Can I become a music professor if...?

If I am not in highschool band or orchestra, but take private piano lessons (along with other instruments)? My piano teacher told me that if I keep working hard, I will be able to get a scholarship. And I really want to become a music professor/college band conductor, but I just don't know if that's even possible without highschool band. I might, however, join the local youth symphony (playing either piano, french horn, flute, violin, or cello). Are my goals realistic if I have only been in band through 8th grade?