Copper State Marching Podcast

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...

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 in...

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...

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...

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...

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 wh...

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.

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 succ...

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...

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

...

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 leader...

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Dan Hoffman dive into one of the most challenging aspects of growing a successful program: color guard recruitment and retention.

Fresh off the winter season and the excitement of the WGI World Championships, the conversation begins with reflections on judging, growth, and the evolving landscape of the activity. From there the focus shifts to a powerhouse panel of Arizona color guard educators, Keith Casey, Ashley Schmit, and Austin Yost, who share real-world strategies and candid insights from years of experience building thriving programs.

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel reconnect after a busy spring season filled with performances, competitions, and student achievements across Arizona’s marching arts community. They celebrate the success of ensembles performing in winter guard, percussion, and national events, while also inviting listeners to share their own end-of-year or summer band questions.

The heart of the episode features an engaging and insightful conversation with veteran music educator and leadership clinician Bill Humbert. Bill shares the origins of his widely respected leadership training program, emphasizing a powerful realization: great st...

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Dan Hoffman reconnect with designer Ryan Springler for Part 2 of their deep dive into show design, this time focusing on practical, real-world tools for building a marching production from the ground up.

Ryan then takes center stage to break down the nuts and bolts of designing a marching band show, including:

• Why starting with a strong concept (instead of music) creates more cohesive and impactful productions

• How to evaluate whether an idea is compelling, relevant, and translatable to the marching arts...

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek wrap up their series spotlighting Arizona college band programs with a deep dive into the college marching band experience. They kick things off by sharing personal insights and advice for high school students considering continuing band in college highlighting the fun, friendships, and unique opportunities that come with it.

The conversation then shifts to a featured interview with Jim Hudson, Director of Athletic Bands at Arizona State University. Fresh off a whirlwind stretch of tournament travel, Hudson offers a behind-the-scenes look at...

The Copper State Marching Podcast is back with an information-packed episode as hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozack dive headfirst into the upcoming 2026 Arizona marching band season!

Fresh off the conclusion of color guard season and gearing up for percussion championships, Martin and Matt reflect on the fast-paced nature of the winter season—and the unique joy of watching their own kids fall in love with the marching arts. From proud “band parent” moments to the ever-relatable realization that their children have already seen every viral drum corps clip, this episode kicks off with heart and humor.

T...

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek catch up on exciting band adventures—from an upcoming international performance tour in Ireland to reflections on unforgettable parade experiences. Then, they welcome special guest Dr. Stephen Meyer, Director of Bands at Northern Arizona University, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, teaching, and the ever-evolving marching arts.

Dr. Meyer shares his inspiring musical journey from Ohio to NAU, including impactful teaching experiences in Georgia and Texas, and his work with collegiate ensembles across the country. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at NAU’s ba...

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek kick off their college marching band director series with a special guest: Chad Shoopman, Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Arizona.

Chad shares his incredible musical journey—from starting trumpet in Texas to performing professionally at Disney and eventually leading the Pride of Arizona. The conversation dives into what makes college marching band such a unique and rewarding experience, highlighting the differences from high school, the life-changing opportunities for students, and the powerful sense of community it creates.

Li...

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Dan Hoffman sit down with show designer and program coordinator Ryan Springler for a deep dive into the art and strategy behind marching band show design.

The conversation explores what a program coordinator really does, how successful design teams collaborate, and why trust and communication are essential to building a thriving band program.

Along the way, Ryan discusses his creative process, the importance of developing a broad library of artistic influences, and why designing a show is less like sculpting marble and...

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel continue their Director’s Cut series with a special guest: legendary arranger, composer, and educator Richard Saucedo. Known for his 31-year tenure at Carmel High School Marching Band and his work with top ensembles across the country, Saucedo shares insights from decades of experience designing marching band productions.

From his early days writing arrangements in high school to helping lead the judging community for Bands of America, Saucedo discusses how his philosophy of show design has evolved. He explains why successful programs st...

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, presented by the Arizona Marching Band Association (AMBA), hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel kick things off with a look at the busy spring season—concert festivals, WGI trips, regional events, and community band galas that bring hundreds of students together in celebration of music.

Then, we launch the first installment of our brand-new Director’s Cut Series: Leading the Design Process as a Director with special guest Jeff Marchant, longtime director at Rincon/University High School in Tucson.

Jeff shares insights into building a nationally resp...

In this part two of a special champion spotlight series, hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel sits down with two of Arizona’s 2025 Class Champions for an in-depth conversation about design, culture, and building programs that thrive.

Hamilton High School (Class 3A Champion) Directors Leo Werner and Jason Bullock share the creative process behind their cinematic production The Lost City, inspired by tales of El Dorado and featuring music from Jumanji and Holding Out for a Hero. From dramatic visual twists and storytelling through costume design to cultivating a championship culture that transcends classification, they offer practical in...

In this special champion spotlight episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel sit down with Arizona’s 2025 AzMBA class champions to celebrate their remarkable seasons and the stories behind their success.

From Mountain Ridge High School’s 5A championship show “The Summit”—a powerful mountain-themed journey of endurance and artistry—to Mesquite High School’s electrifying 1A-winning Miami Sound Machine tribute that had audiences dancing, and Horizon High School’s dramatic 2A production “Turn to Stone,” inspired by the myth of Medusa, this episode dives deep into the creativity, grit, and leadership that define champion...

In this season finale of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Aaron Vogel and Mark Veach celebrate the end of another incredible Arizona marching season. From surprise fireworks at championships to heartfelt reflections on community, growth, and resilience, the duo recaps highlights from every division—1A through 5A—spotlighting the champions, memorable performances, and moments that made 2025 unforgettable. They also discuss the power of Arizona’s band family, coming together through triumph and tragedy, and look ahead with optimism for the next generation of music educators.

Tune in for laughs, gratitude, and a reminder that the spirit of Ban...

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Aaron Vogel and Mark Hodge sit down with two of Arizona’s most respected visual educators, Dan Hoffman and Sierra Rogers, for an inspiring conversation on the do’s and don’ts of teaching visual performance.

Dan shares his journey from West Genesee High School in New York to the Arizona marching scene, drawing on his experiences with the Boston Crusaders, Oregon Crusaders, and Madison Scouts. He talks about the importance of building trust with students, focusing on process over product, and prioritizing rehearsal culture before technique. Dan’s...

In the debut episode of In the Lot, Mark Hodge takes the Copper State Marching Podcast on the road to the Eval show at Perry High School. This on-site episode captures the energy, humor, and community spirit of Arizona marching band culture with spontaneous interviews from directors, judges, and staff members across AZMBA.

Mark first chats with Joshua Simmons, band director from Cactus High School, who shares excitement about their 2024 production Spy School Musical and why Cactus returns to AzMBA every year. Then, listeners meet the dedicated and entertaining Perry High School band staff, who introduce themselves...

Guests: David Duarte & Bud Hilditch

Hosts: Aaron Vogel & Mark Hots

Presented by: Arizona Marching Band Association

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Aaron and Mark sit down with two longtime leaders of the Arizona band community: David Duarte and Bud Hilditch. Between them, these educators have shaped generations of Arizona musicians and left a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and memories.

Highlights from the Conversation:

In this episode, hosts Aaron Vogel and Mark Hodge take a deep dive into the excitement and anticipation surrounding the 2025 marching band season. From show themes and design trends to competitive outlooks and educational opportunities, they break down what students, directors, and fans can expect in the months ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned educator, a current performer, or a supporter of the marching arts, this engaging conversation offers insights, predictions, and plenty of reasons to get inspired for the season to come.

In this episode, Mark and Aaron sit down with two first-year high school band directors in Arizona to share insights and tips for a smooth transition into a new program.

Ben Lynch, now leading the powerhouse Desert Vista High School band, discusses his journey to DV, how he approaches change as an “evolution” rather than a “revolution,” and gives a sneak peek at next season’s Western Band Association show in Chino Hills, California.

Sherri Lindsey, the new director at Paradise Valley High School and an Arizona native, talks about the impact of building the right staf...

In this episode, Mark and Aaron dive into all things colorguard with two of Arizona’s top instructors: Keith Casey and Brandy DuBose. They share insights, techniques, and practical advice for band directors looking to build and support strong colorguard programs. Don’t miss it!

Keith Casey shares his journey from Georgia horn player to colorguard expert. With experience at JSU, Star of Indiana, and Lassiter HS under Alfred Watkins, Keith eventually helped open a new school and now teaches at Desert Vista HS. A 27-year English teacher, he explains how he cleans guard work, the band dire...

In this episode, we welcome Jeff Quamo (Chandler HS) and Rick McEnenay (Flagstaff HS) to share their strategies for designing effective shows on a budget.

Jeff Quamo reflects on his journey in crafting high-quality drill and music, beginning at Mesa HS with Robbie Brooks. He’s collaborated with the same arranger for 15 years and began his tenure at Chandler with a show that resonated deeply with the community. His key message: General Effect doesn’t require massive props.

Rick McEnenay, a veteran music educator and administrator, emphasizes the importance of listening to the community. At Flag...

In this episode we speak with Matt Kozacek, Director of Bands at Campo Verde HS and the founding and current President of AzMBA and Daniel Berard, retired band director from Colorado, Texas and Missouri and founder of B Elevated Music, Education and Development.

Matt shares his timeline in the spring that leads to a successful fall season. Most importantly starting early so that you can plan ahead and let ideas simmer. Campo Verde HS starts this process before their fall season is even over!

Dan Berard is the founder of B Elevated, which supports music...

In this episode, Aaron Vogel and Mark Hodge spend some time recapping AzMBA Championships this year.

Post-championships, Aaron and Mark discuss their experience at Championships. They talk about the medalists from every division and share their thoughts and favorite moments from the different shows we saw this year.

AzMBA looks forward to seeing directors and staff at the AMEA Conference at the end of January! Please find our booth. We also have several exciting things coming for 2025...so be on the lookout for more information.

In this episode we speak with Chad Shoopman, Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Arizona and Matt Kozacek, Director of Bands at Campo Verde HS and the founding and current President of AzMBA.

Chad Shoopman discusses his connection to the University of Arizona as an undergrad student, graduate student, drum major and now Director of Athletic Bands. He explains the timeline of his show selection and is excited to celebrate the Sudler Trophy that the Pride of Arizona won this past year. U of A Band Day and AzMBA have had an amazing partnership for...

In this episode we speak with Damon Knepper, Band Director at Ironwood Ridge High School and Denise Hudson, WGAZ Hall of Famer, and staff member for the Sun Devil Marching Band and the FeniX Independent Winterguards.

Denise takes us back to her roots in a small town in Iowa where she got her start spinning and participating in pageantry arts. She also discusses the key to balancing family time and is excited about the upcoming tribute to Coach Fleming at ASU.

Damon has been at Ironwood Ridge for 9 years and has grown the program significantly...

In this episode: We speak with Jeffrey Malone, Band Director at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale and Nick Peterson, AzMBA Adjudicator joining us from Fort Collins, Colorado.

Jeff Malone speaks about his transition into a new role at Mountain Ridge and how great the students, staff and community have been. He also give several tips and ideas for how to achieve so many different ensemble goals that sometimes pile onto his lap.

Nick Peterson, from Colorado, discusses his history with the arts and why he chose to get into a...

In this episode: We speak with Jacob Osorio, Band Director at Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria and Martin Hebda, Band Director at Casa Grande High School.