In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda sits down with Gary Juarez, owner of MVP Apparel, to explore his journey through marching band, drum corps, education, and the Arizona marching arts community.

Gary shares stories from his time performing with Pacific Crest, VK, and the Blue Devils, as well as his extensive instructional career with high school programs, Arizona State University, drum corps, and programs around the world.

The conversation then turns to the creation and growth of MVP Apparel. Gary explains how a late-night YouTube video about making T-shirts sparked the idea for a business that has grown from a garage operation into a company offering marching band apparel, custom uniforms, flags, indoor floors, props, and other show-production products.

From drum corps memories to entrepreneurship, family, and the future of marching arts apparel, this episode gives listeners an inside look at the person behind a familiar name at shows across Arizona.

Contact MVP Apparel at https://www.mvpapparel.us/ , info@mvpapparel.us

Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

What happens when nearly 150 band directors, instructors, adjudicators, and boosters come together for a day of professional development? Elevate!

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda, Matt Kozacek, and Aaron Vogel recap the most successful Elevate workshop yet. They reflect on the event’s growth from just 20 attendees at its inaugural event in 2017 to nearly 150 participants this year and the impact that growth can have on marching band students across Arizona.

Martin, Matt, and Aaron revisit key lessons from clinicians Matt and Susie Harloff, including building musical excellence, developing performance quality, getting students to simply play, creating clear musical focus with electronics, teaching movement fundamentals, and helping students become more confident performers.

A major highlight of this year’s Elevate was the introduction of the Booster Track, bringing nearly 30 boosters together to discuss program culture, fundraising, communication, management, and how boosters can better support their directors.

From professional development to practical teaching strategies, booster education, and plenty of memorable moments, this episode looks back at what made Elevate such a successful event—and where it can go from here.

Listen in for the lessons, ideas, and inspiration that came out of Elevate 2026!

Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda and Dan Hoffman sit down with longtime Arizona music educator and adjudicator Brian Murphy to take a closer look at the world of marching band judging.

What does it really take to become a judge? How do judges approach scoring, feedback, and critique? And can judging actually make you a better educator? The conversation explores the importance of meaningful student-centered feedback, how to make the most of critique sessions, balancing numbers with narrative feedback, recognizing excellence at every level, and finding the right “entry point” to help a program grow. Brian and Dan also discuss how judging has expanded their own ears, perspectives, and teaching practices. For educators who have ever thought, “I’m not qualified to judge,” this episode offers encouragement, practical advice, and a reminder that judging is a skill developed through practice, listening, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help students succeed. Whether you're an experienced adjudicator, a band director considering judging, or simply interested in what happens on the other side of the judges’ box, this episode is an insightful look at how great feedback can help Arizona marching bands and the students within them grow.

Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org