Dr. Lautzenheiser continues to work in a variety of fields promoting music education. In addition, for over 30 years he has conducted leadership seminars which emphasize the importance of positive attitude and effective leadership strategies. He has sponken  to over two million students

Students attending the leadership seminar were (fron, l-r) Ryan Salazar, Emily Newman, Joshua Davis, Anabella Niewiadomski, Karmen Wilcox, Quinn McGovern andTravis Werner; and (back) Whitney Hopkins, Sierra Peck, Madeline Murray, Jeremy Bentle, Taylor Smith, Mary Murray, speaker Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, J.T. Garnett, Gage Garpow, Troy Wiegand, Adam Wallace, Dennis Klausing.

WCHS choral/drama director, Patrick Schuttrow and band director Elaina Sutton recommended and escorted the local students to the seminar.

"I have taken several groups over the years to this seminar, and each time it has proved highly beneficial,” Schuttrow says. “The students begin to see their abilities in a broader sense and apply what they have learned, which creates an efficient and effective atmosphere, resulting in more individual and group productivity,”

Sutton adds, "It is amazing to watch the students who have attended as they begin to apply what they have learned about leadership to nearly every facet of their lives. It is an experience that is not just about the fine arts, but one that serves the classroom, athletics and many other parts of student life." 

Dr. Lautzenheiser emphasizes the importance of self-discovering strengths, weaknesses and addressing the reluctance to step outside of comfort zones. His direct, hands-on approach challenges the students to become more self-aware of the dynamics of being a leader. He addresses the unique challenges to being a leader in the fine arts and implications of actions inside and outside of the classroom/rehearsal. 

When asked to reflect upon what they learned, students candidly shared their thoughts. 

Junior Gage Garpow said, "This was my first experience at this seminar and I really learned a lot. Being a leader is sometimes doing the dirty work that no one else wants to do. Being a leader is not a right, it is a privilege, and isn't about yourself; being a leader is actually about how others see you, how you want to be seen and most importantly, how you see yourself.”

Freshman Mary Murray expressed, "You have to be willing to go above and beyond as a leader, you cannot be shy. You have to put yourself out there."  Junior Sierra Peck enjoyed the ending of the seminar, "I loved the atmosphere of the seminar, especially at the end when Dr. Tim made us demonstrate how much strength there really is in unity as a group." 

Sophomore Travis Werner, observed, "This seminar was a real eye-opener for me. It made me think about how others are affected by my actions and how I have the ability to be a leader for others."  Junior Quinn McGovern, said he realized "my choices all have consequences and the path I choose will not only affect me, but anyone who follows me. That is a responsibility I have to take seriously." 

Junior Adam Wallace summarized, "I realized being a leader doesn't only go for sports. You can be a leader in the classroom, at concerts and during a rehearsal. The concepts of leadership have similarities no matter where you apply them in life, but there are also many things Dr. Tim addressed that I had never thought of before and I appreciated the opportunity to attend."

     Through the generosity of the Winamac Music Boosters, all student registration fees and transportation costs were donated.