Student Leader Quotes
About Team-Building & Leadership Training Workshops
for High School Bands and Musical Groups
Throughout human civilization, heroes have arisen from all different backgrounds, each with unique character qualities that make them great. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr. was a hero during the 1960s for his dedication to civil rights and effective communication skills. Mother Teresa was known for her overflowing compassion for those less fortunate and Steve Jobs was a hero to many for his life story of success through diligence and perseverance.
But what about the people who have a significant impact on students' lives every week? They never receive the national nor worldly recognition. Yet they play a vital role in society, teaching the upcoming generations. One such individual in my life is Mr. Peter Ferrito. As a psychologist and high school leadership counselor, he has taught me priceless life-applications and leadership lessons that have molded me into the student and leader I am today. read more
Head Drum Major
McKinney Boyd High School, Texas
Throughout the years in my band program, we have had consistently excellent ratings and, more importantly, a lot of fun along the road. As a senior, reflecting on my years doing what I love, I have to say our band wouldn't be even close the where it is now without the leadership and mentoring of Mr. Ferrito. From 2009, the first year of our induction into his leadership workshops, I have seen an awe-inspiring change, not only in our success, but in the amount of maturity and growth in the members of the program that I often call "my family."
Mr. Ferrito's workshops are not about athletic ability or even musical ability. He doesn't talk about awards or rating numbers or focus on helping bands earn them, although many of his bands do receive awards. He coaches teenagers and young adults so they can grow and mature into successful and productive members of society. He knows that young adults — with the right amount of mentoring, belief in themselves, and belief in others — can become great and thereby bring their band program with them. With this in mind, I whole-heartedly recommend my mentor and truly my friend, Mr. Ferrito, to any band program. When I become a head band director, I can tell you for sure that he will be in my band hall many times.
Band Student Leader
Rice High School, Texas
The Teens2Teams program is without a doubt an amazing program. I was always a very shy and fearful person. I was socially awkward and hated the thought of speaking publicly. I am ashamed to admit that there were times that I would fail tests on purpose in order to avoid recognition. That is how far I allowed my social anxiety to control me. As bad as the past was, I now am proud to say that I am a new person.
With the help of Mr. Ferrito, I was able to conquer my fear and become a strong leader. I can honestly say that I have never been happier in my life. I owe so much to Mr. Ferrito and his program: It is thanks to this program that I was able to design my own life. I am happy to say that I no longer fear speaking to people. In fact, I look forward to meeting new people and interviews are so much easier now.
I cannot express just how thankful I am to have been a part of the Teens2Teams program. This program allowed me to bring out the best in me, by making me come to terms with the fact that I am worthy, that I am enough. If anyone has the chance, they should really give this program a try. Mr. Ferrito is amazing at what he does, which is making us amazing.
Band Student Leader
Everman High School, Texas
I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of Mr. Ferrito's workshops for three years while on the leadership team at Sachse High School. ... Mr. Ferrito taught us about concepts that I had never considered, showed us games that taught us about each other and ourselves, and gave us the tools to live a more meaningful life. Not only did our band place better in competitions than we had before, but we were much closer to one another! ... We learned how to be effective teachers, strong leaders, and trustworthy human beings. It was a lot of work and commitment, but our team learned so much about each other: how each person operates best, each other's strengths and weaknesses, and what our individual goals are. We were then able to apply that information and make decisions accordingly. This made for a very comfortable, friendly environment that enabled us to keep a positive attitude going within the band every day. read more
Music Education Student
Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas
Former Band Student Leader
Sachse High School, Texas
What I learned from Mr. Ferrito's workshop is that success in leadership is driven by your ability to give a compelling, quick, and effective presentation, and a knowledge of human psychology. Being a relatively quiet person, I find it difficult to maintain focus and order when I am speaking. With the help of Mr. Ferrito, I learned how to manage a group meeting by delegating tasks, establishing clear-cut goals and expectations, and maintaining a consciousness of time. I learned how to really "over-prepare" myself to gain confidence and composure before speaking to a group. And by constantly keeping on me about aesthetics such as inflection and eye contact, I have become a far better and more confident leader as my speaking role grows.
Through Mr. Ferrito's workshops, I also learned a great deal about human psychology. By understanding what motivates people and what causes them to act out, Mr. Ferrito equipped me and my fellow leaders to understand the implications of one's behaviors and effectively handle problem situations.
Finally, I learned how to create a culture to define our band, fusing the identities, beliefs, and goals into a brief statement that would truly push our band to the next level.
For all Mr. Ferrito has taught me, I am forever grateful.
Band Student Leader
Alpharetta High School, Georgia
I really enjoyed the group sessions where we would present issues we are having as leaders and you would give us ideas or help us through these problems. This helped teach me that there is no one solution when running or being part of a group and that adaptation based on the people you are dealing with is necessary.
Band Student Leader
McKinney Boyd High School, Texas
You pushed us to our breaking point and rebuilt us as a team. I am truly inspired by what you do. You gave us the tools to be successful and turn our band into a program full of friendship and dedication. We are a totally different program than we were last year due to your hard work with our leaders. I thank you for having faith in each one of us. You made us stronger and, thanks to you, we overcame the hardest hurdles of marching season. You had us apply ourselves in ways we never had before. Thank you for everything you taught us; we owe our success to the patience and faith you and the directors had in us.
I personally can't thank you enough for everything you have done for me. In the three days we worked together you multiplied my abilities beyond my imagination. There are no words to describe how grateful I am to have worked with you. It is said, "You will never know the true extent of your influence." You will never know how much you have changed my vision of myself and the way I interact with others. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher and pushing me to be my best.
Band Student Leader,
Lamar High School Band, Texas
These workshops have encouraged me to work toward perfection, to encourage others to do so also, and to speak with meaning, grace, and confidence.
These workshops changed the way I see work. Now I see more opportunity in each hour of the day and I understand how to take advantage of it.
Band Student Leader
Lamar High School Band, Texas
I am more self-confident and not afraid to make band decisions and will do what needs to be done. I walked into my first workshop immature, selfish, and with a chip on my shoulder. I walked out of my last workshop more prepared to be an adult.
Band Student Leader
Midlothian High School, Texas
The workshops have taught me to always be prepared in life. They have taught me not only to face my problems but to fix them too. The workshops have also given me a greater appreciation of who people are. While we all are different, we are also the same.
Band Student Leader
Midlothian High School, Texas
I just wanted to extend my gratitude for what you do with our leaders. Your skills are crucial to our band. We really appreciate you more than you can imagine. You have helped me grow so much over the past year or so. You have not only made me a better leader but a better person as well. Continue to do what you do. Continue touching lives; you're amazing at it. There is not a doubt in my mind that I will carry your teachings with me the rest of my life. Thanks for believing in me.
Band Student Leader
Southwest High School, Texas
Mr. Ferrito helped me gain the self-confidence I needed to overcome my stuttering problem. I was once afraid to speak to someone in one-on-one conversation, much less to a large audience. Now, I'm considering entering public service by running for political office. I didn't even think this would be possible but I overcame my challenge and saw what great opportunities lay before me.
Band Student Leader
McKinney Boyd High School, Texas
This workshop has helped me become a better leader by helping me effectively communicate with others, including the other leaders. I realize now that I need to be flexible with others and communicate with them to come up with a solution we can agree on that would be best for everyone. It also helps me to know that the more stressful the situation, the more composed, focused and determined I have to be to accomplish what I set out to do.
Band Student Leader
McKinney Boyd High School, Texas
This workshop has enlightened me on how every aspect of life has factors, especially leadership. Everything we do has an effect around us. We must always be looking towards the future to anticipate what follows, and what we must do to help it be successful.
Band Student Leader
McKinney Boyd High School, Texas
This workshop has benefited me as a student because not only did it prepare me for band, it also helped me in school. Sometimes I blurt out a Ferritoism. It is a life experience I will never forget.
Band Student Leader
McKinney North High School, Texas
Through this workshop I have grown as a leader and as a person. For the 3 years that I have completed the workshops my confidence in leading others has greatly improved, as well as the skills enabling me to use this confidence.
Band Student Leader
McKinney North High School, Texas
This workshop has helped me realize my own worth as an individual within an ensemble of people. It has helped nurture my self-confidence and allowed me to approach them. It has taught me that risk is inevitably tied with success, but whether you fall or leap to grandeur, it is what you learn from the experience and whether you continue to strive for improvement that truly matters.
Band Student Leader
La Porte High School, Indiana
This workshop has taught me many skills as a student that will benefit me for the rest of my life. For instance, I learned how to properly communicate my thoughts in a group setting, and make compromises with other leaders. I also learned how to teach many different members. Being able to communicate with people will greatly help my future success.
Band Student Leader
La Porte High School, Indiana
I have realized that I want to be a teacher because I love teaching. These workshops have taught me a lot. I've realized the reason we lead and the reason we teach. It's because every student always has that one favorite teacher in their life that has made a difference and has changed their life. If I could be a teacher to one kid…., even if it's one kid out of the 30 years I know that my job was worth it because I changed that one kids life. That's a great feeling!
Band Student Leader
Denison High School, Texas
I realized that encouragement is so very important, drama gets you know where and I can always improve.
Band Student Leader
Denison High School, Texas
These workshops have really helped me to listen to other people and incorporate their plans for the group as a whole. I have attended 3 years of workshops and the Ferritoisms have definitely stuck with me.
Band Student Leader
Denison High School, Texas
Mostly the workshops helped me with time management and delegation. Balancing a senior year with being a band Drum Major, horse riding, college applications, working and AP classes would have been impossible with my habits from junior year. It's nice to know that even under constant stress, trusting my team and not procrastinating help me get everything done. Additionally, the workshops helped my communication and interview skills. The communication helped things run more smoothly in band this year, and the interviews with potential universities are going well.
Band Student Leader
Lamar High School, Texas
I have definitely grown as a person and as a leader because of the workshops. Some of the things I learned in the workshop I applied to school work and my teachers have responded better to my requests. This is the best workshop on leadership I have been to.
Band Student Leader
Lamar High School, Texas
There are many countless moments when I have thought back to the different tools we learned in the workshops and then applied them to my particular situations in band and outside of band.
Band Student Leader
Lamar High School, Texas
Your program was absolutely inspirational. The activities you planned were very effective. Due to the success of the two-day program, the drill team and band formed a much more amiable relationship. We also accomplished much more in less time. We still believe in our mission statement. The skills and ideas you awakened in us flowed into classes throughout campus.
Band Student Leader
Dulles High School Band, Texas
Hello, Mr. Ferrito,
I really wanted to let you know that this has probably been one of the greatest challenging experiences of my life, and it is really helping me grow and prepare for my role as not only a leader but a person. I thank you for that.
Band Student Leader
LaPorte High School, Indiana
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