Hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel bring Part 3 of our Student Leadership Series. The Copper State Marching Podcast welcomes nationally recognized leadership educator Jeremy Spicer, founder of Sassy Leadership. Jeremy shares the story behind building one of the most influential student leadership programs in the marching arts and offers practical insight into developing stronger student leaders, educators, and band cultures.

Throughout the episode, Jeremy dives into:

- The origins and evolution of Sassy Leadership

- Why relationships are the foundation of effective leadership

- Common mistakes young leaders make

- Communication strategies for today’s students - How directors can build leadership programs without expensive resources

- Practical rehearsal and teaching techniques for student leaders and educators

Jeremy also shares lessons from decades in the marching arts, including experiences with Cedar Park High School, Vandegrift High School, Santa Clara Vanguard, and leadership development across the country.

Whether you’re a band director, student leader, staff member, or marching arts educator, this episode is packed with real-world leadership advice, rehearsal strategies, and thoughtful conversation about building stronger programs and stronger people. To send in your own band dilemmas or questions, email the podcast team at podcast@azmba.org.

Suggested Book study list:

• Ted Lasso – “Be curious, not judgmental”

• One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard

• Any John Maxwell Books

• The Culture Code, Daniel Coyle

• Energy Bus, John Gordon

• Atomic Habits, James Clear

• Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey

• Coach Woodens Pyramid of Success, John Wooden and Jay Carty

• The Ideal Team Player, Patrick Lencioni

• Grit - the pier of passion and perspective, Angela duck worth

• The Obstacle is the Way, Ryan Holiday

• The Ego is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday

• Right Thing, Right Now, Ryan Holiday

• Power of influence, Deberry/Burros

• The 17 indisputable laws of teamwork, John Maxwell

• The Coaching Habit, By Michael Bungay Stanier

• Extreme Ownership, Joko Willink and Leif Babin

• Dare to Lead, Brene Brown

• 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni

• Try to be a rainbow in someone’s clouds. Maya Angelou

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iZwhA_9o8Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtdffxj7pNE