Busy camp schedules keep TTU campus hopping this summer
At least 2,000 future TTU freshmen will take full advantage of the Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration program this summer. This two-day experience exposes incoming freshman to campus life and answers a multitude of questions and concerns through panel discussions as well as meetings with current students, staff and faculty members. Before leaving the session, students are fully registered for Fall 2010 semester classes.
Between 900-1,200 youngsters will cheer and dance their way across campus during a five-week period beginning June 8. Groups of mostly team-oriented high school cheerleaders from Middle Tennessee will attend one of the state’s only Universal Cheerleaders Association-contracted cheer and dance summer camps.
“Most activities occur in the fitness center, but a few also occur in the Hoop and Memorial Gym,” said Logan McCormick, assistant camp coordinator. “These are very high-energy groups.”
TTU also hosts the top American Legion Boys’ State program in the nation beginning May 30. About 600 high school juniors visit TTU for a week each summer for the program, which immerses them in the political process by running a mock 51st state.
Hosting high school musicians on campus is an important means for making connections with music directors, teachers and prospective students.
“The camps at Tech are very important to us,” said TTU Director of Bands Joseph W. Hermann. “Anything we can do to promote the activities associated with music education in our region is integral to our mission within the department.
“Tennessee Tech casts a pretty significant shadow in Tennessee since we hold the distinction of being the largest undergraduate music education program in the state. It is critical that we accept the responsibility of advocating for the professionals and future professionals in music.”
Beginning May 30 and ending June 4, about 85 high school musicians visit campus for the Southeast Chamber Music Institute.
“Throughout the week, the instrumentalists rehearse in chamber groups such as string quartets, brass quintets, wind quintets and a jazz combo. Coaching and individual instruction are provided by the Tech string, piano, wind and percussion faculty. In addition, students learn about music composition with Tech composer-in-residence, Dr. Greg Danner,” said Anne Thurmond, a TTU music professor who also serves as director of the institute.
Several hundred more musicians come to campus each summer for band camp, a prime opportunity to showcase TTU’s music department. Between 400-600 band campers primarily from Middle and East Tennessee, will visit campus during the summer.
Almost 2,700 young athletes will visit campus this summer for a variety of sports camps, from baseball and softball to boys and girls basketball and volleyball to football, said Rob Schabert, TTU sports information director.
The “tech” in Tennessee Tech doesn’t go unnoticed this summer either. Several hundred eager learners will attend workshops hosted at the Millard Oakley STEM Center beginning in June. Students will have the opportunity to explore everything from shark anatomy to the basics of robotics. Visit this link to learn more of the workshops and registration deadlines.
TTU hosts other sessions focused on technology. Two of them – the Governor’s School of Information Technology Leadership and the Governor’s School for Emerging Technologies – are five-week programs with between 40 and 60 students each. The two schools are among 12 summer programs offered by the state of Tennessee for gifted and talented high school students.
