Burlington is packed with places that can enrich the education of Champlain College students of all majors. From on-campus resources to off-campus hangout spots, many of the Queen City’s greatest offerings seem custom-made for students.
Of course, students of every major have their favorite places, and those in the Broadcast Media Production program have a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to enhancing their classroom experiences. Here are just six of the best places for Broadcast Media Production majors in Burlington:
The Sound Recording Studio
For students who want to record an album, podcast, or score a film, Champlain’s Sound Recording Studio is a fantastic resource. The professional-grade studio space features four individual tracking rooms, microphones, instruments, and soundboards. With a real recording studio at their fingertips, students are able to practice their media production skills and create real-world projects! The Sound Recording Studio is available for rent through Media Services, so students never have to worry about finding somewhere to record their ideas.
Ben Martin is a fourth-year Broadcast Media Production student, and an avid user of the Sound Recording Studio. He loves the studio because it “helps me explore the possibilities of my major in a much more hands-on way, and is a place where I can thrive. It provides a great creative outlet for students who want to explore their art, and for those with serious musical aspirations.”
Film & Broadcast Media Production Stage
The Production Stage, located on the first floor of the CCM building, is where Broadcast Media Production and Filmmaking majors can gain firsthand experience in their craft. Complete with a live remote feed, multi-camera field production capabilities, and surround sound, the black-walled room allows students to make their ideas come to life in class and out.
Derek Mann, a senior Broadcast Media Production student, loves the Production Studio because “it has everything you need, from lights to a green screen.” Since it’s available for rent through Media Services, any student can take advantage of the studio’s professional-grade technology whenever they want.
Media Equipment Rental House
The Rental House allows students to apply themselves to their projects without ever having to worry about not having the right equipment. By making a quick reservation online, in person, or over the phone, students can borrow state-of-the-art media production equipment for free.
Students find the Rental House to be an essential part of many projects. Holly Studwell, a fourth-year Broadcast Media Production student, agrees that “the Rental House is a fantastic aspect of Champlain College for anyone in a creative major. You have access to just about anything you could need for a production, whether it be film, broadcast, graphic design—anything. The staff is extremely friendly and can help you out with whatever you need to make the best production you can!”
Alumni Auditorium
Champlain College’s 200-seat auditorium is perfect for showcasing videos made by Broadcast Media Production and Filmmaking students. Equipped with advanced sound systems, drop-down screens, and HD projectors, the Alumni Auditorium helps student projects look their best during every showing.
Julia Leonard, a 2020 Broadcast Media Production graduate, loves attending showings in the Alumni Auditorium. “The Alumni Auditorium is the place where Broadcast majors get to show off all our hard work. I remember my first year at Champlain, going to the Broadcast Senior Showcase and thinking, “Wow. My work is going to be up on that screen someday for everyone to see.” It’s something we work toward, and is always in the back of our minds. Getting your work shown up on a big screen in an auditorium full of people is an incredible feeling. It makes all the hours we put in worth it!”
Higher Ground
One of the most popular venues for college students in Burlington, Higher Ground, is a great place for Broadcast Media Production students to have some fun, but also learn about how a concert is produced. The venue’s ballroom draws well-known artists, including Jimmy Eat World, Hot Chelle Rae, and Anti-Flag. For bands with smaller followings such as Ripe, Remo Drive, and Sure Sure, the Showcase Lounge provides an opportunity to play for Burlington’s college students.
Ben Sheed ’21 loves going to Higher Ground to enjoy concerts and watch professionals at work. “Higher Ground is the go-to for all non-DIY shows. It is always inspiring to see the hard work that the technicians are doing to produce a fantastic show.”
Grand Point North Music Festival
In 2020, Grand Point North would have celebrated its 10th anniversary on September 12 and 13 at Burlington’s Waterfront Park. Featuring fantastic views and equally inspiring music, the festival is a great place for students of all creative majors to connect and learn while having fun.
While this year’s show isn’t likely to happen due to COVID-19, lineups from previous years have included Grace Potter, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Princess Nostalgia, Lucy Dacus, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. The festival has been highlighting past performers via Twilight Hour virtual performances. According to the festival’s social media, “Grace has set up a virtual tip jar on PayPal and Venmo, and will be sharing a portion of all proceeds with the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.” Once it’s safe enough for live music to resume, future festivals from this amazing organization aren’t likely to disappoint!
No matter your major, Champlain College’s campus and the city of Burlington have something fun and informative to offer!
Interested in studying Broadcast Media Production? Find out more about the program here.
