In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel have an engaging and candid conversation with leadership expert Scott Lang. Drawing from decades of experience as an educator and clinician, Scott shares powerful insights into what truly makes student leadership effective and why the selection process matters more than the training itself.

Listeners will learn:

• Why leadership selection is the most critical decision a director makes

• How to design a student leadership system that attracts the right students

• The five key traits of successful student leaders

• How Scott’s innovative 5-step leadership application transforms band culture

• The importance of viewing band through a parent’s lens—and why students often benefit most from band beyond the music

Scott also reflects on how the pandemic reshaped parent-school relationships, the evolving role of staff and techs in modern band programs, and why activities like band are more essential than ever in today’s educational landscape.

Whether you’re a band director, staff member, or aspiring student leader, this episode is packed with practical ideas, humor, and thought-provoking perspectives that challenge traditional approaches to leadership in music education.

Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org