77th High Plains Music Camp - June 23-29, 2024
Register Now Handbook Scholarship Application
Since its founding in 1947 by the late Harold G. Palmer, thousands of students have attended High Plains Music Camp. Over seventy-five years later, the camp continues to offer students the opportunity to study with outstanding musicians from across the country. Campers experience a week of stimulating, concentrated study with nationally recognized musicians, teachers, and conductors. Performances, concerts, as well as recreational and social camp life make the week an event worth repeating year after year.
Band of Angels is a 501c3 nonprofit devoted to providing instruments, scholarships and all the support that children in need in the greater Kansas City Area require to succeed in music.
The High Plains Music Camp (HPMC) is a summer music camp for middle and high school aged students grades 6-13. The camp features a middle school and high school honor band and string orchestra as well as small ensembles and solo opportunities.
June 23-29, 2024. Camp fees for overnight campers are $580, and cover all room, board, instructional, and recreation costs. Daycampers who have their own overnight accommodations can register for $370, with additional meal plans available for purchase.
All camp activities are held on the FHSU campus. Classes and rehearsals are held in several university buildings, including the music and theatre building Malloy Hall and the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Students stay in the FHSU dormitories, located a short walk from the academic buildings where classes and rehearsals take place. Meals are held in the dorm cafeteria, and are included in the tuition for students staying on campus. Campus Map
6:30-8:30 Breakfast
9:00 Sectionals
10:00 Large Ensemble Rehearsal
11:00 MS Lunch or HS Small Ensemble Rehearsal
12:00 HS Lunch or MS Small Ensemble Rehearsal
1:00 Large Ensemble Rehearsal
2:00 Small Ensemble Rehearsal
3:30 Recreation/Free Time
5:00 Dinner
7:00 Evening Concert
8:30 Recreation/Free Time
Tuessday HPMC FACULTY RECITAL - Beach/Schmidt PAC
7:00PM
Wednesday STUDENT HONOR RECITAL - Beach/Schmidt PAC
7:00PM
Thursday HPMC FACULTY BAND CONCERT - Beach/Schmidt PAC
7:00PM
Friday JAZZ NIGHT - Beach/Schmidt PAC
6:00PM - MS Blue Jazz Band & HS Palmer Honor Jazz Band
7:00PM - HPMC Faculty Jazz Band
Saturday SMALL ENSEMBLES CONCERT - Beach/Schmidt PAC
9:00AM - 12:00PM
Saturday LARGE ENSEMBLES CONCERT - Beach/Schmidt PAC
1:45 - MS Tiger Orchestra
2:30 - MS Tiger Band
3:15 - HS Palmer String Orchestra
4:00 - HS Palmer Honor Band
Answers to some common questions parents and campers have about camp. Updated information will be made available as itineraries become finalized. If you have any further questions feel free to contact us at (785) 628-5353 or p_lillpopp@fhsu.edu.
Counselors are on duty all day, working closely with the campers in their activities. All residence hall facilities are strictly supervised. More information can be found in the camp handbook.
All students participate in at least one large ensemble (band or string orchestra). The large ensembles rehearse twice a day. Students also rehearse twice a day in a small ensemble (Jazz Band, Clarinet Choir, Low Brass Choir, String Ensemble, etc.). There is also one daily sectional rehearsal (like instrument). Throughout the week campers attend evening recitals and concerts presented by the featured artists, faculty, and fellow students.
Recreation time is scheduled every afternoon. Activities include tennis tournaments, a ping-pong play-off, volleyball, dodge ball, softball and flag football on various days throughout the week. Special events like a Rock, Paper, Scissor Contest, and Camp Idol Contest (talent show) are also planned. Music practice, private lessons, resting in the dorm or visiting with fellow campers may also take place during this time.
The full fee includes tuition, room, meals, extensive music instruction and coaching. There is an additional fee if campers choose to take private lessons on their instrument ($25 per 30-minute lesson). Lesson fees are collected directly by the private instructor when they are scheduled.
We are currently working with donors to provide assistance to families who may need help with tuition. Contact Dr. Peter Lillpopp, Camp Director (p_lillpopp@fhsu.edu) for more information.
No cars are allowed during band camp. Campers driving to camp must turn in their keys to the head counselors for the week.
The ratio of campers to staff is approximately 5 - 1.
Students entering grades 9–13 the Fall are eligible for the high school ensembles (band and string orchestra).
Students who will be in grades 6–8 in the fall are eligible for the middle school ensembles (band and string orchestra).
Campers may request a desired roommate. Middle and High School campers may not share the same room.
Written cancellations received prior to June 1 will receive a refund less the $100 non-refundable deposit. No refunds will be made after June 1.
The HPMC will occur during the last week in June. Future camp dates are:
June 22-28, 2025
June 21-27, 2026
June 20-26, 2027
For more information, contact Dr. Peter Lillpopp, Camp Director, at (785)628-5353 or p_lillpopp@fhsu.edu.