Hummingbird's History

Located in Jemez Springs, New Mexico, Hummingbird Music camp was founed in 1959 by Kenneth Lloyd (K.L.) Higgins and his wife, Wanda Higgins, both passionate educators dedicated to nurturing children's musical growth.

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K.L. Higgins, an accomplished music teacher with Albuquerque Public Schools, was inspired by his experiences with the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan to create a similar retreat in New Mexico focused on music and personal development for young learners.  After purchasing land along the Jemez River, the Higgins family opened the camp, welcoming students ages 8 to 14 to study a wide range of musical disciplines including band, orchestra, piano, guitar and voice.

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From its founding, Hummingbird Music Camp has been a beloved institution, providing both music (along now with art and chess) and outdoor experiences. Campers participate in lessons, ensemble rehearsals, and concerts, culminating in performances for visiting parents and local residents. One of the long standing traditions is the Saturday night concert in Jemez Springs, performed by campers in collaboration with local cultural institutions such as the Jemez Historical Site.

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After K.L. Higgins' passing in 1996 and Wanda Higgins' in 2018, their children-Les Higgins, Sally Chapman and Teena King-continue to operate Hummingbird, maintaining our "kids first" philosophy and community-centered approach. Celebrating our 68th summer season in 2026, Hummingbird is one of New Mexico's longest-running youth music programs.  

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