The Marching Arts Utah Podcast

In this episode of the Marching Arts Utah Podcast, Cedar Valley High School Director of Bands Joshua Hurst shares the remarkable journey that led him from a shy young clarinet player at American Fork High School to one of Utah's rising band directors.

Josh reflects on the teachers and mentors who shaped his life, including John Miller, Jermy Arnold, Heather Christensen, and Brek Mangelson, and recounts unforgettable experiences performing at Grand Nationals, staffing some of Utah's premier programs, and discovering his passion for music education.

The conversation explores Josh's philosophy of leadership, culture, and student development, including how the tragic loss of mentor Heather Christensen continues to influence his purpose as an educator.

He discusses creating a band room that serves as a safe haven for students, the importance of focusing on personal growth over competitive results, and how student leadership can help build a culture centered on service, belonging, and excellence.

Josh also takes listeners behind the scenes of his nine-year tenure at Maple Mountain High School, where he helped transform a small program of roughly 40 students into one of Utah's fastest-growing and most respected bands.

He shares the challenges of building staff, recruiting students, developing a feeder system, and creating a sustainable vision for long-term success.

Finally, Josh discusses his transition to Cedar Valley High School, his hopes for the Crimson Regiment, Utah's rapidly evolving marching band landscape, and what the future could hold for Cedar Valley as the program continues its pursuit of excellence.

This is an in-depth conversation about mentorship, resilience, leadership, and the power of music to change lives.

We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtah

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/AXsaXmxcIQY

Disclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.

In this episode of the Marching Arts Utah Podcast, host Matt Judkins sits down with Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps co-founder Dallin Hatch and Corps Director Tyler Hess for an in-depth look at one of Utah’s most influential marching arts organizations.

From the Battalion’s origins on a bus ride home from competition to its growth into a nationally recognized Drum Corps International ensemble, the conversation explores the vision, challenges, and values that have shaped the corps over the past decade.

Dallin and Tyler share their personal musical journeys, the importance of creating opportunities for Utah students, and the unique culture that has helped the Battalion attract performers from across the country while remaining deeply connected to its Utah roots.

They discuss leadership, community, student development, the realities of running a drum corps, and the organization's long-term goal of helping Utah become a national powerhouse in the marching arts.

Whether you're a student, educator, parent, alumni, or simply curious about drum corps, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the Battalion is transforming lives through music, excellence, and service.

We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtah

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/o9N0Q9a2388

Disclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.

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 strategies, and Ogden High’s exciting 2026 production, Heroes.

This is an inspiring look at perseverance, program building, and the power of music education to change lives.

We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtah

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/hQ_XxvY0YAM

Disclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.

In this episode of the Marching Arts Utah Podcast, host Matt Judkins sits down with American Fork High School Director of Percussion Dana Slabaugh to explore a remarkable career spanning drum corps, music education, and percussion performance.

Dana shares his journey from a young drummer in Indiana to becoming a two-time DCI World Champion with the Cavaliers, teaching with organizations such as the Blue Knights, and ultimately building one of Utah’s premier percussion programs.

The conversation dives into the philosophy behind teaching students from seventh through twelfth grade, cultivating a strong culture, motivating young musicians, and balancing excellence with personal growth.

The episode also features interviews with student leaders Tennyson Anderson, Matthew Streeter, and Myles Miller, who discuss their musical journeys, leadership responsibilities, and preparations for the 2026 season.

Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication, discipline, and passion that drive the American Fork percussion program and its continued pursuit of excellence.

We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtah

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/_C0d3BWU7yk

Disclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.

In this episode of the Marching Arts Utah Podcast, Matt sits down with legendary Utah band director John Miller to explore the career, leadership philosophy, and lasting impact of one of the most influential figures in the state's marching arts community.

John reflects on his journey from a young trumpet player in Idaho to a 30-year career leading the American Fork High School band program. He shares stories about the mentors who shaped his path, the experiences that helped him grow as an educator, and the lessons he learned while building one of Utah's premier marching band programs.

The conversation dives into American Fork's groundbreaking first trip to Bands of America Grand Nationals in 1995, the unforgettable experience of making finals, and how those early national appearances helped raise the standard for marching bands across Utah. John also discusses the importance of student leadership, booster organizations, and creating a culture where students take ownership of their program.

Beyond the field, John offers valuable insight into succession planning, preparing a program for long-term success, and why the strongest bands are built around people rather than personalities. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of marching arts in Utah, the growth of competitive marching band throughout the region, and his optimism for the future.

Whether you're a band director, educator, student leader, parent, or marching arts fan, this episode offers a fascinating look at the experiences and philosophies that helped shape modern marching band in Utah.

We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtah

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/7_61UkkCVzY

Disclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.

In this episode of the Marching Arts Utah Podcast, we visit Maple Mountain High School to meet the students and educators behind one of Utah’s rising marching band programs. Director of Bands MiKae Osborn shares his journey from student musician to educator, reflecting on the teachers, experiences, and mentors who shaped his career.

The conversation also spotlights several outstanding student leaders, including nationally recognized saxophonist and composer Palmer Brandt, along with drum majors Caden Lyman, Grant Weston, and Hunter Voorhees, who discuss leadership, musicianship, and the unique challenges of guiding a marching band.

From national honor ensembles and original compositions to the realities of student leadership and the pursuit of excellence, this episode offers an inside look at the culture, dedication, and community that define the Maple Mountain band program.

We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtah

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/ZOAucWmgjcI

Disclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.

In this episode of Marching Arts Utah, Westlake High School Director of Bands Randy Brady shares the story of his journey from a small-town music student to leading one of Utah’s premier band programs.

Randy reflects on the teachers who shaped his passion for music, the challenges he faced as a young musician, his experiences studying at BYU-Idaho and serving a mission in Chile, and the lessons he learned during his early teaching career.

He discusses building the Snake River band program from the ground up, launching a marching band with limited resources, teaching at BYU-Idaho, and ultimately finding his way to Westlake High School.

Along the way, Randy offers insights on leadership, student growth, program development, and the importance of creating an environment where young musicians can thrive.

We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtah

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/ICOydCNrf8U

Disclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.

Welcome to the very first episode of the Marching Arts Utah podcast! My name is Matt Judkins, and in this short introductory episode you'll hear about my background and experience in the marching arts, and how I came to be connected and involved in the marching arts in the state of Utah.

This podcast will feature long-form content where I will interview directors, staff member, students, and volunteers from every marching arts program in Utah. Their successes and struggles will be shared and celebrated on this platform in an effort to unite the many thousands of individuals participating in this great activity.

We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtah

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/2hxKbapxymE

Disclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.