March 17, 2015

For high school students who want to get a head start on the college experience, our intensive summer workshops are a good way to explore Westphal programs and life on Drexel’s campus. Every summer, students from across the country and around the world participate in our high school workshops, and this year we’re launching two exciting new intensives—one in Dance and the other in Digital Fabrication. The Dance Summer Intensive will consist of technique classes, seminars and choreographic explorations led by Drexel dance faculty with choreographic mentorship provided by Drexel dance students, allowing participating high-schoolers to learn about the intersections of technique, creative process, and dance career opportunities. In the Digital Fabrication Workshop, aspiring design students will receive an immersive two-week, hands-on experience with 3D digital modeling, 3D digital scanning, 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC routing within our state of the art Hybrid Lab. Students will engage in projects that guide them through a design process that brings their own ideas to life. Our other summer programs are in Fashion Design and Design & Merchandising, Music Industry, Architecture, and Interior Design. All programs give students the opportunity to investigate their academic, creative and professional interests, as well as what life is like as a college student in Philadelphia.

The Music Industry Program hosts a hands-on experience in the MAD Dragon Recording Studios, home of our student-run record label. Students learn how the music business operates, how artists are chosen and signed to a label, and how to market, promote and publish music. They’ll interact with industry guest speakers and our Music Industry faculty, who teach workshops in Digital Audio Production, Music Business, Audio Engineering, Electronic Music Production, Entrepreneurship and Marketing.

In the Fashion Design and Design & Merchandising Programs, students explore design, illustration, product development and promotion of fashion and lifestyle brands. Student designers spend much of their time in the studio sketching, developing, and promoting products using both hands-on and computer aided design (CAD) applications, in addition to visiting designer showrooms and boutiques throughout Philadelphia. 

The Interior Design and Architecture Programs engage students in field research and studio model-building. Participants will develop their design skills while gaining a better understanding of freehand drawing and 3D modeling computer software. Working architects and interior designers will welcome students into their offices for tours and lectures, and students can take advantage of Philadelphia’s architectural wealth with trips throughout the city. 

Tuition for these July 2015 programs includes courses, guest lectures, field trips, meals in the dining halls, and a stay in the dorms for the residential camps (Music Industry, Dance, and Digital Fabrication are non-residential programs). Curious and motivated students should apply by May 15 or contact Tia James at tjm22@drexel.edu for more information.