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

A new school year is here, and it's time to kick things off! In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek welcome band directors and instructional staff back for another exciting season.

The conversation reflects on lessons learned from summer band camps, sharing favorite team-building activities, traditions, and ideas that made this year's camps especially successful. Martin and Matt also discuss how they approach the first week of school—building relationships, welcoming new students, creating a positive classroom culture, organizing the logistics of a busy program, and helping students transition into a successful year.

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