Copper State Marching Podcast

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 band program, including their memorable appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and how the program continues to grow through community, creativity, and student engagement.

The discussion dives into what defines excellence in marching band today, the importance of connecting music to emotion, and how directors can focus on solutions over excuses. Dr. Meyer also highlights the value of drawing inspiration from outside the band world—whether it’s Broadway, film, or even stand-up comedy—to create meaningful and engaging performances.

Whether you’re a student considering college band, a director refining your craft, or a fan of the marching arts, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and practical advice to elevate your perspective.

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.

Listeners will get an inside look at the realities of running a major collegiate band program, including travel logistics, game day traditions, evolving technology in marching arts, and the importance of leadership and student development. Chad also reflects on memorable performances, the impact of COVID-era bands, and why Band Day remains one of the most meaningful events of the year.

Whether you're a high school student considering college band, a director guiding young musicians, or a lifelong marching arts fan, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a deep appreciation for the Arizona band community.

Topics include:

- Transitioning from high school to college marching band

- Behind the scenes of major athletic band programs

- The role of technology and social media in modern bands

- Why every student should consider marching in college

- Memorable performances and career highlights

- Celebrating the Arizona band community

Special thanks to our sponsors for supporting the Arizona Marching Band Association and helping connect, educate, and inspire musicians across the state.

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 more like gardening—nurturing ideas, people, and culture over time. The trio also reflects on memorable Arizona shows, lessons from decades of collaboration, and how thoughtful leadership can elevate both student experiences and program success.

Whether you’re a band director, designer, educator, or student, this episode offers practical insight into the philosophy, creativity, and teamwork that bring marching productions to life.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

- Ryan’s path into pageantry arts and show design

- The evolving role of the program coordinator in marching bands

- How creativity, research, and inspiration shape a production

- Building trust between directors, designers, and staff

- Why long-term program development matters more than a single show

- Advice for young designers entering the activity

A thoughtful and inspiring conversation about leadership, creativity, and the people who make the marching arts possible.

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 start by designing for student success, not ego, and how thoughtful show planning can drive recruitment, retention, and excitement within a band program.

Listeners will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process:

- Where great marching shows begin (music vs. visual concepts)

- How arrangers learn the strengths of each band they write for

- The importance of variety, clarity, and effect in show design

- Ideal timelines for writing and teaching a marching band production

Saucedo also reflects on memorable productions from his career, including the Carmel show “The Tangled Web”, and shares advice for young directors and composers—from studying orchestration to learning the power of silence and musical space.

The episode wraps with heartfelt shoutouts to the unsung heroes of music education: small-program band directors and the middle school teachers who inspire the next generation of musicians.

Whether you’re a band director, arranger, performer, or marching arts fan, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiration from one of the activity’s most respected voices. Tune in for an inside look at the artistry, strategy, and heart behind designing a marching band show.

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 respected program known for its distinctive style, professionalism, and community impact. From creating a unified brand identity on campus to balancing entertainment and competitive design, Jeff walks us through his collaborative show creation process—starting with a single piece of music and building outward with trusted staff and designers.

Highlights from the conversation include:

• How Rincon maintains a recognizable “style” year after year
• Blending crowd-pleasing favorites with challenging repertoire
• Incorporating jazz and swing authentically into field shows
• Designing with student strengths in mind
• Why Jeff values custom-designed shows over pre-packaged productions
• The role of humility, delegation, and hiring experts in sustaining a long-term career
• Why leadership development may be the most important thing his program teaches

Whether you're a director refining your design process or a band parent curious about what goes into building a show, this episode offers thoughtful, practical insights from one of Arizona’s most respected educators.

Stay tuned as the Director’s Cut Series continues with more outstanding leaders in marching arts design.

🎶 Listen in, get inspired, and celebrate the Arizona marching band community with us!

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 insights on:

• Designing shows students truly buy into
• Balancing creativity with budget realities
• Building sustainable culture amid staff and roster changes
• Planning and revealing next season’s production
• Leading with partnership and shared vision

Campo Verde High School (Class 4A Champion) Director Matt Kozacek joins the show to discuss Tangled Fate, a dark and theatrical production that blended classical, jazz, and dramatic storytelling—including a jaw-dropping final moment audiences won’t forget. Matt dives into:

• Collaborating with composers and drill writers
• Teaching performance authenticity and character commitment
• Motivating students through positive culture and “bucket filling”
• Creating traditions like weekly “Game Ball” recognitions
• Growing a program with long-term vision and heart

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear powerful reminders that championships aren’t built on size alone—but on clarity of vision, consistency of culture, and students who are empowered to lead.

Whether you’re a director, staff member, student leader, or marching arts enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical strategies, and celebration of excellence across Arizona.

Tune in and join the conversation shaping marching band education in the Copper State.

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 championship programs.

The directors share:

• The inspiration and source music behind their award-winning shows
• The turning points that shaped their seasons
• Lessons learned from weather delays, flyovers, prop mishaps, and leadership transitions
• The behind-the-scenes work of students, staff, and booster parents
• How culture, motivation, and community drive lasting success

Plus, hear their goals for the future—from national aspirations to building lifelong musicians—and heartfelt shout-outs to the families, staff members, and administrators who make it all possible.

Whether you're a director, student leader, parent, or marching band fan, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a celebration of Arizona’s thriving marching band community.

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 Bandtober lasts all year long.

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 advice for educators? Teach with empathy, move slowly and intentionally at the start of the season, and don’t mistake lack of skill for lack of effort.

Sierra, an Arizona native, ASU alum, and veteran of The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, brings fresh perspective on making visual learning fun and accessible. She emphasizes creativity, comfort, and body awareness, reminding instructors that students need space to explore before they can refine. Her biggest “don’t”? Don’t start with the elite-level movement vocabulary you just did in drum corps—start simple, build confidence, and then layer complexity.

The conversation also covers: 🎯 How to teach rehearsal etiquette from day one 🧠 The importance of understanding the “why” behind every exercise 💪 Effective cleaning strategies and knowing when to simplify drill 🎶 Incorporating music and creativity to keep visual warmups engaging 📈 Evolving design trends in the marching arts—from the high-drama visuals of the 2010s to a return to strong, purposeful drill

The episode wraps up with heartfelt shoutouts to the mentors who shaped both educators’ careers and a reminder that when you build culture, excellence follows.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Sponsored by the Arizona Marching Band Association and our incredible partners: MVP Apparel, Vic Firth, Band Shoppe, Encore Gifts, Synced Up Designs, Milano’s Music, IMC, Music for All, Mack Pack, Music Celebrations International, School Funder, the Arizona Cardinals, Bravwell Video Creations, and Yamaha.

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 and even join in some fun impressions of their band director’s famous sayings.

The conversation continues with heartfelt discussions about:

• What people love most about AzMBA competitions
• The support for small and rural bands in the circuit
• Why the on-field judge experience makes AzMBA unique
• Favorite marching band memories
• The worst (and funniest) mishaps on the field—sax bells crushed, tuning slides launched, and even a tuba bell disaster turned choir solo!

Later, Mark talks with Jeff Quamo, AZMBA field judge and Chandler High School director, who explains the educational benefits of on-field judging and reflects on his philosophy, humorously known among students as “The Book of Quams.”

Mark wraps up with a preview of upcoming content, including interviews with visual designers Sierra Rogers and Dan Hoffman, along with calendar updates and season coverage.