount of time!
(8:30am - 11pm = 14.5 hrs) (TW = 71 hrs) (GT = 230.5 hrs)
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thursday, June 24th
Today is the last full day of editing, the deadline for the films is tomorrow morning, and the screening is Saturday at 4pm. The students made a lot of progress yesterday while I was enjoying my day off.
The instructors are spending most their time focused on the two short narrative films, so I spent the day helping out the two documentary films. I watched their rough cuts and made suggestions, but tried not to loom over their shoulder too much while they were editing. I know that is really annoying for me when I'm editing and ends up slowing my work flow.
The editor of the "Making of" was very reluctant to take any of my advice. She was defending every one of her decisions to the end. This is a bit frustrating. It's good to have conviction, and believe in your work, but these students are so inexperienced they don't realize if they would just TRY and make the corrections I'm suggesting, they would really like it. I know this happened a lot in the narrative groups editing process, where the editor said "No, no, no," and the instructor made them make the change just to see how it would look, then the student editor loved the change. But I was a bit more reluctant to make the students try it my way. There is something to be said for making mistakes, so you can actually learn from them. In years past, the students have not had a very active role in the editing of the films, they hand them over to the instructor. The films come out looking great, but is that really the point? I'd say in this circumstance it's more valuable to have a flawed film, that a student edited and used as a learning tool, rather than a perfect product. That being said, I think I erred on the side of being too removed while this years instructors were involved just enough, but not too much. Like I said, you live and learn.
The evening performance was fiddle player, Kyle Dillingham, and his band Horseshoe Road. Kyle is a former OSAI student who now plays music all over the world. The performance was lively, entertaining, and hopefully inspiring to students who are looking to continue their artistic pursuits professionally.
(8:30am - 10:30pm = 14 hrs) (TW = 57.5) (GT= 216)
The instructors are spending most their time focused on the two short narrative films, so I spent the day helping out the two documentary films. I watched their rough cuts and made suggestions, but tried not to loom over their shoulder too much while they were editing. I know that is really annoying for me when I'm editing and ends up slowing my work flow.
The editor of the "Making of" was very reluctant to take any of my advice. She was defending every one of her decisions to the end. This is a bit frustrating. It's good to have conviction, and believe in your work, but these students are so inexperienced they don't realize if they would just TRY and make the corrections I'm suggesting, they would really like it. I know this happened a lot in the narrative groups editing process, where the editor said "No, no, no," and the instructor made them make the change just to see how it would look, then the student editor loved the change. But I was a bit more reluctant to make the students try it my way. There is something to be said for making mistakes, so you can actually learn from them. In years past, the students have not had a very active role in the editing of the films, they hand them over to the instructor. The films come out looking great, but is that really the point? I'd say in this circumstance it's more valuable to have a flawed film, that a student edited and used as a learning tool, rather than a perfect product. That being said, I think I erred on the side of being too removed while this years instructors were involved just enough, but not too much. Like I said, you live and learn.
The evening performance was fiddle player, Kyle Dillingham, and his band Horseshoe Road. Kyle is a former OSAI student who now plays music all over the world. The performance was lively, entertaining, and hopefully inspiring to students who are looking to continue their artistic pursuits professionally.
(8:30am - 10:30pm = 14 hrs) (TW = 57.5) (GT= 216)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, June 23rd
Today is my day off!
After attending the counselor meeting I hit the road with a fellow counselor and spent the day thrift store shopping, eating Mexican food, and relaxing by the lake.
I returned to campus and held my nightly "cabin" meeting.
(9:30am - 10:30 am & 9:30 pm - 10:30pm = 2hrs) (TW = 43.5 hrs) (GT = 202 hrs)
After attending the counselor meeting I hit the road with a fellow counselor and spent the day thrift store shopping, eating Mexican food, and relaxing by the lake.
I returned to campus and held my nightly "cabin" meeting.
(9:30am - 10:30 am & 9:30 pm - 10:30pm = 2hrs) (TW = 43.5 hrs) (GT = 202 hrs)
Tuesday, June 22nd
Today is the second and final day of off-campus shooting! Hooray! We are having fun and learning a lot, but this June sun is brutal, and all the crews are already baked from yesterday. I have to be even more vigilant about protecting my students from the sun!!
I did pretty much the same thing as yesterday. One of the crews got done early so they got out of the sun and into the film trailer and began to log and capture their footage onto the computers.
Tonight's evening performance was awesome. The ballet instructor, Giana Jigarhan, used her students to demonstrate a typical ballet class, with exercises on the barre and in the center of the floor. She showed a short video of an amazing ballet duet. I enjoyed the performance, although I don't think she did. She is from Russia, and has lived in the USA for 10 years teaching at various ballet companies, but her English is not very good. Actually I think it's a lot better than she thinks it is, but you could tell she was extremely nervous.
After Giana's presentation, was a performance by our percussion teacher Valerie Naranjo. This is her third year to teach at OSAI. The woman is amazing. Not only is she an extremely talented musician who travels the world learning songs from remote tribes in Africa, but she is also amazingly warm and gracious. Her credits include being twice named world percussionist of the year, she did the percussion arrangements for the Lion King on Broadway, and for over a decade has served as the percussionist on Saturday Night Live. All this is over shadowed by her shining spirit. Naranjo began the performance with anecdotes intertwined with solo percussion pieces. Later the OSAI percussion students joined her, then the 58 person OSAI chorus took the stage, and finally she invited the entire audience to join them on stage and dance.
Needless to say all the cabin meetings that night were a buzz with enthusiastic and inspired students..and counselors!
(8:30am - 11pm = 14.5 hrs) (TW = 41.5) (GT = 200 hrs)
I did pretty much the same thing as yesterday. One of the crews got done early so they got out of the sun and into the film trailer and began to log and capture their footage onto the computers.
Tonight's evening performance was awesome. The ballet instructor, Giana Jigarhan, used her students to demonstrate a typical ballet class, with exercises on the barre and in the center of the floor. She showed a short video of an amazing ballet duet. I enjoyed the performance, although I don't think she did. She is from Russia, and has lived in the USA for 10 years teaching at various ballet companies, but her English is not very good. Actually I think it's a lot better than she thinks it is, but you could tell she was extremely nervous.
After Giana's presentation, was a performance by our percussion teacher Valerie Naranjo. This is her third year to teach at OSAI. The woman is amazing. Not only is she an extremely talented musician who travels the world learning songs from remote tribes in Africa, but she is also amazingly warm and gracious. Her credits include being twice named world percussionist of the year, she did the percussion arrangements for the Lion King on Broadway, and for over a decade has served as the percussionist on Saturday Night Live. All this is over shadowed by her shining spirit. Naranjo began the performance with anecdotes intertwined with solo percussion pieces. Later the OSAI percussion students joined her, then the 58 person OSAI chorus took the stage, and finally she invited the entire audience to join them on stage and dance.
Needless to say all the cabin meetings that night were a buzz with enthusiastic and inspired students..and counselors!
(8:30am - 11pm = 14.5 hrs) (TW = 41.5) (GT = 200 hrs)
Monday, June 21st
Today was our first day of off-campus shooting for the narrative shorts.
The instructors found the locations for our narrative films yesterday. They are both just off some country roads not too far from the OSAI campus. Both groups had a full day of shooting in the hot sun. I tried to get everyone to put on sunscreen often, stay in the shade whenever possible, and I held an umbrella over the students running audio and the camera. Despite my efforts we had many sun burnt students on our hands by the end of the day. When I wasn't on sun patrol, I was transporting teachers and students between sets, and making runs to campus for lunch and to refill the water jugs.
The set I was on for most of the day had the younger, more inexperienced director. He quickly got the nickname "One Take Wonder." His editor is not going to be very happy with him when he brings back one take from each shot size. Also, instead of letting the actors play it out, and giving them space for dramatic pauses and good reactions, he was always eager to yell "CUT!" Hopefully our director and his team learned from his mistakes.
After wrapping up the first day of shooting, we ate dinner, went to the faculty chamber music performance, then all the students and counselors went to the ballroom for a thank-you note writing session. For two hours the students expressed their gratitude to seven different people (each) who have made OSAI possible whether through time, donation, advocacy, or volunteering. The counselors were all there to help students as they needed. I love writing letters and I think the people who receive these notes really appreciate it, so I loved helping out.
(8:30am - 11:00pm = 14.5 hrs) (TW = 27 hrs) (GT = 186.5 hrs)
The instructors found the locations for our narrative films yesterday. They are both just off some country roads not too far from the OSAI campus. Both groups had a full day of shooting in the hot sun. I tried to get everyone to put on sunscreen often, stay in the shade whenever possible, and I held an umbrella over the students running audio and the camera. Despite my efforts we had many sun burnt students on our hands by the end of the day. When I wasn't on sun patrol, I was transporting teachers and students between sets, and making runs to campus for lunch and to refill the water jugs.
The set I was on for most of the day had the younger, more inexperienced director. He quickly got the nickname "One Take Wonder." His editor is not going to be very happy with him when he brings back one take from each shot size. Also, instead of letting the actors play it out, and giving them space for dramatic pauses and good reactions, he was always eager to yell "CUT!" Hopefully our director and his team learned from his mistakes.
After wrapping up the first day of shooting, we ate dinner, went to the faculty chamber music performance, then all the students and counselors went to the ballroom for a thank-you note writing session. For two hours the students expressed their gratitude to seven different people (each) who have made OSAI possible whether through time, donation, advocacy, or volunteering. The counselors were all there to help students as they needed. I love writing letters and I think the people who receive these notes really appreciate it, so I loved helping out.
(8:30am - 11:00pm = 14.5 hrs) (TW = 27 hrs) (GT = 186.5 hrs)
Sunday, June 20th
Today was a day off for everyone...except the counselors. We had to patrol campus while students participated in electives, went to the pool, slept in their rooms, or hung out with visiting parents and friends.
I helped out in the ballroom dancing class. I learned the guys part of the dances so everyone would have a partner to dance with. I had no trouble changing my foot work, I kept mixing up my frame (arm position)! After that I went to the vocal coaching elective and listened to students perform an audition style solo. Very cool.
After the visitors left and the electives were over, it was time for the variety show. Every act was required to have a student from more than one discipline involved. There were so many great acts! Some counselors did a few skits between acts, funny stuff.
After dinner the students enjoyed more free time with an ice cream social, karaoke, and generally hanging out around campus. No rest for the weary, counselors were in charge of patrolling campus. We managed to get in a quick game of croquet in the courtyard.
(10am - 10:30pm = 12.5 hrs) (This week's total = 12.5 hrs) (GT = 172)
I helped out in the ballroom dancing class. I learned the guys part of the dances so everyone would have a partner to dance with. I had no trouble changing my foot work, I kept mixing up my frame (arm position)! After that I went to the vocal coaching elective and listened to students perform an audition style solo. Very cool.
After the visitors left and the electives were over, it was time for the variety show. Every act was required to have a student from more than one discipline involved. There were so many great acts! Some counselors did a few skits between acts, funny stuff.
After dinner the students enjoyed more free time with an ice cream social, karaoke, and generally hanging out around campus. No rest for the weary, counselors were in charge of patrolling campus. We managed to get in a quick game of croquet in the courtyard.
(10am - 10:30pm = 12.5 hrs) (This week's total = 12.5 hrs) (GT = 172)
Saturday, June 19th
Al revealed the winners of the D.P. shot list contest today. Good Job Preston and Dane! Their footage looked really great. There are so many talented students, I can’t wait to see their final projects.
Today was the VIP day of Visitor’s Weekend. During our afternoon classes Donors, OAI board members, and other important people toured the classrooms and OSAI campus. Unfortunately they didn’t get to see us in action because John Stevenson came to our class to talk more intimately with the film students. He reiterated many points from his talk last night, adding more detail and answering the student’s questions.
The performance tonight was the premiere of the 2010 Institute Chorus and Orchestra. It was great! Although, very frustrating for the counselors. It’s our job all week to drill the students on concert etiquette, no talking, cell phones, feet on chairs, climbing over chairs, clapping between movements, screaming (only low pitch wooos)…but when the parents and visitors are there it’s awful! These adults are breaking every rule we have! A true reminder that maturity does not correlate with age.
Friday, June 18th
Today is the first day of Visitor’s Weekend.
Class was spent on pre-production for the final videos. Each group made shot lists, storyboards, prop lists and then presented their plan to the class.
Al took the two D.P.s (Directors of Photography) from each group and challenged them to a contest. He gave everyone a list of shots to get, and the group that best achieved each shot would win an equipment upgrade for their project.
John Stevenson, co-director of Kung Fu Panda, was the guest artist and gave an inspiring lecture on his career, and being a working artist. He started out his career working on The Muppets with Jim Henson. He said Henson was an excellent leader who led by inspiration and by respecting those who worked for him, not intimidating them. Thus Stevenson’s key bit of advice: Don’t be a jerk.
Thursday, June 17th
This morning in class we had a read through of all the scripts. And Blayne lectured.
After morning class I assisted another counselor on a trip to Oklahoma City. We had to pick up 3 seamless white paper rolls as long as our car (they barely fit), more camera equipment, and then someone from the airport.
It was nice to get off campus for a bit, but man is that a long trip! Five hours round trip!
Wednesday, June 16th
After much consideration, Blayne assigned jobs for final films. Now knowing their specific duties, the students got to work fine tuning the scripts, and planning for the shoot.
In the afternoon class, Blayne took a group to shoot a scene he had written, just to make sure all camera, directing and DP (director of photography) skills are on point.
Tonight’s performance was the Chorus conductor, Jerry Blackstone, and Creative Writing Instructor Al Young.
Tuesday, June 15th
Today the class went back to brainstorming and deciding on the final projects for next weeks screening. They decided on a short suspenseful narrative, a paleontological lovers spat, a short documentary that will be called “What’s for Lunch” and a short behind the scenes or making of documentary about our 2010 OSAI film class.
The class split up into groups to write scripts, continue editing the 4 hour film contest films, and to do a camera exercise to learn about exposure.
The Artist presentation tonight was Andrew Palermo, modern dance instructor, and Christian Knapp, Orchestra conductor.
Monday, June 14th
Today the Film students really got their hands dirty. We divided them up into three groups for a “Four Hour Film Festival.” 24-hour film festivals have become very popular in recent years: Teams receive a theme, a prop, and a line of dialogue that must be used, then they have 24 hours to write, film, and edit. Our spin off of this was distilled into 4 hours! Pretty condensed! The theme was some kind of crime or wrongdoing, the prop was pipe cleaners, and the line of dialogue was “Ain’t nothing average about you.”
The evening presentation was our film instructor, Blayne Weaver. He screened his award winning (Best of Show DeadCenter Film Festival) romantic comedy, Weather Girl. All the film/video students sat front and center in the Performing Arts Center. Afterward there was a Q&A session.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Sunday, June 13th
Today is the first full day of classes. By the end of the day it will feel like this morning was yesterday.
Everyday goes about the same for the Film/Video students:
Breakfast
8:30 - 11 Morning Class
Lunch
1 - 4 Afternoon Class
4 -5 Improvisation Class
Dinner
7 - 9 Artist (Faculty) Showcase & Presentation
10 pm Cabin Meeting
In morning class we had a brainstorm session for the final projects that we will screen in two weeks. Blayne gave a short lecture and at the end of class we read over a short scene Blayne had written for the class to film.
After lunch we filmed the scene Blayne had written. Since it was the first day, Blayne and Alan were very involved in directing the students so they knew what was expected of them. We took our footage back to Beau and he began to log the tape and show the students how to edit and use Final Cut Pro.
The evening showcase was amazing. Paul Taggart, photojournalist, OSAI alumni, and this year's photography instructor showed many photo essays. His body of work is ridiculous. Not only has he been all over the world, but also he has absolutely amazing photos of astonishing stories, places, and inspiring people.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Saturday, June 12th
Today is the day! OAI has spent all year raising funds and preparing for the next two weeks of the amazing adventure that is the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute!
In the morning the counselors joined the faculty for a group improv class. Then it was back to our housing areas to prepare for the arrival of the students.
The students began to arrive in the late afternoon and the rest of the day was filled with orientations, welcomes, and meet-n-greets.
All the classes met for an hour after dinner. In the Film/Video trailer we had the students tell us a little about themselves, their experience, and particular interested when it comes to filmmaking. There are 16 students, 8 are returning from last year, so there is a good mix of veterans and newbies. Blayne passed out a syllabus with a rough idea of how we would spend the next 2 weeks and what we will do for our final screening. Right now the idea is to split into a couple groups, and produce at least 2 narrative shorts, and maybe a short documentary or two.
Later on that evening I had my first "cabin" meeting. I have a group of 11 girls from different disciplines that I will meet with every night. In the meeting I will make announcements, but for the most part I'm there to listen. These next two weeks are grueling, for the faculty and staff, but ESPECIALLY the students. I remember when I was a student. It-was-hard. So hopefully I can be a good sounding board for some frustrated students.
Until tomorrow.
(Sat: 9:45am-10:15pm= 12.5hrs) (GT= 57 hrs)
In the morning the counselors joined the faculty for a group improv class. Then it was back to our housing areas to prepare for the arrival of the students.
The students began to arrive in the late afternoon and the rest of the day was filled with orientations, welcomes, and meet-n-greets.
All the classes met for an hour after dinner. In the Film/Video trailer we had the students tell us a little about themselves, their experience, and particular interested when it comes to filmmaking. There are 16 students, 8 are returning from last year, so there is a good mix of veterans and newbies. Blayne passed out a syllabus with a rough idea of how we would spend the next 2 weeks and what we will do for our final screening. Right now the idea is to split into a couple groups, and produce at least 2 narrative shorts, and maybe a short documentary or two.
Later on that evening I had my first "cabin" meeting. I have a group of 11 girls from different disciplines that I will meet with every night. In the meeting I will make announcements, but for the most part I'm there to listen. These next two weeks are grueling, for the faculty and staff, but ESPECIALLY the students. I remember when I was a student. It-was-hard. So hopefully I can be a good sounding board for some frustrated students.
Until tomorrow.
(Sat: 9:45am-10:15pm= 12.5hrs) (GT= 57 hrs)
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friday, June 11th
Today is the beginning of an exciting weekend. The instructors arrive today, and the students arrive tomorrow!
The day was much like the previous ones, more setup and counselor training.
At dinner I met my faculty: Blayne Weaver is the Film & Video Instructor, Alan Novey is the Film & Video Technician, and Beau Leland is the Film & Video Editor.
After dinner we toured our class space and talked about the plan for the next two weeks.
(Fri: 8am-9pm= 13 hours) (GT= 44.5 hours)
The day was much like the previous ones, more setup and counselor training.
At dinner I met my faculty: Blayne Weaver is the Film & Video Instructor, Alan Novey is the Film & Video Technician, and Beau Leland is the Film & Video Editor.
After dinner we toured our class space and talked about the plan for the next two weeks.
(Fri: 8am-9pm= 13 hours) (GT= 44.5 hours)
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10th
With most of the grunt work behind us, today we focused on our counseling duties. We got a little background and history of OSAI from OAI President Julie Cohen, Emily Clinton reviewed the campus rules, Stephanie Currey took us through a typical day at OSAI, and Counselor Coordinator, Natalie Ambrose, explained in greater detail the counselor duties and what will be expected of us when we are here. After that meeting we did some more technical work and set up, and that pretty much describes the entire day; have a meeting, take a break, tech, and repeat.
Later that evening we had Improvisational Theatre Class with Regina Saisi. I always love this. In between games and exercises she throws in her improvisational philosophy, how improv relates to life and art. It is one of the many highlights of the institute.
(Thrs: 8am - 9pm= 13hrs) (GT= 31.5hrs)
Later that evening we had Improvisational Theatre Class with Regina Saisi. I always love this. In between games and exercises she throws in her improvisational philosophy, how improv relates to life and art. It is one of the many highlights of the institute.
(Thrs: 8am - 9pm= 13hrs) (GT= 31.5hrs)
Wednesday, June 9th
Today is dance floor day. The modern dance and ballet pavilions do not have sprung floors, so in order to prevent injuries, every year we install and remove a puzzle like flooring system in the two studios. The flooring is stored in the nearby town of Altus, OK.
So, first thing this morning we drove there, loaded up the flooring panels into the moving truck, drove back to QM, carried all the panels down the hill to the studios, installed them, and laid the marley (a special dance floor covering). Quite an accomplishment! Thankfully, we got some nice weather, because the June sun in Oklahoma can make you really want to throw in the towel!
After lunch we had some counselor training then we spread out all over campus setting up our respective classrooms, performance areas and housing.
We got so much done today, but not without a price. If someone didn't get a blister (sorry Jason) or battle scar today (I have a 3 inch cut on my shin from those floors!), they'll be sore tomorrow.
(Wed: 8am-6pm= 10hrs)(Grand Total = 18.5hrs)
So, first thing this morning we drove there, loaded up the flooring panels into the moving truck, drove back to QM, carried all the panels down the hill to the studios, installed them, and laid the marley (a special dance floor covering). Quite an accomplishment! Thankfully, we got some nice weather, because the June sun in Oklahoma can make you really want to throw in the towel!
After lunch we had some counselor training then we spread out all over campus setting up our respective classrooms, performance areas and housing.
We got so much done today, but not without a price. If someone didn't get a blister (sorry Jason) or battle scar today (I have a 3 inch cut on my shin from those floors!), they'll be sore tomorrow.
(Wed: 8am-6pm= 10hrs)(Grand Total = 18.5hrs)
Tuesday, June 8th
Today is the first day! I arrived at The Quartz Mountain Resort Arts and Conference Center just outside of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma at 1pm. The drive through southwestern Oklahoma was beautiful as always.
I the day was spent taking CPR class, getting to know the other (25 or so) counselors, taking an art/campus tour, and generally getting introduced to our new home for the next 3 weeks.
Tomorrow the hard manual labor begins!
(1pm to 9:30pm = 8.5hrs)
I the day was spent taking CPR class, getting to know the other (25 or so) counselors, taking an art/campus tour, and generally getting introduced to our new home for the next 3 weeks.
Tomorrow the hard manual labor begins!
(1pm to 9:30pm = 8.5hrs)
Friday, May 28, 2010
What is this blog?
This blog was created as a requirement for my summer internship at the Oklahoma Arts Institute (OAI) via The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma.
This is my fourth summer to work at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute (OSAI). I will be a film/video liaison this year along with another girl, Caitlin. We will be assisting the film instructor, Blayne Weaver, and 16 students.
Every week I will post my hours, what I did, whom I met, where I went, and what I learned.
Just a little background on the Oklahoma Arts Institute and OSAI:
OSAI is a two-week intensive arts academy for Oklahoma high school students run by OAI, a private, non-profit organization. The students are selected through a statewide competitive audition process. Each June, a little over 200 students come to the Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center just outside of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma to study in one of 9 disciplines: Acting, Ballet, Chorus, Creative Writing, Drawing and Painting, Film and Video, Modern Dance, Orchestra, and Photography. The disciplines are each taught by highly accomplished and nationally (even worldly) renown artists. Each student at OSAI is on full scholarship, only paying a couple hundred dollars for administration costs. Some students even receive additional scholarships to pay for the fee, supplies, even travel expenses to get to OSAI.
It is truly an amazing establishment and something every Oklahoman should be proud of!
This is my fourth summer to work at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute (OSAI). I will be a film/video liaison this year along with another girl, Caitlin. We will be assisting the film instructor, Blayne Weaver, and 16 students.
Every week I will post my hours, what I did, whom I met, where I went, and what I learned.
Just a little background on the Oklahoma Arts Institute and OSAI:
OSAI is a two-week intensive arts academy for Oklahoma high school students run by OAI, a private, non-profit organization. The students are selected through a statewide competitive audition process. Each June, a little over 200 students come to the Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center just outside of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma to study in one of 9 disciplines: Acting, Ballet, Chorus, Creative Writing, Drawing and Painting, Film and Video, Modern Dance, Orchestra, and Photography. The disciplines are each taught by highly accomplished and nationally (even worldly) renown artists. Each student at OSAI is on full scholarship, only paying a couple hundred dollars for administration costs. Some students even receive additional scholarships to pay for the fee, supplies, even travel expenses to get to OSAI.
It is truly an amazing establishment and something every Oklahoman should be proud of!
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