arts-X-press Covid-19 Policies

With a strong partnership with our host institution, Concordia University Irvine, Pacific Symphony’s arts-X-press joyfully returned to in-person and on-campus programming in the summer of 2021, and arts-X-press will continue to gather in-person for our summer program and seasonal events.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we will implement health and safety protocols as recommended by public health officials, the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Camp Association, Pacific Symphony and Concordia University Irvine.

We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and keep arts-X-press families informed, as the health and safety of our community is our top priority.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at arts-X-press@pacificsymphony.org.
 

COVID-19 Policies for Summer Program

As we must remain flexible and alert to changes in our public health situation for summer 2023, please note that our COVID-19 policies may shift before July 2023. Our policies for summer 2022 included the following protocols:

• Vaccination: All students, counselors, and staff were required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Boosters were highly encouraged for those eligible.
• Testing and health screening: Students underwent a health screening and additional testing upon arrival on Sunday. All students, staff, and counselors received two additional COVID-19 rapid tests on Tuesday and Thursday mornings of camp.
• Pods: Students were assigned to a pod of up to 10 students, three counselors, and two staff members. Students took workshops and lived with other members of their pod. Students mixed with other pods during outdoor mealtimes, group activities, and outdoor performances.
• Masking: All students, staff, and counselors were required to wear 3-ply surgical, N95, or KN95 masks in certain situations.
  • Masks were REQUIRED when:
    • Arriving to arts-X-press
    • Indoors, when with students from other pods
    • Watching any performances, both on- and off-campus
    • On buses riding to and from performances
  • Masks were OPTIONAL when:
    • In arts workshops and creative expression workshops
    • Outdoors, not at a performance
    • Eating meals
    • Performing in final sharing or talent show
    • In their personal suite, dorm room, or bathroom

Masks and proof of vaccination were also required for families and friends attending the final sharing.

COVID-19 Policies for Seasonal Workshops and Events

Unlike the arts-X-press summer program, our seasonal workshops and events provide short-term opportunities for students and do not involve overnight residence. As such, COVID-19 policies may differ between the summer program and all other arts-X-press opportunities.

While health and safety guidance may continue to shift, below are our current COVID-19 policies for seasonal workshops and events:

• When at a performance venue: All attendees are subject to the COVID-19 policies required by the venue. Some venues require proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test, in addition to indoor masking; others do not. Regardless of performance venue requirements, we highly recommend 3-ply surgical, KN95, or N95 masks while indoors.
• When in any other indoor setting: Masking and other COVID-19 policies will be communicated to registered attendees prior to each workshop or event. Regardless of workshop requirements, we highly recommend 3-ply surgical, KN95, or N95 masks while indoors.
• When outdoors: Masking is optional.
• Vaccination: All students, staff, and counselors must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in any workshops.