In this episode of the Marching Arts Utah Podcast, Ogden High School Director of Bands Stan Renda shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Alabama as the son of a band director to building one of Utah’s most successful and respected marching band programs.

Stan discusses his years in drum corps with Spirit of Atlanta and the Bluecoats, the challenges of moving to Utah with no professional connections, and the determination it took to launch and grow music programs from the ground up.

He reflects on transforming Ogden High’s band program from fewer than 40 members into a championship-winning organization, the importance of community and student support, and the relationships that helped shape his career.

The conversation also explores Utah’s marching band culture, the impact of drum corps, leadership lessons, recruiting s ...