K-State Bands’ 31st annual Summer Music Camp inspires young musicians

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

The joyful sounds of the K-State Bands’ 31st annual Summer Music Camp filled the Manhattan campus June 8-12.

Nearly 200 students in grades 5-12 from five different states performed in three large concert bands and nine small ensembles coordinated by Frank Tracz, Alex Wimmer, Zack Deininger, Courtney Grecu and 23 current and former K-State music students.

Jay Gilbert, professor emeritus at Doane University, Larry Blocher, professor emeritus at Troy University, and Andy Feyes, director of Instrumental Studies at Doane University, were the guest conductors for the three large concert bands.

Students attending Summer Music Camp received a quality musical instruction by the camp staff and K-State music faculty. Attendees were also able to experience campus by bowling at the K-State Student Union, eating at Kramer Dining Center and performing with the Manhattan Municipal Band Concert in City Park on June 10.

The camp was highlighted by a performance in McCain Auditorium on the final day of camp. The Blocher Band performed the world premiere of Larry Blocher’s composition “Purple Sunflowers,” composed specifically for this year’s campers. The final piece on the concert involved all 197 students, performing “Call of Duty.”

Next year’s camp will be June 7-11, 2026.