Band Camp

    The Iron County Band Camp is the longest running band camp in the Upper Peninsula. It was started in 1955 by John Paynter, director of bands at Northwestern University, Kenneth W. Schulze, Superintendent of Crystal Falls Schools and Director of the Camp, and Local Band Directors; Al Stender from Crystal Falls, Vilas Wenzel from Iron River, Claire Hounsell from Stambaugh, and Paul Cowen from Gladstone. John Paynter, director of bands at Northwestern University, brought up his staff of instrumental teachers from the North Shore Band near Chicago. Mr. Paynter continued to come to camp for the next 22 years. Since that time we have had many distinguished and wonderful conductors and instructors.