HPU Music Department Empowers Young Musicians Through Educational Festivals

First-Ever HPU Percussion Festival Celebrates Young Talent and Expert Instruction

Howard Payne University’s Department of Music continues to foster musical talent among high school students through engaging events and educational initiatives. In April, the university organised two festivals that provided young musicians with the opportunity to refine their skills and experience collegiate-level music instruction.

The HPU Band Festival, held on April 11 at the university’s campus, welcomed over 100 students from eight local schools, offering them a platform to collaborate, perform, and enhance their musical abilities. Just two weeks later, the university hosted its inaugural HPU Percussion Festival, which attracted 70 students from six area high schools. These events reflect HPU’s ongoing commitment to inspiring future generations of musicians while strengthening its connections with local schools and the wider community.

The HPU Band Festival is an annual event that offers middle and high school students the chance to perform solos, ensembles, jazz, or concert band pieces in an adjudicated setting. Dr Jonathan Kraemer, HPU’s Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music, stated that the event provides valuable experiences, helping students develop their performance skills while receiving educational feedback in a supportive environment. He also noted that the festival had seen significant growth over the past two years and expressed optimism about its future development. The event made use of various venues across the campus, including Mims Auditorium, Grace Chapel, and the Davidson Music Complex.

The inaugural HPU Percussion Festival, hosted by the Department of Music, featured student performances of percussion solos or ensembles on the Mims Auditorium stage. Following each performance, participants attended a 30-minute clinic led by Mark Ford, Regents Professor of Percussion at the University of North Texas. Ford also presented a one-hour masterclass, focusing on essential techniques and principles of percussion music education.

This Percussion Festival was the result of a collaboration between HPU alumnus Nathan Lacy, class of 2021 and percussion director for Brownwood ISD, and Dr Kraemer. Reports indicated that Lacy had approached Dr Kraemer the previous autumn, proposing the idea of launching a local percussion festival to address the clear need for such an educational event specifically for young percussionists in the region.

Dr Kraemer shared that the immediate and overwhelmingly positive response from local band directors served as a strong affirmation of the Percussion Festival's value and highlighted its potential for future growth. The event was supported by several leading music industry sponsors, including Meinl Percussion, Tama/Bergerault, Sabian, Evans Drum Heads, and Innovative Percussion, Inc., whose contributions helped ensure its success and provided essential resources for participants. Both the HPU Band Festival and the inaugural Percussion Festival were collaborative efforts between the HPU Yellow Jacket Band and the university’s chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, national service fraternities dedicated to supporting collegiate bands.

A significant highlight of the Percussion Festival included a photo featuring Mark Ford (centre) alongside Nathan Lacy (left), percussion director for Brownwood ISD and an HPU alumnus, and Dr Kraemer (right), HPU’s Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands. Their collaboration played a pivotal role in the festival’s success. These events not only showcased HPU’s dedication to developing young musical talent but also reinforced the university's commitment to fostering strong connections within the local community.

Editor's Note:

Howard Payne University’s Department of Music continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the musical talent of young students in the region. Through its recent hosting of the HPU Band Festival and the inaugural HPU Percussion Festival, the university provided students with invaluable opportunities to develop their skills in a supportive, collegiate environment.  These events, which saw participation from over 170 students from local schools, demonstrate HPU’s ongoing commitment to musical excellence and community engagement. By collaborating with local educators and receiving generous support from industry sponsors, the university has further strengthened its ties to the region, ensuring that future generations of musicians are equipped with the resources and guidance to thrive.
Through these initiatives, the university not only elevates the standard of music education in the area but also serves as a key pillar in building lasting connections between aspiring artists and the broader academic and cultural community. 

Skoobuzz believes that with the continued support and participation of local schools and sponsors, these events will undoubtedly grow in influence, offering more opportunities for students to hone their craft and showcase their talents.