Episode Details

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel continue their Director’s Cut series with a special guest: legendary arranger, composer, and educator Richard Saucedo. Known for his 31-year tenure at Carmel High School Marching Band and his work with top ensembles across the country, Saucedo shares insights from decades of experience designing marching band productions.

From his early days writing arrangements in high school to helping lead the judging community for Bands of America, Saucedo discusses how his philosophy of show design has evolved. He explains why successful programs start by designing for student success, not ego, and how thoughtful show planning can drive recruitment, retention, and excitement within a band program.

Listeners will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process:

- Where great marching shows begin (music vs. visual concepts)

- How arrangers learn the strengths of each band they write for

- The importance of variety, clarity, and effect in show design

- Ideal timelines for writing and teaching a marching band production

Saucedo also reflects on memorable productions from his career, including the Carmel show “The Tangled Web”, and shares advice for young directors and composers—from studying orchestration to learning the power of silence and musical space.

The episode wraps with heartfelt shoutouts to the unsung heroes of music education: small-program band directors and the middle school teachers who inspire the next generation of musicians.

Whether you’re a band director, arranger, performer, or marching arts fan, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiration from one of the activity’s most respected voices. Tune in for an inside look at the artistry, strategy, and heart behind designing a marching band show.