Copper State Marching Podcast

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 su...

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 start...

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 t...

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 l...

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...

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 c...

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 t...

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...

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 Dire...

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...

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 electri...

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 202...

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 t...

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 Scho...

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, m...

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 m...

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 Associa...

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, an...

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 t...

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...

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 en...

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 s...

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...

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...

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.