What is HPPA?
High Plains Percussion Academy is the first concerted long-term effort at establishing a presence of basic percussion education for middle school and high school students in the High Plains region. Much of the High Plains region is extremely lacking in music education for percussionists (particularly in the marching arts), and HPPA aims to fill that void.
While geared primarily towards the marching arts community, HPPA is expanding to encompass all areas of percussion education: marching, concert, small ensembles, and beyond.
Originally targeted at Garden City and the southwest Kansas region, HPPA now aims to serve an area encompassing parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico, and will be growing to support dozens of students and their talents in 2026.
Camp Information
HPPA is a 5-day camp tailored specifically for aspiring drummers and percussionists seeking to improve their percussion skills, and is perfect for high school students looking to make the leap from a middle school or high school drumline, concert band, or percussion ensemble to a collegiate drumline, band, or indoor percussion ensemble; drum corps; or indoor drumline ensemble.
Over the course of 5 days, this camp will cover many of the essentials of percussion:
- Rudimental drumming and percussion technique fundamentals for concert band, marching band, and percussion ensemble settings.
- Comprehensive training in sight reading, dynamics, expression, interpretation, and everything in between.
- Rehearsal and practice strategies for rapid learning and development that everyone can use.
- Modern marching styles and basic visual technique.
- Instrument maintenance and upkeep.
We foster a positive learning environment based on the ideals that percussion can be fun and enjoyable for everyone of all skill levels, years of experience, familiarity, and proficiency! We believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and we aim to grow young minds by installing in them the ability to grow their confidence organically through small wins and big victories.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
There is a registration fee of $40 per person, which includes a camp T-shirt, all instruction music and materials, and a pair of Vic Firth Ralph Hardimon signature marching sticks.
Scholarships are available to those who need them; for more information, please contact us about financial assistance.
HPPA is held at the Broncbuster Band Building on the campus of Garden City Community College in Garden City, KS, located just east of Campus Drive on the south side of Spruce Street.
For 2026, the camp dates are June 15th through June 19th.
HPPA is for incoming middle school and high school students, but incoming college freshmen are welcome to attend as well to help gear up for college band settings.
You do not have to be from Garden City to attend. This camp is open to all students who can make it to Garden City when it happens.
Camp attendees living outside of the Garden City area that require lodging or housing while at camp are welcome to stay with friends or relatives off-campus, or at local hotels if so desired.
We are currently working to secure the use of the GCCC dormitories for those looking for a cheaper alternative than local hotels, and will post more information on that availability as we obtain it.
The short answer: No.
The long answer: If you want to, yes!
HPPA currently has enough battery instruments to accommodate approximately 25 players, and enough mallet instruments to accommodate about 8 players, and we are working to secure more instruments to accommodate all students.
Unless you have a dietary restriction or requirement for certain types of food, you do not need to bring your own food or snacks (however, you are welcome to bring whatever food or snacks you wish to have during meal breaks and downtime).
Campers who can provide for their own meals can eat at the GCCC campus cafeteria for a low-cost option, and there are dozens of off-campus restaurants and diners within a short walk or drive from GCCC.
HPPA can assist campers who are unable to provide for their own meals due to financial or other limitations on an as-needed basis.