Episode Details

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