Palmer impacts Fort Hays State students and musicians

The familiar swell of music fills Palmer Hall at Fort Hays State University each summer for the annual High Plains Music Camp. The hall’s namesake, Harold G. Palmer, established the camp over 75 years ago. His legacy lives on through the sharing of music and the memories of those he taught during his tenure at FHSU.

Palmer, a 1932, 1933, and 1951 FHSU music alumnus and band instructor at Fort Hays State Teachers College in 1943, trailblazed music instruction and band direction for generations to come. When Palmer came to FHSU as an instructor in 1943 after two years of teaching at Hill City and eight in Ellinwood, the band started with only nine members. After two years, Palmer’s program gained interest, and the band size increased to over a hundred members. He began his first band camp in 1947, with over 250 high school students from across the state in attendance. Each year, participation numbers soared as more students enrolled in the camp. During the 1952 summer camp, Palmer established the United States’ first balanced clarinet choir. Bruce Siemsen ’56, ’66 played in Palmer’s clarinet choir for four years and recently recounted how this experience, and Palmer, shaped his life.  

Siemsen of Holyrood recalls playing in the first clarinet choir in the United States and said Palmer “worked us hard, but we enjoyed it.” He also recollected the summer music camps and how Palmer “left a lasting impression on thousands of lives.” Following his participation in Palmer’s clarinet choir, Siemsen played in the United States Army Band. Siemsen noted that he would love a reunion of his former choir members to reflect on the experience. 

Throughout Palmer’s career at FHSU, he wrote several studies in his Instrumental Music in Western Kansas Public Schools series. He guided generations of students and cultivated an environment where young musicians could learn and thrive. His years of service earned him the Alumni Achievement Award in 1979 from Fort Hays State’s Alumni Office, three years after he retired from his 29-year tenure. The Alumni Achievement Award is one of the highest honors for Fort Hays State University graduates and instructors. The Hays native passed away in April 1990 after decades of dedication to his students and the university. Community members, students, and faculty gathered in April 1992 and shared stories and music as they dedicated the Harold Palmer Recital Hall in Malloy Hall in Palmer’s memory.  

Siemsen’s testimony is only one example of how Fort Hays State University faculty members and staff impact the lives of their students. To share your story about an impactful person at FHSU, visit https://foundation.fhsu.edu/share-your-story to share your story online.

FHSU Announces Commencement Award Winners

Family, friends, and the Fort Hays State University community gathered on campus to celebrate the tremendous achievements of this year’s Torch, Lighthouse, and Pilot award recipients. Chelsea Kiefer, a senior history major, received this year’s Torch Award, and Sonja...

FHSU Alumni Office Announces 2024 Torch, Lighthouse, and Pilot Award Nominees

The Fort Hays State University Alumni Office has announced nominees for its three honorary commencement awards. Recipients of each award will be announced at a press conference on Tuesday, April 30, at 9:00 a.m. in the Memorial Union’s Peter Werth Black and Gold Room,...

Tiger family reunites during FHSU Homecoming

10/3/23, state localBy: FHSU Alumni OfficeHAYS, Kan. – Homecoming weekend at Fort Hays State University drew hundreds of alumni, friends, and community members back to campus. Graduates nationwide traveled to Hays to celebrate special memories from their time at FHSU....

The enduring traditions of FHSU Homecoming

09/15/23, state local By: FHSU Alumni   HAYS, Kan. – Like many beloved traditions at Fort Hays State University, its annual Homecoming celebrations can bring back memories and nostalgia. The final week of September, FHSU will welcome back generations of alumni...

FHSU Reveals 2023 Homecoming Awardees

08/08/23, state local By: FHSU Alumni Office HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University will honor six outstanding alumni and friends during its upcoming Homecoming celebration September 28-30. Visit www.FHSUhomecoming.com to learn more about how these award winners will...

Nita M. Landrum

33 Years of Service to FHSU  1928-1961  Nita M. Landrum embodied Fort Hays State University’s values of hard work and service to others. Landrum enrolled at FHSU in 1924 with her husband, Charles H. Landrum, a history professor at the college. She became an Alpha...

FHSU Announces 2023 Commencement Award Winners

Fort Hays State University proudly announced its 2023 commencement award recipients during a press conference in the Memorial Union Tuesday morning. The three highly coveted annual awards recognize outstanding efforts and achievements of FHSU students and faculty. The...

FHSU Alumni Office announces nominees for the 2023 Torch, Pilot, and Lighthouse Awards 

FHSU Alumni Office announces nominees for the 2023 Torch, Pilot, and Lighthouse Awards  04/28/23, state, local   By: FHSU Alumni HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State University Alumni Office has announced nominees for its three honorary commencement awards....

FHSU Rodeo Honors Inaugural Hall of Fame Class

In honor of its unique and distinct history, the Fort Hays State University Rodeo has established its first-ever Hall of Fame class to recognize individuals whose contributions have shaped Fort Hays State’s rodeo or the rodeo industry.  “For the inaugural class, 22...

Wellbrock Reflects on 20 years as the Voice of the Tigers

When Gerard Wellbrock became the eighth Voice of the Tigers at Fort Hays State University, he only hoped he could fill the role's big shoes previously worn by four Kansas Hall of Fame broadcasters.  After taking the helm more than 20 years ago, Wellbrock likens the...