In this episode, Aaron Vogel and Mark Hodge spend some time recapping AzMBA Championships this year.

Post-championships, Aaron and Mark discuss their experience at Championships. They talk about the medalists from every division and share their thoughts and favorite moments from the different shows we saw this year.

AzMBA looks forward to seeing directors and staff at the AMEA Conference at the end of January! Please find our booth. We also have several exciting things coming for 2025...so be on the lookout for more information.

In this episode we speak with Chad Shoopman, Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Arizona and Matt Kozacek, Director of Bands at Campo Verde HS and the founding and current President of AzMBA.

Chad Shoopman discusses his connection to the University of Arizona as an undergrad student, graduate student, drum major and now Director of Athletic Bands. He explains the timeline of his show selection and is excited to celebrate the Sudler Trophy that the Pride of Arizona won this past year. U of A Band Day and AzMBA have had an amazing partnership for several years and are hosting 47 bands on November 2nd.

Matt Kozacek has been the Director of Bands at Campo Verde HS for 11 years and talks about some of the "secrets" to the success of the program, including being a community connector, surrounding yourself with great staff and planning ahead. He also discusses how AzMBA came to fruition 10 years ago and some of the things that make AzMBA exceptional and unique.

In this episode we speak with Damon Knepper, Band Director at Ironwood Ridge High School and Denise Hudson, WGAZ Hall of Famer, and staff member for the Sun Devil Marching Band and the FeniX Independent Winterguards.

Denise takes us back to her roots in a small town in Iowa where she got her start spinning and participating in pageantry arts. She also discusses the key to balancing family time and is excited about the upcoming tribute to Coach Fleming at ASU.

Damon has been at Ironwood Ridge for 9 years and has grown the program significantly. He teaches a music production class and talks about how great it is to reach other students on campus. Make sure to check out his show this year (no students are actually harmed by the bug zapper prop!).