Almost time for OSAI

We're only 2 1/2 weeks away from the start of the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, and the OAI offices are in full gear preparing for our biggest program of the year!

We've received a lot of questions around the office from accepted students regarding OSAI, so here compiled is a FAQ about our summer program. If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave them as a comment here, send them to us on Facebook, or email them to kbrown@oaiquartz.org and we will update this post with your answer!

Q: When will orchestra and chorus students be receiving their music?
A: Music Coordinator Justin Watson is busily scanning in and posting music on our website! If you have not already seen your music, we should have it up sometime this week!

Q: Will we find out our housing assignments before camp?
A: Yes! We sent out your housing letters yesterday, so you should be receiving a letter in the mail in the next few days about your housing assignments. If you haven't by the end of the week, feel free to call the office at (405) 605-7500.

Q: When will we find out about the supplies we need for our discipline?
A: We will have those lists up on our website within the next day or two!

Q: Is there a cut off for when alternates could still be accepted into their discipline?
A: There is always a chance (and usually happens once or twice every year) that an accepted student could cancel their attendance as late as the first day of camp, and therefore an alternate slot open up. We completely understand that many of you that were accepted as alternates had to go ahead and make other plans for your summer, but don't be too surprised if you receive a call about OSAI as late as June 9.

Q: Can we access online a list of which performances our family and friends are invited to attend?
A: Absolutely! You can access and download a list of performances here. We especially encourage family and friends to attend during ONSTAGE Weekend, Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23, although we strongly encourage everyone to arrange motel rooms as soon as possible, as they do fill up quickly!

Q: What will my typical day at OSAI be like?
A: Here's a basic schedule for most days at OSAI, so that you can plan accordingly:
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. - Optional Fitness Class
7:00 - 8:30 a.m. - Breakfast
8:30 - 11:00 a.m. - Morning Classes
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch
12:15 - 1:00 p.m. - Optional Fitness Class
1:00 - 5:30 p.m. - Afternoon Classes
5:30  - 7:00 p.m. - Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Evening Performances/Presentations
9:15 - 10:00 p.m. - Return to Rooms
10:00 - 10:30 p.m. - Cabin/Room Meetings
11:00 p.m. - Lights Out

Q: What should I bring with me to camp?
A: We highly recommend that you bring the following items with you to camp:
1. A copy of the Student Handbook (available online here)
2. A flashlight with working batteries
3. Any additional snacks you'd like (tightly sealed against critters!)
4. You must bring 10 sheets of personal stationary or note cards with envelopes and seven $.45 stamps for writing thank-you letters to donors
5. Male students should bring a footlocker or inexpensive plastic tub.
6. Spending money to purchase between-meal drinks and snacks, items from the Institute store (such as t-shirts and books) and to pay for laundry service and other miscellaneous items.
7. Enough clothing for at least 7 - 14 days, as well as possibly including: bathrobe, swimsuit, beach towel, closed-toe shoes for hiking, hat, raincoat, and jacket. Comfortable shoes are a must. Many students choose to bring dressier clothing for performances and special events. Students should have their name sewn or marked in all items of clothing and accessories. Keep in mind that it may be hot outside, but all Quartz Mountain facilities are well air-conditioned, so you should layer. Students wishing to send out laundry (at their own expense) on the second Monday of OSAI should bring an indelibly marked laundry bag.
8. Also recommended: sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen, alarm clock, backpack, games, cards, and camera. (Bath towels, bed linens, and pillows are provided)

Q: Is there any kind of dress code implemented during OSAI?

A: Because of the temperatures that can get very high at Quartz Mountain in June, the dress code is fairly casual (shorts and tshirts.) However, while the outside is extremely hot, often the classrooms are air coditioned almost to the point of being cold, so we encourage everyone to dress in layers. In addition, many students choose to bring dressier clothing for performance and visitors nights.