78th High Plains Music Camp - June 22-28, 2025
Register Now Handbook Scholarship Application
Registration Deadline: June 1st
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 concert band, choir, and string orchestra as well as small ensembles and solo opportunities.
Honors Recital
All are welcome to apply to perform on the Honors Recital. Winners will be selected from a recorded application. Applicants must send a recorded MP3 file of their piece by June 1st to be considered (email to p_lillpopp@fhsu.edu).
June 22-28, 2025. Camp fees for overnight campers are $580, and cover all room, board, instructional, and recreation costs for the 7-day camp. 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
Monday Hays City Band Concert - Beach/Schmidt PAC
7:00PM
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
1:00 - MPMC Singers
1:30 - MS Tiger Orchestra
2:00 - MS Tiger Band
2:30 - HS Palmer String Orchestra
3:00 - 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.
Everyday begins with a sectional rehearsal for each instrument. All students participate in one large ensemble (band, choir, or string orchestra) that rehearses twice a day. Students also participate in one small ensemble (Jazz Band, Woodwind or Brass Choir, Percussion Ensemble, String Ensemble, Theatre Scenes) that rehearses twice a day. Throughout the week campers attend evening recitals and concerts presented by the featured artists, faculty, and fellow students.
Recreation time is scheduled every afternoon. Music practice, private lessons, rest 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 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.
How to Reach Us
Music and Theatre Programs
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Malloy Hall 137
Office Phone: 785-628-4533
Box Office: 785-628-4225
Email: musictheatre@fhsu.edu