The Leadership & Auxiliary Camp is a dynamic summer program designed for high school students in grades 8 through 11 who aspire to enhance their leadership and performance skills within their school bands.This four-day camp, July 12th through the 15th, is held on campus and focuses on developing conducting techniques, leadership abilities, and performance skills for drum majors, section leaders, percussionists, color guard, and dance team members.
Participants engage in a variety of activities, including full ensemble rehearsals, sectional practices, and leadership workshops led by experienced K-State faculty, staff, and guest instructors.The camp emphasizes hands-on learning and team-building exercises to foster confidence and collaboration among students.
Campers have the opportunity to stay in university residence halls and dine in campus facilities, providing a glimpse into college life.The program culminates in a final performance where students showcase the skills and techniques they've acquired during the camp.
Registration
Camp is open to allstudents grades 8 through 11 (the grade you are in for the 2025-2026 school year). All applications must be accompanied by a check with the registration form ($500.00) Resident Camper/$350.00 Non-resident Camper/Optional $125.00 Meal Card for Non-resident).
After completing online registration, checks and other signed forms can be mailed to:
K-State Bands Leadership & Auxiliary Camp Kansas State University 226 McCain Auditorium Manhattan, Kansas 66506
No refunds will be given for any registration cancellations after June 26, 2026.
2025 Camp Information:
2025 Camp Documentation and Information is provided for reference; 2026 Camp Information is similar and will be updated soon!
Resident Camper - $500
No refunds will be given for any registration cancellations after June 27, 2025.
2-students per room in university residence hall
Instruction
Camp T-Shirt
Meals Provided
Non-Resident Camper - $325
No refunds will be given for any registration cancellations after June 27, 2025.
Daily activities include team building exercises, breakout/leadership sessions, sectional rehearsals (drum majors, leadership sessions, percussion, color guard), recreational time, and full ensemble rehearsals.
Members of the camp staff also serve as the students' counselors during their four-day stay in the plush accommodations of Wefald Hall on the K-State Campus.
obtain instant feedback through the use of video critique
conflict/resolution training to maximize your role as a leader
develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences
network with students in the Midwest region in similar positions within their band program
Section Leaders/Leadership Candidates:
develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences
network with students in the Midwest region in similar positions within their band program
obtain instant feedback
conflict/resolution training to maximize your role as a leader
open to all students interested in learning about band leadership. You do not have to be a current leader in your band to attend this track
Percussion Camp:
develop percussion techniques that will maximize your performance for the upcoming year
refine fundamental techniques that will assist in your everyday playing
perform on a variety of battery and/or melodic percussion for a well-rounded percussion experience
network with students in the Midwest region in similar positions within their band program
obtain instant feedback
understand the role of a percussionist to assist with team building within your program
Color Guard:
develop guard techniques that will maximize your performance for the upcoming year
refine fundamental techniques that will assist in your everyday activities
perform on a variety of flags/weapons for a well-rounded color guard experience
network with students in the Midwest region in similar positions within their band program
obtain instant feedback
understand the role of the color guard to assist with team building within your program
The staff of the Leadership and Auxiliary Camp is comprised of the K-State Marching Band (KSUMB) Drum Majors, Color Guard, Drumline, band alumni, and various section leaders & staff. A minimum of two staff members live on each floor with the campers and all staff members supervise student rehearsals through the day and evening.