New sound system installed in Burruss Auditorium
An advanced sound system has recently been installed in Virginia Tech's Burruss Auditorium, a venue where major events such as commencement, presidential speeches, symphonies, and Lively Arts shows are held.
"Burruss Auditorium is used by the Admissions Office on a regular basis to make presentations to prospective students and their parents," said Provost Mark McNamee. "The need for a new system has been evident for years. Our visitors will now have a chance to actually hear about all the great qualities of Virginia Tech."
Stage Sound of Roanoke, Va., designed the $248,000 innovative system that now includes video projection, wireless microphones, and mid-house sound control. There also will be upgraded Assisted Listening Devices for patrons who may be hearing impaired. Brian James, technical services director with University Unions and Student Activities, calls it “A 21st century sound system.”
The upgrades were made possible by the Hokies Parents Fund, a special gift-giving program for parents of current and previous students, University Unions and Student Activities, the Budget Office, the Office of Annual Giving, Facilities, Purchasing, and the Virginia Tech Foundation.
The previous system was installed in the mid 1980’s for the 2,800-seat facility. Although impressive for its day, the technology was outdated. This new system has modern technology behind it and will transition major campus concerts and programs into the future of sound and video capabilities. Since its installation, Virginia Tech has hosted such people as the Rev. Al Sharpton, Jesse Ventura, Mary Matalin and James Carville with much success.
