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PODCAST

Copper State Marching Podcast

Martin Hebda, host - Aaron Vogel, Matt Kozacek, Dan Hoffman, co-hosts

Welcome to the Copper State Marching Podcast!Join us as we dive deep into the vibrant world of marching bands across Arizona and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned musician, a proud parent, or simply a fan of the art form, our podcast is your go-to source for all things marching!Each episode features engaging interviews with talented band directors, passionate students, and industry experts who share their insights, experiences, and tips for success. We’ll explore the latest trends, discuss the

arts performing arts

All Episodes

34:08

Electronics and Sound Design Part 1, The First Steps

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/05/26

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

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57:45

Student Leadership: What you should know Part 3

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/05/19

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

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58:17

Student Leadership: What you should know Part 2

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/05/12

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

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58:06

Building Your Colorguard: Recruiting, Retention, and...

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/05/05

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,

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51:15

Student Leadership: What you should know

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/04/28

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

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65:04

Concept to Count Sheets: The Coordinator’s Role in...

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/04/21

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

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54:42

Conversations with Arizona College Directors Part 3

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/04/14

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

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41:18

2026 AZMBA Show Schedule & Season Highlights

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/04/07

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

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50:04

Conversations with Arizona College Directors Part 2

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/03/31

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,

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44:17

Conversations with Arizona College Directors Part 1

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/03/24

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,

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53:43

The Coordinator’s Role in Show Design - Part 1

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/03/17

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

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35:47

The Directors Cut: Leading the Design Process as a...

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/03/10

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

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39:00

The Directors Cut: Leading the Design Process as a...

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/03/03

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

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53:22

Champions at the Summit: Stories from Arizona’s 2025...

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/02/24

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

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54:36

Champions at the Summit: Stories from Arizona’s 2025...

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2026/02/11

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

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23:54

Fireworks, Finals, and Farewells: Wrapping Up...

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2025/11/13

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

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42:37

Visual Do’s and Don’ts with Dan Hoffman and Sierra...

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2025/10/25

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

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10:45

In the Lot – Live from the Evaluation Plus Show at...

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2025/10/16

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

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33:31

Shaping Arizona Bands: A Conversation with Duarte &...

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2025/09/20

Guests: David Duarte & Bud Hilditch Hosts: Aaron Vogel & Mark Hots Presented by: Arizona Marching Band AssociationIn 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:First memories of Arizona Marching Band – Bud

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13:47

2025 Season Preview

Copper State Marching Podcast ·

2025/09/07

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

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