The Leadership Ladder

Not only has Kaluki been a key student leader for the 5 time Zingali Champion Boston Crusaders Color Guard, but she shares with us how she has taken the work ethic, standard, and growth opportunities she had received through the Color Guard activity, and implemented them into her very successful college career, and preparation for life.

Alex Beltran is the Associate Director of Marching Bands at the University of Cincinnati, the Director and Program Coordinator of United Percussion World Winter Percussion, and the Battery Manager for the World Champion Boston Crusaders Drum Corps.  Alex shares with me how he finds of balance of not only creating pinnacle performance organizations, but finds the balance of bringing out the very be...

Listen in as we spend some time with the 2025 Boston Crusaders Student Leadership team hearing their perspective on the Drum Corps activity, how it impacts their lives, and their anticipation of the 2025 season.

I will be sitting down with the entire 2025 Boston Crusaders Student Leadership team to discuss with them their thoughts, feelings and emotions going into this highly competitive season.  Episode comes out next week, 5.26.25!

Listen as Adrian Caswell shares with us how to bring the very best from his students while teaching them to look inward.  Adrian's ability as an educator, coupled with his grounded approach creates a magical environment for success both inside the band room and outside in the "real world".

Gio Bastante is a leadership force in the Pageantry Arts.  Listen and learn how Gio has built one opportunity into another, and another, and another!  She is an inspirational role model to all young leaders of "today"

Jarrett Lipman is the Director of Bands at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas, and the Brass Caption Manager of the Boston Crusaders.  He shares with us how he has built a culture of leadership, patience and productivity in all of the environments he has taught. He also shares how CLARITY is an optimum formula for success.  

Different episode for the Leadership Ladder, we have a conversation with Boston Crusaders Drum Major, Wes Booker on balance, growth and perspective, leading to success from the podium, and throughout the organization you lead!

Jay Emmert is in his 23rd year of teaching.  All of his ensembles have been at the top of their game.  I talk with Jay about creating excellence, and finding a healthy work/life balance, while creating an ensemble of excellence!

Tom Santino has been a massively successful music educator and public school administrator.  He talks about how to get the very best from students, parents and administrators while maintaining standards and expectations of growth.  He does this while students feel empowered and valued.  

Steve Rivero is the Director of Bands at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.  He shares with us the many ways he has built incredible music and band programs, but more importantly, teaches young people to be learning based, as well as a leader from a very young age.

I had the honor of spending some time with Larry Clark, Owner and Chief Composer of Excelcia Music Publishing, as we he talks with us about leading from humility, and how he has used this throughout his career.

My respect for John's approach in our world of leadership and education is endless.  Listen as we talk about the methods and strategies he has implemented over his 33 year plus career in the profession.  Also, John describes how he created a fostering and enriching leadership environment in his program that has successfully created incredible professionals in all areas.

Jeanne Reynolds was the Supervisor of Music in Pinellas County Schools, Florida for 23 years, and a music educator for well over 30 years in school music programs.  We discuss music and music education advocacy.  We also discuss the power of a strong music program in the life of a student, and how they can use those leadership skills throughout life.  Lastly, we talk about music programs that are...

Rich and I talk about our perspectives on teaching leadership, student leadership and life.....

Welcome to the Leadership Ladder, with host Howard Weinstein.  This introductory episode is just a little bit about me, as well as what this podcast will be about.