Copper State Marching Podcast

Is It Time to Start Indoor Colorguard, Percussion or Winds?

What does it take to start a Winter Guard, Indoor Percussion, or Indoor Winds program at your school. Is now the right time to take the plunge? In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, host Martin Hebda sits down with Steven Goodman, WGAZ Vice President, and Beth Carlson, WGAZ Color Guard Liaison, for an in-depth conversation about the indoor pageantry arts in Arizona. They discuss the benefits of adding an indoor program, including student recruitment and retention, skill development, performance opportunities, and creating additional pathways for students to find their place within a school community. They also tackle the practical side of getting started. Steven and Beth also share practical advice from their own experiences, emphasizing that a new program doesn't need to start with a huge budget, a complete production, or all the bells and whistles. Sometimes the best first step is simply giving students an opportunity to perform, building interest, and growing from there. Whether you're a band director considering your first indoor ensemble, an established program looking to expand, or a student or educator curious about the Winter Guard, Indoor Percussion, and Indoor Winds activities, this episode offers plenty of ideas and encouragement to help you take that next step. Don't be afraid to ask questions, start small, and build your program one step at a time! Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

How To Be a Good Show Host!

What does it take to host a successful marching arts competition? In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda sits down with experienced contest administrators Bryan Scheidecker and Rusty Carle-Ogren to discuss the behind thescenes work that goes into creating a positive experience for performers, directors, judges, volunteers, and spectators. From building a strong volunteer team and creating clear communication packets to managing parking, warm-up areas, signage, hospitality, weather, heat, and unexpected challenges, Bryan and Rusty share practical advice and real-world experiences from years of working with marching band and WGI events. The conversation also explores how to support younger or first-time directors, prepare student hosts, take care of judges and contest staff, and create a welcoming environment for performers. The group discusses the unique considerations involved in hosting indoor percussion, winds, and color guard competitions, including warm-up spaces and floor logistics. Whether you're considering hosting your first competition or looking for ways to improve an established event, this episode is packed with ideas, lessons learned, and plenty of stories from the field. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

Critique...How to Maximize Your Time

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda is joined by Brian Murphy and Jeff Quamo for a conversation about one of the most valuable resources during the marching band season, the critique. Brian and Jeff share perspectives from both sides of the table, discussing how directors and staff can prepare for critique, listen to the judges tapes, develop specific questions, and use the limited time with judges as effectively as possible. The conversation explores how to turn judges’ feedback into practical goals for the upcoming week, when to focus on specific moments versus larger concepts, and how critique can provide a valuable outside perspective on your program. They also discuss managing emotions and scores, avoiding adversarial conversations, coordinating larger staffs, taking notes, and keeping the discussion focused and productive. Whether you're a first-year director or a veteran instructor, this episode offers practical strategies for making the most of those few minutes with the judging panel. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

Conversation with Travis Larson

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek sit down with Travis Larson, Blue Stars Brass Caption Head and longtime Arizona educator, arranger, and marching arts instructor. Travis shares his journey from marching Velvet Knights and the Blue Devils to teaching with some of the country’s leading drum corps, and discusses his recent success with the Blue Stars brass program. The conversation dives into practical strategies for building a stronger brass line, developing sound and articulation, creating high energy rehearsals, and using simple technique exercises to produce meaningful results. Travis also discusses arranging for high school ensembles, choosing music that matches your students’ abilities, adapting arrangements, and avoiding the temptation to over-program. Most importantly, Travis emphasizes a philosophy that applies to every band program: meet your students where they are, build from their strengths, and give them the opportunity to experience success. This is a great conversation filled with practical advice, teaching strategies, and insight from an educator committed to helping Arizona’s marching arts community continue to grow. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

MVP Apparel, Conversation with Gary Juarez

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda sits down with Gary Juarez, owner of MVP Apparel, to explore his journey through marching band, drum corps, education, and the Arizona marching arts community. Gary shares stories from his time performing with Pacific Crest, VK, and the Blue Devils, as well as his extensive instructional career with high school programs, Arizona State University, drum corps, and programs around the world. The conversation then turns to the creation and growth of MVP Apparel. Gary explains how a late-night YouTube video about making T-shirts sparked the idea for a business that has grown from a garage operation into a company offering marching band apparel, custom uniforms, flags, indoor floors, props, and other show-production products. From drum corps memories to entrepreneurship, family, and the future of marching arts apparel, this episode gives listeners an inside look at the person behind a familiar name at shows across Arizona. Contact MVP Apparel at https://www.mvpapparel.us/ , info@mvpapparel.us Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

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Elevate Recap

What happens when nearly 150 band directors, instructors, adjudicators, and boosters come together for a day of professional development? Elevate! In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda, Matt Kozacek, and Aaron Vogel recap the most successful Elevate workshop yet. They reflect on the event’s growth from just 20 attendees at its inaugural event in 2017 to nearly 150 participants this year and the impact that growth can have on marching band students across Arizona. Martin, Matt, and Aaron revisit key lessons from clinicians Matt and Susie Harloff, including building musical excellence, developing performance quality, getting students to simply play, creating clear musical focus with electronics, teaching movement fundamentals, and helping students become more confident performers. A major highlight of this year’s Elevate was the introduction of the Booster Track, bringing nearly 30 boosters together to discuss program culture, fundraising, communication, management, and how boosters can better support their directors. From professional development to practical teaching strategies, booster education, and plenty of memorable moments, this episode looks back at what made Elevate such a successful event—and where it can go from here. Listen in for the lessons, ideas, and inspiration that came out of Elevate 2026! Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

Is Judging For Me?

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda and Dan Hoffman sit down with longtime Arizona music educator and adjudicator Brian Murphy to take a closer look at the world of marching band judging. What does it really take to become a judge? How do judges approach scoring, feedback, and critique? And can judging actually make you a better educator? The conversation explores the importance of meaningful student-centered feedback, how to make the most of critique sessions, balancing numbers with narrative feedback, recognizing excellence at every level, and finding the right “entry point” to help a program grow. Brian and Dan also discuss how judging has expanded their own ears, perspectives, and teaching practices. For educators who have ever thought, “I’m not qualified to judge,” this episode offers encouragement, practical advice, and a reminder that judging is a skill developed through practice, listening, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help students succeed. Whether you're an experienced adjudicator, a band director considering judging, or simply interested in what happens on the other side of the judges’ box, this episode is an insightful look at how great feedback can help Arizona marching bands and the students within them grow. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

Individual and Ensemble - Why Your Students Should Participate!!

How can I & E (Individual & Ensemble) become one of the most rewarding experiences for your students? Hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek are joined by I&E judge and adjudicator Jeff Quamo to discuss the benefits of I & E. The conversation explores how I&E develops independence, confidence, musicianship, creativity, and leadership while requiring minimal extra work from directors. Jeff shares practical ideas for introducing I&E in your program, helping students select music, incorporating chamber music into rehearsals, and creating performance opportunities before the event. The episode also highlights the unique educational value of personalized adjudicator feedback, student-led learning, and the unforgettable experience of performing for peers, families, and championship audiences. Whether you're looking to increase student involvement or simply learn more about Arizona's I&E program, this episode is packed with ideas to help your students grow as musicians and performers. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

ELEVATE

The countdown is on for Elevate, Arizona's premier professional development event for marching band directors, instructional staff, adjudicators, and new this year… band boosters! Hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek preview everything attendees can expect at this free one-day workshop designed to strengthen marching band programs across the state. They discuss the evolution of Elevate, the importance of continued learning, and how collaboration among educators leads to stronger programs and better experiences for students. This episode also highlights this year's featured clinicians, Matt and Susie Harloff, whose decades of experience in music education, marching arts, and instructional leadership will provide valuable insight for educators at every level. Martin and Matt also introduce the new Booster Track, featuring sessions from CutTime, the Band Dads, and experienced booster leaders who will share practical strategies for supporting successful band programs. Whether you're a veteran director, a first-year instructor, an aspiring adjudicator, or a dedicated booster, this episode explains why Elevate has become one of the most valuable professional development opportunities in Arizona's marching arts community. Join us as we discuss what makes Elevate such an impactful event and why you won't want to miss it on Saturday, August 22. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

Rehearsal Structure with Renee Shane-Boyd and Benjamin Sampayan

How do successful marching band programs structure rehearsals throughout the season? Hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek are joined by Renee Shane-Boyd (Catalina Foothills High School) and Benjamin Sampayan (Perry High School) to discuss how they plan, organize, and adapt rehearsals from the first week of school through championship season. The conversation covers balancing visual and music instruction, pacing rehearsals, giving effective student feedback, empowering staff, maintaining student engagement, and avoiding common rehearsal pitfalls. Whether you're a new director or a seasoned educator looking to refine your process, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help make every rehearsal more productive and purposeful. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

Welcome to the New School Year!

A new school year is here, and it's time to kick things off! In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek welcome band directors and instructional staff back for another exciting season. The conversation reflects on lessons learned from summer band camps, sharing favorite team-building activities, traditions, and ideas that made this year's camps especially successful. Martin and Matt also discuss how they approach the first week of school—building relationships, welcoming new students, creating a positive classroom culture, organizing the logistics of a busy program, and helping students transition into a successful year. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

Teaching Movement to Musicians 101

Not every marching band has a dedicated visual instructor, but every ensemble can develop confident, expressive performers. In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Dan Hoffman are joined by visual educators Sierra Rogers and Tess Evans to discuss practical strategies for teaching movement when visual instruction falls on the band director or a small staff. The conversation covers building confidence in young performers, developing effective visual warm-ups and "press plays," teaching fundamental movement vocabulary, improving timing and coordination, cleaning choreography, and creating a positive learning environment where students are willing to take risks. Whether you're a band director, visual instructor, or educator looking to strengthen your visual program, this episode is filled with practical ideas you can implement immediately. Tune in for an insightful discussion on making movement approachable, musical, and meaningful for every marching band. Resources mentioned: - Ballet Beautiful - glossary series on youtube - Google search - Laban effort qualities Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

Maximizing Impact with Minimal Funds

Creating an engaging marching band production doesn't have to require an unlimited budget. In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel are joined by Julie Trent, Josh White, and Ricardo Labourin to share practical strategies for designing high-quality marching shows while making every dollar count. The conversation explores affordable approaches to show design, music selection, drill, costumes, props, staffing, and fundraising. The panel also discusses how to build strong relationships with administrators, advocate for program support, leverage community resources, and find creative solutions that put students first. Whether you're leading a small program with limited resources or simply looking for smarter ways to stretch your budget, this episode is packed with real-world ideas and proven strategies from experienced Arizona band directors.

Band Camp

What Does Band Camp Look Like? Band camp is one of the most important weeks of the marching season. In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda, Matt Kozacek, and Aaron Vogel share their philosophies, schedules, traditions, and best practices for creating a successful band camp experience. The discussion covers everything from building culture and teaching fundamentals to leadership development, rookie camps, drill instruction, conditioning, team-building games, and student wellness. The hosts also compare different scheduling models, discuss the importance of adapting programs over time, and share ideas from directors around Arizona, including creative traditions and memorable camp activities. Whether you're a first-year director planning your first camp or a veteran looking for fresh ideas, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help your students build skills, strengthen relationships, and start the marching season with confidence.

Ultimate Drill Book

The Copper State Marching Podcast is back for Season 5! Hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek sit down with Luke Gall, co-founder of Ultimate Drill Book (UDB), to explore how technology is transforming the marching arts. From its humble beginnings as a solution for organizing drill books to becoming an essential tool used by marching bands and drum corps around the world, UDB has changed the way students learn drill, directors run rehearsals, and staffs communicate. Luke shares the story behind UDB’s creation, how his own experiences in marching band and drum corps inspired its development, and why making the learning process easier ultimately helps more students stay involved in music. The conversation also dives into ARC, the new ecosystem connecting UDB with powerful tools like GEO for attendance and scheduling, Beam for digital sheet music, and StrideTV for arts-focused educational and streaming content. Learn how these platforms work together to streamline communication, improve rehearsal efficiency, and give educators more time to focus on teaching. Whether you're a director considering UDB for the first time, a veteran user looking to maximize its features, or simply interested in the future of music education technology, this episode is packed with practical insights, rehearsal strategies, and exciting previews of what’s coming next.

Season 4 Wrap-up

Join hosts Martin Hebda, Aaron Vogel, Matt Kozacek, and Dan Hoffman as they look back on Season 4 of the Copper State Marching Podcast. The team reflects on memorable conversations, key takeaways, and the growth of the podcast over the past season. They also share a preview of discussion topics planned for Season 5 and discuss Elevate, including its impact and future opportunities for the marching arts community. Whether you've been listening since the beginning or are just discovering the podcast, this episode offers an inside look at where the show has been and where it's headed next.

Electronics and Sound Design Part 2, The Next Step

In Part 2 of our Electronics & Sound Design series, the Copper State Marching Podcast dives deeper into the world of marching arts audio production with guests Zach Whittier and Claire Thorpe-Coody, two of Arizona’s leading voices in sound design and front ensemble electronics. From microphone placement and front ensemble amplification to narration production, synth programming, MainStage troubleshooting, and wireless microphone setups, this episode is packed with practical advice for students, educators, and designers alike. The conversation explores how both guests learned electronics “by necessity,” proving that anyone with curiosity and a willingness to experiment can grow into a successful sound designer. Listeners will hear detailed discussions on mic placement for marimbas and vibraphones, how to reduce frame noise using simple suspension systems, and why mallet bags are more important than most people realize. Zach and Claire also break down the process of creating narration tracks and sound effects for marching band shows, including sourcing sounds from sites like freesound.org, recording custom Foley-style effects, and editing audio in Logic Pro, GarageBand, and Audacity. The episode also covers synth programming, risers, bass drops, sample playback, and the pros and cons of software like MainStage versus Ableton. Additionally, the panel discusses troubleshooting common electronics failures at competitions, maintaining stable signal chains, using MIDI over USB when possible, and why teaching students to manage their own equipment is essential. The episode closes with advice on wireless microphones, speaker purchasing, compression techniques for soloists, and shout-outs to the many educators and designers helping grow Arizona’s marching arts audio community. Whether you’re just beginning with electronics or looking to level up your program’s sound design, this episode offers an incredible amount of practical insight and inspiration. Sponsored by the Arizona Marching Band Association (AZMBA). You can reach the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org. Resources and sites discussed in Part 1 or Part 2: Marching Arts Audio Discussion Page on Facebook Mic Suggestions Shure SM57 Digital Auto Workstation Mainstage Logic Pro Ableton Hardware Sampl Roland Sample Pad, SP40, 404MK2 Sounds/narration/effects Freesound.org Fiverr.com - sound actor resource Voice123.com Foley tutorials on youtube Kontakt (plugin) Sound cart/speaker design Titan Pagentry Pyle Synced Up (builds full sound system) Other pinecil soldering iron Shure Education Material

Electronics and Sound Design Part 1, The First Steps

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek dive into one of the most intimidating, but essential, parts of modern marching arts. Electronics and sound design. From spinning wheels of death and sample mishaps on championships day to practical advice for building a reliable sound setup, this conversation is packed with real world experiences and actionable tips for directors at every level. Joining the podcast are sound design and audio specialists Zack Whittier and Claire Thorpe-Coody, who share their journeys into the world of marching audio and break down the basics of getting started with electronics. Whether your program only has only a synth and a guitar amp or you’re exploring digital mixers and advanced mic setups, this episode covers foundational strategies, affordable equipment recommendations, troubleshooting advice, cable management, mixer options, and the importance of asking for help. Listeners will also hear discussion about: - Beginner-friendly ways to introduce electronics into a marching program - Recommended microphones, mixers, and sample pads - Using iPads and apps for triggering samples - Analog vs. digital mixers - Daisy chaining, stage boxes, and cable management - Online communities and resources for learning marching audio - Common electronic failures — and how to avoid them This is Part 1 of a two-part deep dive into electronics and sound design in the marching arts. Whether you're brand new to amplification or looking to improve your current setup, this episode offers practical guidance, relatable stories, and expert insight for every band director and sound tech. Whether you’re a band director, student leader, staff member, or marching arts educator, this episode is packed with real-world leadership advice, rehearsal strategies, and thoughtful conversation about building stronger programs and stronger people. To send in your own band dilemmas or questions, email the podcast team at podcast@azmba.org. Resources and sites discussed in Part 1 or Part 2: Marching Arts Audion Discussion Page on Facebook Mic Suggestions Shure SM57 Digital Auto Workstation Mainstage Logic Pro Ableton Hardware Sampl Roland Sample Pad, SP40, 404MK2 Sounds/narration/effects Freesound.org Fiverr.com - sound actor resource Voice123.com Foley tutorials on youtube Kontakt (plugin) Sound cart/speaker design Titan Pagentry Pyle Synced Up (builds full sound system) Other pinecil soldering iron Shure Education Material

Student Leadership: What you should know Part 3

Hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel bring Part 3 of our Student Leadership Series. The Copper State Marching Podcast welcomes nationally recognized leadership educator Jeremy Spicer, founder of Sassy Leadership. Jeremy shares the story behind building one of the most influential student leadership programs in the marching arts and offers practical insight into developing stronger student leaders, educators, and band cultures. Throughout the episode, Jeremy dives into: - The origins and evolution of Sassy Leadership - Why relationships are the foundation of effective leadership - Common mistakes young leaders make - Communication strategies for today’s students - How directors can build leadership programs without expensive resources - Practical rehearsal and teaching techniques for student leaders and educators Jeremy also shares lessons from decades in the marching arts, including experiences with Cedar Park High School, Vandegrift High School, Santa Clara Vanguard, and leadership development across the country. Whether you’re a band director, student leader, staff member, or marching arts educator, this episode is packed with real-world leadership advice, rehearsal strategies, and thoughtful conversation about building stronger programs and stronger people. To send in your own band dilemmas or questions, email the podcast team at podcast@azmba.org. Suggested Book study list: • Ted Lasso – “Be curious, not judgmental” • One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard • Any John Maxwell Books • The Culture Code, Daniel Coyle • Energy Bus, John Gordon • Atomic Habits, James Clear • Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey • Coach Woodens Pyramid of Success, John Wooden and Jay Carty • The Ideal Team Player, Patrick Lencioni • Grit - the pier of passion and perspective, Angela duck worth • The Obstacle is the Way, Ryan Holiday • The Ego is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday • Right Thing, Right Now, Ryan Holiday • Power of influence, Deberry/Burros • The 17 indisputable laws of teamwork, John Maxwell • The Coaching Habit, By Michael Bungay Stanier • Extreme Ownership, Joko Willink and Leif Babin • Dare to Lead, Brene Brown • 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni • Try to be a rainbow in someone’s clouds. Maya Angelou https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iZwhA_9o8Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtdffxj7pNE

Student Leadership: What you should know Part 2

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel have an engaging and candid conversation with leadership expert Scott Lang. Drawing from decades of experience as an educator and clinician, Scott shares powerful insights into what truly makes student leadership effective and why the selection process matters more than the training itself. Listeners will learn: • Why leadership selection is the most critical decision a director makes • How to design a student leadership system that attracts the right students • The five key traits of successful student leaders • How Scott’s innovative 5-step leadership application transforms band culture • The importance of viewing band through a parent’s lens—and why students often benefit most from band beyond the music Scott also reflects on how the pandemic reshaped parent-school relationships, the evolving role of staff and techs in modern band programs, and why activities like band are more essential than ever in today’s educational landscape. Whether you’re a band director, staff member, or aspiring student leader, this episode is packed with practical ideas, humor, and thought-provoking perspectives that challenge traditional approaches to leadership in music education. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org