Serviam, the Latin word for “I will serve,” represents what it means to be a servant leader: to serve and empower others. And in bands across the country, student leaders are the heartbeat of their programs, critical to the group’s success and the guardians of its culture.

Using the three pillars of leading, teaching, and conducting, this book takes a close look at the qualities of effective leadership, giving student leaders the tools to succeed in band and beyond. Students will learn how to:

• Cultivate the heart of a servant leader
• Build character
• Elicit the best from others
• Create a culture of excellence
• Build trust and relationships
• Communicate effectively
• Listen well
• Solve problems and resolve conflict 

In addition to building the qualities of a servant leader, students will learn the practical skills needed to effectively teach, rehearse, and conduct an ensemble. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter also offer a point of departure and can be customized for the specific needs of any program.

Designed for students to read independently or together with their teacher, Serviam! is a comprehensive guide for developing positive, effective student leaders who elicit the best from their peers and encourage a culture of excellence.

With more than twenty-five years of experience teaching student leaders at both the high school and college levels, Dr. David Montgomery is the founder and director of Serviam Leadership Academy and is Associate Professor of Music Education at Baylor University. He has published numerous articles on student leadership, culture building, and rehearsal strategies, and has given presentations at state and professional music conferences across the United States, including the Midwest Clinic.

Serviam! is a book to be read, studied, practiced, and taught. Through this in-depth, comprehensive guide on student leadership, one quickly and clearly realizes we are all students and leaders; we are all the benefactors of the heartfelt efforts and energies invested in this one-of-a-kind anthology. The wisdom of the pages (and the ages) is built on character, posturing the leader as a role model who sets the standards of success achieved through servant leadership. Leadership isn’t something we do—leadership is something we are. Bravo!

—Tim Lautzenheiser
    Attitude Concepts for Today
    Senior Vice President of Education, Conn Selmer

Serviam! is an uplifting testament to the importance of both context and content in music education. We are in the music and the people business, and this book is an encyclopedia of priceless gems to help students and teachers be the best version of themselves. Serviam! is a treasure trove of inspiration, instruction, and wisdom from a first-class teacher and mentor!

—Scott Rush
    Team lead for the Habits series
    Author of Habits of a Significant Band Director

David Montgomery takes the reader on an introspective journey with an in-depth guide to enhance one’s leadership skills. This thought-provoking book is an invaluable resource for both students and teachers.

—Paula Crider
    Professor Emerita, The University of Texas
    Past President, American Bandmasters Association

Serviam! is a masterclass in cultivating student leadership in band through the pillars of leading, teaching, and conducting. It offers practical tools for cultivating character, building trust, and creating a culture of excellence. With insights into teaching, rehearsing, and conducting, students are empowered to elevate their ensembles and lead with integrity. A must-have resource for band programs striving to create a culture of positivity, growth, and success.

—Barry L. Houser
    Associate Director of Bands, University of Illinois
    CEO, Smith Walbridge Clinics

How do you define leadership? If your answer includes purpose, mission, values, and a deep calling to serve others, Serviam! is a must-read. With clarity and conviction, David Montgomery presents the fundamentals of effective leadership with a focus on excellence and matters of the heart and mind. Serviam! opens doors to new possibilities, providing practical insights and a compelling vision for servant leadership in today’s world.

—Wiff Rudd
    Professor of Trumpet, Baylor University
    Author of Side by Side: Building and Sustaining an Effective Community in the Music Studio