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He had a dream. And he made a commitment
to make that dream a reality. His vision was born in 1959 when
Hummingbird Music Camp first opened its doors. This humble dreamer
was Kenneth Lloyd Higgins, a gentle and powerful educator in the
Albuquerque Public School System for 38 years. Today you can still
feel his presence in the strong and loving warmth radiated by the
Higgins family as they keep Hummingbird Music Camp vibrant and alive
with all the traditional family values intact.
Nestled by the Jemez River in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico,
Hummingbird Music Camp offers every child an opportunity to grow as
an individual, a team player and as a fine musician under the
guidance of a talented and nurturing staff. This safe and lovingly
structured social environment provides a home away from home for
children to express themselves and their talents. This is
accomplished through hard work and practice, bonding with new
friends. Removed from city congestion, these growing children have
the opportunity to sleep in a dorm with their new buddies, breathe
clean, fresh air in these breathtakingly glorious mountains, sing
crazy camp songs, listen to the tall tales told around the campfire,
go on overnight hikes, and square dance. Then there’s game night,
skit night, concerts, swimming in the river, and the awe of catching
a first fish.
Hummingbird’s staff and counselors have all been raised under the
Higgins family traditions and teachings, which keeps the camp
running smoothly and peacefully. Although music is taken very
seriously at the camp, the focus is not on competition. The children
are encouraged to grow musically on their chosen instruments by
starting their musical instruction at their current level of
ability. Their experience at camp is enriched by private music
lessons, chorus, transfer band, solos, concerts, and finally, they
show their folks how much they’ve learned and grown when they
perform for them on Sundays.
Nothing can be more empowering for a child than a camping experience
at Hummingbird Music Camp, according to thousands of former campers.
Watching children’s musical talents and personalities blossom at
Hummingbird was one of Kenneth Lloyd Higgins’ greatest joys, and in
fulfillment of his dream the hills surrounding Hummingbird Music
Camp are alive with music.
Wanda Higgins, Director |
