Copper State Marching Podcast
Season 5
Is It Time to Start Indoor Colorguard, Percussion or Winds?
How To Be a Good Show Host!
Critique...How to Maximize Your Time
Conversation with Travis Larson
by Martin Hebda, host - Aaron Vogel, Matt Kozacek, Dan Hoffman, co-hosts
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
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
How can I & E (Individual & Ensemble) become one of the most rewarding experiences for your students? Hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek are joined by I&E judge and adjudicator Jeff Quamo to discuss the benefits of I & E. The conversation explores how I&E develops independence, confidence, musicianship, creativity, and leadership while requiring minimal extra work from directors. Jeff shares practical ideas for introducing I&E in your program, helping students select music, incorporating chamber music into rehearsals, and creating performance opportunities before the event. The episode also highlights the unique educational value of personalized adjudicator feedback, student-led learning, and the unforgettable experience of performing for peers, families, and championship audiences. Whether you're looking to increase student involvement or simply learn more about Arizona's I&E program, this episode is packed with ideas to help your students grow as musicians and performers. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org
The countdown is on for Elevate, Arizona's premier professional development event for marching band directors, instructional staff, adjudicators, and new this year… band boosters! Hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek preview everything attendees can expect at this free one-day workshop designed to strengthen marching band programs across the state. They discuss the evolution of Elevate, the importance of continued learning, and how collaboration among educators leads to stronger programs and better experiences for students. This episode also highlights this year's featured clinicians, Matt and Susie Harloff, whose decades of experience in music education, marching arts, and instructional leadership will provide valuable insight for educators at every level. Martin and Matt also introduce the new Booster Track, featuring sessions from CutTime, the Band Dads, and experienced booster leaders who will share practical strategies for supporting successful band programs. Whether you're a veteran director, a first-year instructor, an aspiring adjudicator, or a dedicated booster, this episode explains why Elevate has become one of the most valuable professional development opportunities in Arizona's marching arts community. Join us as we discuss what makes Elevate such an impactful event and why you won't want to miss it on Saturday, August 22. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org
How do successful marching band programs structure rehearsals throughout the season? Hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek are joined by Renee Shane-Boyd (Catalina Foothills High School) and Benjamin Sampayan (Perry High School) to discuss how they plan, organize, and adapt rehearsals from the first week of school through championship season. The conversation covers balancing visual and music instruction, pacing rehearsals, giving effective student feedback, empowering staff, maintaining student engagement, and avoiding common rehearsal pitfalls. Whether you're a new director or a seasoned educator looking to refine your process, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help make every rehearsal more productive and purposeful. Message the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org