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 Whittier and Claire Thorpe-Coody, who share their journeys into the world of marching audio and break down the basics of getting started with electronics. Whether your program only has only a synth and a guitar amp or you’re exploring digital mixers and advanced mic setups, this episode covers foundational strategies, affordable equipment recommendations, troubleshooting advice, cable management, mixer options, and the importance of asking for help.

Listeners will also hear discussion about:

- Beginner-friendly ways to introduce electronics into a marching program

- Recommended microphones, mixers, and sample pads

- Using iPads and apps for triggering samples

- Analog vs. digital mixers

- Daisy chaining, stage boxes, and cable management

- Online communities and resources for learning marching audio

- Common electronic failures — and how to avoid them

This is Part 1 of a two-part deep dive into electronics and sound design in the marching arts. Whether you're brand new to amplification or looking to improve your current setup, this episode offers practical guidance, relatable stories, and expert insight for every band director and sound tech.

Whether you’re a band director, student leader, staff member, or marching arts educator, this episode is packed with real-world leadership advice, rehearsal strategies, and thoughtful conversation about building stronger programs and stronger people.

To send in your own band dilemmas or questions, email the podcast team at podcast@azmba.org.

Resources and sites discussed in Part 1 or Part 2:

Marching Arts Audion Discussion Page on Facebook

Mic Suggestions

Shure SM57

Digital Auto Workstation

Mainstage

Logic Pro

Ableton

Hardware

Sampl

Roland Sample Pad, SP40, 404MK2

Sounds/narration/effects

Freesound.org

Fiverr.com - sound actor resource

Voice123.com

Foley tutorials on youtube

Kontakt (plugin)

Sound cart/speaker design

Titan

Pagentry

Pyle

Synced Up (builds full sound system)

Other

pinecil soldering iron

Shure Education Material

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 Sassy Leadership

- Why relationships are the foundation of effective leadership

- Common mistakes young leaders make

- Communication strategies for today’s students - How directors can build leadership programs without expensive resources

- Practical rehearsal and teaching techniques for student leaders and educators

Jeremy also shares lessons from decades in the marching arts, including experiences with Cedar Park High School, Vandegrift High School, Santa Clara Vanguard, and leadership development across the country.

Whether you’re a band director, student leader, staff member, or marching arts educator, this episode is packed with real-world leadership advice, rehearsal strategies, and thoughtful conversation about building stronger programs and stronger people. To send in your own band dilemmas or questions, email the podcast team at podcast@azmba.org.

Suggested Book study list:

• Ted Lasso – “Be curious, not judgmental”

• One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard

• Any John Maxwell Books

• The Culture Code, Daniel Coyle

• Energy Bus, John Gordon

• Atomic Habits, James Clear

• Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey

• Coach Woodens Pyramid of Success, John Wooden and Jay Carty

• The Ideal Team Player, Patrick Lencioni

• Grit - the pier of passion and perspective, Angela duck worth

• The Obstacle is the Way, Ryan Holiday

• The Ego is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday

• Right Thing, Right Now, Ryan Holiday

• Power of influence, Deberry/Burros

• The 17 indisputable laws of teamwork, John Maxwell

• The Coaching Habit, By Michael Bungay Stanier

• Extreme Ownership, Joko Willink and Leif Babin

• Dare to Lead, Brene Brown

• 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni

• Try to be a rainbow in someone’s clouds. Maya Angelou

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iZwhA_9o8Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtdffxj7pNE

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 leadership system that attracts the right students

• The five key traits of successful student leaders

• How Scott’s innovative 5-step leadership application transforms band culture

• The importance of viewing band through a parent’s lens—and why students often benefit most from band beyond the music

Scott also reflects on how the pandemic reshaped parent-school relationships, the evolving role of staff and techs in modern band programs, and why activities like band are more essential than ever in today’s educational landscape.

Whether you’re a band director, staff member, or aspiring student leader, this episode is packed with practical ideas, humor, and thought-provoking perspectives that challenge traditional approaches to leadership in music education.

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

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, and Austin Yost, who share real-world strategies and candid insights from years of experience building thriving programs.

Listeners will hear practical ideas for:

• Recruiting students in different school environments (from unified districts to multi-feeder systems)

• Using tools like social media, student ambassadors, and “bring-a-friend” strategies

• Creating engaging first-day experiences that hook new members

• Building middle school pipelines and sustaining long-term growth

• Supporting student success beyond the field, including academics and community-building

Whether you’re a veteran instructor or launching a program for the first time, this episode is packed with actionable advice, honest reflections, and a clear message: strong programs are built on relationships, consistency, and a genuine commitment to students.

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

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 veteran music educator and leadership clinician Bill Humbert. Bill shares the origins of his widely respected leadership training program, emphasizing a powerful realization: great student leaders aren’t born, they’re taught.

Listeners will hear Bill break down the evolution of student leadership, the challenges facing today’s educators and students, and why connection, communication, and consistency matter more than ever. He dives into practical strategies for developing effective student leaders, building trust within ensembles, and creating a culture where students take true ownership of their programs.

The conversation also explores:

- How leadership education has adapted to changing student needs and attention spans.

- The importance of modeling behavior as a teacher and leader.

- Balancing excellence with student well-being in demanding programs.

- The structure and philosophy behind Bill’s Arizona Leadership Conference camps.

Whether you’re a band director, staff member, student leader, or supporter of the marching arts, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives and actionable ideas to strengthen your program and develop leaders who thrive both on and off the field.

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

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 evaluate whether an idea is compelling, relevant, and translatable to the marching arts medium

• Techniques for turning a musical score into a visual journey, using form, texture, and pacing

• The importance of variety and continuity in shaping an engaging audience experience

• How collaboration, trust, and even failed ideas can strengthen your design process over time

• A clear, actionable definition of pacing and how to balance time vs. content to keep audiences engaged

• A breakdown of the count sheet, the essential tool that aligns music, drill, choreography, and production into one cohesive plan

• How to structure collaboration across a design team using tools like Google Sheets and layered planning

• Why great shows require constant context awareness, not just great moments

• Strategies for avoiding common pitfalls—like over-designing one section while neglecting the full production arc

Listeners will also hear thoughtful discussion on creativity, intuition, and the art of “pivoting” when a show concept just isn’t working—plus how understanding your students and program culture can elevate every design decision.

Whether you're a band director, designer, or student leader, this episode offers actionable strategies and creative inspiration to help you build more meaningful, effective performances.

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

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 Athletic Bands at Arizona State University. Fresh off a whirlwind stretch of tournament travel, Hudson offers a behind-the-scenes look at life in a major college band program—from game day traditions and national travel to the fast-paced world of pep band and postseason play. Hudson reflects on his journey from small-town Iowa to leading one of the nation’s most dynamic collegiate bands, sharing stories about influential mentors, unforgettable performances, and the evolution of marching band over the past two decades. He also discusses the culture at ASU, the importance of community and student development, and why college band is about so much more than just music.

Whether you're a student thinking about joining band in college, an educator, or a lifelong fan of the activity, this episode offers valuable perspective, inspiration, and a few unforgettable stories along the way.

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

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 their children have already seen every viral drum corps clip, this episode kicks off with heart and humor.

The spotlight this episode: a complete overview of the 2026 AZMBA show schedule. From the educational and low-pressure Eval Plus events in September to the high-energy regional championships and the grand finale in November, the hosts walk through each key date, location, and what makes every show unique.

They also highlight important upcoming events like the Elevate Symposium (August 22), featuring top-tier clinicians and expanded learning tracks for directors, staff, students, and boosters alike.

To wrap things up, Martin and Matt share practical advice for directors on how to build a balanced, student-centered competition schedule—touching on everything from avoiding burnout to making space for milestone moments like homecoming. Whether you’re a director, student, parent, or fan of the marching arts, this episode is your go-to guide for the 2026 season in Arizona. Don’t miss it!