The Leadership Standard
A SAML Leadership Experience
Build confidence. Lead with character. Set the standard.
A high-energy leadership workshop helping students build confidence, communication skills, and real-world leadership ability.
Saturday, March 14
9:00 AM – 1:30 PM | Mayfair High School
WHO THIS IS FOR
Ready to grow as a leader?
This workshop is designed for any student in grades 6–12 who wants to become more confident, more respected, and more effective as a leader.
Perfect for students who:
Want to speak up with confidence
Are preparing for Drum Major or leadership auditions
Already hold a leadership role and want to improve
Want to learn how to lead friends respectfully
Want to stand out in their program
No leadership title is required to attend.
WHAT STUDENTS WILL GAIN
Students will leave this experience with:
✔ Stronger confidence speaking in front of peers
✔ Clear tools to communicate assertively and respectfully
✔ Strategies for building positive team culture
✔ A better understanding of how great leaders actually influence others
✔ A stronger personal leadership identity
This is not just about learning leadership. This is about becoming the kind of leader others trust and follow.
WHAT WE’LL COVER
During this interactive workshop, students will explore:
⭐ Finding Your Why
Understand what drives you and how purpose builds real leadership confidence.
⭐ Cultivating Strong Culture
Learn how leaders shape the environment around them and build trust within a team.
⭐ Becoming More Assertive
Practice communicating clearly, confidently, and respectfully — without feeling bossy or awkward.
⭐ Leading Up
Discover how to earn trust from directors, support leadership teams, and influence others even without a title.
Students will participate in guided discussions, real-world scenarios, and small-group activities throughout the event.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Led by
Debbie Horrilleno
PRESIDENT & C.E.O., STUDENT ACADEMY OF MUSICAL LEADERS
Debbie Horrilleno is a passionate youth leadership developer and public speaker with over a decade of experience leading student workshops and mentoring young leaders. For the past six years, she has led the Student Academy of Musical Leaders (SAML), helping hundreds of students grow in confidence, character, and leadership skills.
A former band member and Drum Major at Mayfair High School, Debbie understands firsthand the challenges student leaders face and the courage it takes to step onto the podium. She later became a decorated world champion conductor and has spoken to audiences of over 300 people, leading leadership programs across the country.
Debbie believes student leaders begin discovering their core beliefs and values at a young age, and that strong leadership is built when students are guided by those values and motivated by the people they serve. Her workshops are known for being high-energy, practical, and deeply empowering for students at every stage of their leadership journey.
EVENT DETAILS
📅 Saturday, March 14
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Mayfair High School 6000 N. Woodruff Ave, Lakewood, CA 90713
⏱ Interactive 4.5-hour leadership workshop
👥 Includes small-group discussion and activities
Pre-Registration: $50 | Onsite Registration: $65
WHAT TO BRING
Students should bring:
Notebook or device for notes
Water bottle
Comfortable clothing
A packed lunch
FAQ’s
Do students need leadership experience?
No — this workshop is open to any student who wants to grow as a leader.
Is this only for band students?
No. While many SAML students are involved in music programs, leadership skills taught here apply to any student activity.
Will there be breaks?
Yes, short breaks will be provided during the workshop.
Will lunch be provided?
No, lunch will not be provided. Students are encouraged to bring a packed lunch.
Step into the leader you know you can become.
Join students from across the region for this empowering SAML leadership experience.
Spots are limited.