What does it take to build great performers, future educators, and leaders through the marching arts? In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, host Martin Hebda sits down with Josh Thye, Executive Director of the Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts, for an in-depth conversation about the Academy’s history, mission, and exciting opportunities for the 2027 season.

Josh shares his personal journey from the Academy’s early days in 2001 to leading the organization today, reflecting on founder Mark Richardson’s vision of “creating great people through great performances.” Together, Martin and Josh explore how the Academy develops discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the marching field.

Whether you’re a student considering drum corps for the first time, a band director looking for resources, a parent supporting a young performer, or a longtime fan of the activity, this conversation offers an inside look at what makes the Academy special.

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

In Volume 1 of this multi-part conversation, Copper State Marching Podcast host Martin Hebda welcomes back Travis Larson to discuss one of the most important challenges in marching arts education: how to effectively educate, mentor, and guide young instructional staff members.

Together, Martin and Travis explore the essential skills new staff members need to develop, from understanding their role within a program and building relationships with students to diagnosing problems, communicating effectively, and delivering meaningful feedback.

This episode dives into practical strategies for helping young educators become more confident, prepared, and effective on the field. Topics include understanding student motivation, learning a program’s history and traditions, prioritizing feedback, celebrating incremental progress, asking the right questions, and focusing on solutions rather than simply pointing out mistakes. They also discuss the importance of staff communication, knowing when to seek guidance, and recognizing that success looks different for every student and program.

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

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, host Martin Hebda is joined by experienced educators and adjudicators Scott Montoya and Mark Hodge for a practical conversation about navigating mid-season show changes.

Together, they discuss how to evaluate judges’ comments, identify recurring themes across multiple critiques, and prioritize adjustments that will make the biggest impact without overwhelming students or staff. From recognizing structural issues and improving musical and visual achievement to deciding when it’s too late for major changes, this episode offers valuable insight for programs of every size.

You’ll also hear strategies for organizing feedback, using judges’ recordings and performance videos to guide rehearsals, communicating changes positively to students, and making the most of limited rehearsal time. Whether you lead a large program with an experienced staff or a small band where one director wears every hat, the conversation emphasizes thoughtful planning, realistic goals, and continuous improvement.

Thank you to the Arizona Marching Band Association and our sponsors for supporting music education and marching arts across Arizona!

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

What does it take to start a Winter Guard, Indoor Percussion, or Indoor Winds program at your school. Is now the right time to take the plunge?

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, host Martin Hebda sits down with Steven Goodman, WGAZ Vice President, and Beth Carlson, WGAZ Color Guard Liaison, for an in-depth conversation about the indoor pageantry arts in Arizona. They discuss the benefits of adding an indoor program, including student recruitment and retention, skill development, performance opportunities, and creating additional pathways for students to find their place within a school community. They also tackle the practical side of getting started. Steven and Beth also share practical advice from their own experiences, emphasizing that a new program doesn't need to start with a huge budget, a complete production, or all the bells and whistles. Sometimes the best first step is simply giving students an opportunity to perform, building interest, and growing from there.

Whether you're a band director considering your first indoor ensemble, an established program looking to expand, or a student or educator curious about the Winter Guard, Indoor Percussion, and Indoor Winds activities, this episode offers plenty of ideas and encouragement to help you take that next step. Don't be afraid to ask questions, start small, and build your program one step at a time!

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

What does it take to host a successful marching arts competition? In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda sits down with experienced contest administrators Bryan Scheidecker and Rusty Carle-Ogren to discuss the behind thescenes work that goes into creating a positive experience for performers, directors, judges, volunteers, and spectators.

From building a strong volunteer team and creating clear communication packets to managing parking, warm-up areas, signage, hospitality, weather, heat, and unexpected challenges, Bryan and Rusty share practical advice and real-world experiences from years of working with marching band and WGI events.

The conversation also explores how to support younger or first-time directors, prepare student hosts, take care of judges and contest staff, and create a welcoming environment for performers. The group discusses the unique considerations involved in hosting indoor percussion, winds, and color guard competitions, including warm-up spaces and floor logistics.

Whether you're considering hosting your first competition or looking for ways to improve an established event, this episode is packed with ideas, lessons learned, and plenty of stories from the field.

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

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda is joined by Brian Murphy and Jeff Quamo for a conversation about one of the most valuable resources during the marching band season, the critique.

Brian and Jeff share perspectives from both sides of the table, discussing how directors and staff can prepare for critique, listen to the judges tapes, develop specific questions, and use the limited time with judges as effectively as possible. The conversation explores how to turn judges’ feedback into practical goals for the upcoming week, when to focus on specific moments versus larger concepts, and how critique can provide a valuable outside perspective on your program. They also discuss managing emotions and scores, avoiding adversarial conversations, coordinating larger staffs, taking notes, and keeping the discussion focused and productive. Whether you're a first-year director or a veteran instructor, this episode offers practical strategies for making the most of those few minutes with the judging panel.

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

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek sit down with Travis Larson, Blue Stars Brass Caption Head and longtime Arizona educator, arranger, and marching arts instructor.

Travis shares his journey from marching Velvet Knights and the Blue Devils to teaching with some of the country’s leading drum corps, and discusses his recent success with the Blue Stars brass program. The conversation dives into practical strategies for building a stronger brass line, developing sound and articulation, creating high energy rehearsals, and using simple technique exercises to produce meaningful results. Travis also discusses arranging for high school ensembles, choosing music that matches your students’ abilities, adapting arrangements, and avoiding the temptation to over-program. Most importantly, Travis emphasizes a philosophy that applies to every band program: meet your students where they are, build from their strengths, and give them the opportunity to experience success.

This is a great conversation filled with practical advice, teaching strategies, and insight from an educator committed to helping Arizona’s marching arts community continue to grow.

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

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