Hundreds of youth from the Arkansas River Valley and beyond visited Arkansas Tech University on Saturday, Nov. 7, for a pair of events that allowed them to imagine what it would be like to pursue their interests at the collegiate level.
Approximately 400 high school and junior high school band students representing 57 different schools participated in ATU Band Member for a Day 2026. The event has been an annual tradition at Arkansas Tech since 2015.
ATU Band Member for a Day 2026 provided visiting students with opportunities to rehearse with the ATU marching band, “Arkansas’ Band of Distinction,” during the morning hours before learning more about Arkansas Tech and enjoying a complimentary lunch during the middle portion of the day. Then, ATU Band Member for a Day participants put on their marching uniforms and joined the ATU marching band for performances at the Wonder Boys football game that afternoon.
It was a similar schedule for the 106 individuals who participated in a youth cheer and dance clinic at Arkansas Tech on Nov. 7.
They worked on their cheer and dance fundamentals with members of the Arkansas Tech spirit squads during the morning and learned a routine. The clinic participants performed that routine at Simmons Bank Field at Thone Stadium in advance of the football game.
Learn more about ATU bands at www.atu.edu/bands.
Learn more about ATU spirit squads at www.atu.edu/spirit.
