July 14, 2022
Successful Leadership and Auxiliary Camp
K-State Bands hosted the annual Leadership and Auxiliary Camp from July 10–13. Almost 90 high school drum majors, section leaders, percussionists and color guard members were on campus to learn drum major conducting, leadership skills, percussion techniques and guard techniques. These students represented 36 high schools from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado and Louisiana.
The students participated in several activities that helped strengthen their leadership skills, teamwork development, work ethic, communication, conflict resolution and thriving through adversity. The camp was process-driven with the goal that each student would come away with the knowledge and confidence necessary to become stronger leaders within their own band programs. Large group sessions were led by Frank Tracz, director of bands, and small group sessions were led by current and former K-State students.
The camp concluded with a performance on Wednesday, July 13, in All Faiths Chapel. Each captain got a chance to demonstrate what they learned iunder the instruction of K-State band staff, graduate assistants, drum majors, K-State Marching Band leadership and Kansas music educators. Camp was open to all students currently in grades nine-12. They represented the finest high school student band leadership in Kansas and the surrounding states. What a great way to bring 90 potential Wildcats to campus.
Next year's camp will be July 9–12, 2023.