52nd Band Leadership Camp
HPU Band Leadership Camp | June 8-12, 2026 | Howard Payne University | Brownwood, Texas
Program highlights
Clinics for directors to include:
- Drill Design
- Retirement Planning
- Guard Design and DevelopmentÂ
- Rehearsal Technique
- and many more!
Events/activities include:
- Full Camp Marching Band
- Jazz Band
- Marching Instruction
- Marching Winds Pedagogy
- Leadership Instruction
- Conducting Instruction
- Mega Games
- Aquatic Center Party
Leadership is the focus for all tracks:
- Drum Major
- Section Leader/Squad Leader
- Band Member
- Color Guard
- Percussion
- Beginning Marcher
- Intermediate Marcher
- All students participate in a SASI Leadership Seminar
Student Testimonial
Student Testimonial
Student Testimonial
A message from Jeremy Spicer,
SASi Founder & Music Education Clinician
Camp will be June 8-12, 2026. Check back for more details.Â
Thank you for considering the Howard Payne University Band Leadership Camp. We are celebrating our 52nd year to serve the band students of Texas by providing the highest quality leadership training in the areas of Drum Major and Section Leader/Officer training. Additionally we offer training in basic marching skills, marching percussion and color guard.
The camp will take place on the Howard Payne University campus in Brownwood, Texas, from Monday, June 8, 2026 – Friday, June 12, 2026. Registration opens February 1, 2026.
Regular Registration
February 1 – May 22
Late Registration ($25 late fee per person)
May 23 – June 1
Registration closesÂ
June 1
Each of the camp’s track areas are staffed by highly regarded public school and university band professionals, along with university student assistants. We are here to make this leadership camp experience the best it can possibly be for your student.
Below is a frequently asked question section to help with your planning, and then a packing list for what students should bring. Sample schedules from all tracks of the camp are also featured, so students can see they will be very engaged during the week.
FAQs, Packing List and Schedules
Where will the students be staying while at camp?
Students will be housed in Howard Payne University’s residence halls, with two students to each room.
Can students leave the campus?
Students that are Band Leadership Camp residents are not allowed to leave campus during the camp, even if they have their own vehicle.
Does the camp have medical help available?
Yes, on-campus assistance will be provided 24/7.
How about food service for the students?
The dining hall is in close proximity to the residence halls, so there is easy access.
How well are the students monitored throughout the day?
We have a 1-to-10 ratio of staff to students. Plus, the track leaders take attendance at all sessions. If a student is missing, the staff will be sent to follow up on where the student is. If the student is sick, the student will be monitored throughout the day. With sickness or injury, we will alert the parent(s). Additionally, we have a full-time Department of Public Safety on campus to aid with security.
Where is the camp located?
HPU is located in Brownwood, Texas, on State Highway 377. The campus itself is located at the intersection of Austin Avenue and Center Avenue. The first building you encounter is the Davidson Music Complex. Registration is in the band room of that building.
When does camp start and stop?
Camp begins on Monday, June 8, with registration starting at 9 a.m. Camp ends on Friday, June 12, after the All-Camp Exposition (approx. 11 a.m.).
- Linens (twin size) or sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Bath towel/hand towel/washcloth
- Toiletries
- Necessary medicines (prescription, inhalers, etc.)
- Bug spray/sunscreen
- Hat – Head covering of some type
- Comfortable clothing (no bare midriffs – shorts should be school appropriate in length)
- Must have tennis shoes/socks for marching
- Comfortable footwear for relaxed times
- Camera/phone
- Swimsuit if swimming – extra towel
- Umbrella/rain gear (just in case)
- Sunglasses
- Paper/pen/pencil to take notes
- Instrument – unless on Color Guard Track
- Color Guard bring all of your equipment that you will use – pole/silk/rifle/sabre/etc.
- Money for extras (snack bar, HPU clothing items, etc.)
- Personal listening devices
Schedules coming soon…
Band Director ScheduleÂ
Band Member ScheduleÂ
Color Guard ScheduleÂ
Drum Major ScheduleÂ
Marching Percussion ScheduleÂ
Squad Leader-Officer ScheduleÂ
Registration
Note: The following forms must be completed to finalize registration. If you have any questions, please contact Jon Kraemer at the phone number or e-mail below.Â
Step 1: Register Now
Step 2: Band Leadership Camp Payment Form 
(Registration opens February 1, 2026)
Step 3: Camper’s Waiver Form
Step 4: Student Medical Release Form PDF (Please have the completed form ready at check-in.)
- Student Rate – Full-Time (on campus housing) – $395
- Commuter Student Rate (Off-campus plus 2 meals daily) – $200
- All-State Member Rate (Current Year) – $295
- Director/Sponsor Rate – $325
- Director/Sponsor Rate (with 10 or more students attending) – $250
- Director/Sponsor Rate (with 15 or more students attending) – $200
- Bring 20 or more students and get 1 free student or director registration
- Price Includes $50 non-refundable deposit
Final Note
Make sure to bring:
- Completed medical forms;
- Camp fees, if you have not already taken care of those; and
- Camp Waiver form (if you did not electronically submit that).
Contact
Jon Kraemer
Director of Bands at HPU; Assistant Professor of Music
325-649-8504
jkraemer@hputx.edu
