Dane Schoelen, Irving Middle School, Film/Video:
So far this camp has blown me away. I have learned more in the last three days than I learned in 2 weeks at another arts camp. Bradly Beesley is a great instructor and a cool guy. Today we are going to the set of "The Killer Inside Me" starting Jessica Alba. I look forward to the great experiences I will be a part of in the next nine days.
Tyler Martin, Westmoore High School, Orchestra/Percussion:
I'm writing this to the tune of my cabin-mates' tales of how amazing an experience they're having, and I must say that I agree. The vista of tall, rocky hills and heavy, green forests is strengthened by a mirror reflection off the lake every morning with breakfast; the breeze carries cool air across the long bridge to offset a warm sun on the way to the PAC. When I walk into the cool room I can practically hear all the notes I'll play that day. The percussion room is well adorned with instruments, from drum to xylophone, upon which we'll play, and Valerie [Naranjo, percussion instructor] is definitely the coolest, nicest teacher. Since the day begins this way, it is easy to imagine that the rest of the day is quite wonderful.
Samantha Rudder, Noble High School, Orchestra/Percussion:
It's another day at the Oklahoma Arts Summer Camp. I get to spend all day with Valerie Dee Naranjo and my liaison, Andy. I am very fortunate to come to OSAI while Valerie is here. We spend several hours just playing various instruments such as marimba, hand drums, claves, and more. We are doing so much! I enjoy being here very much!
Ali Van Swearingen, Norman North High School, Creative Writing
This is the part of Quartz that gets tough. We've all settled in by now, and everyone has clicked together surprisingly well. The people here this year are absolutely wonderful. But we've all begun to realize just how much work it all requires. I know I'm a bit stressed out, as well as my roommates and classmates as well. But the evening performances and improv sessions have done a lot to help. The choir performance was absolutely incredible, and we all have a wonderful time with Regina. I'm definitely missing home (and my big comfy bed) but I'm so excited about the rest of the week!
