In this episode we speak with Matt Kozacek, Director of Bands at Campo Verde HS and the founding and current President of AzMBA and Daniel Berard, retired band director from Colorado, Texas and Missouri and founder of B Elevated Music, Education and Development.

Matt shares his timeline in the spring that leads to a successful fall season. Most importantly starting early so that you can plan ahead and let ideas simmer. Campo Verde HS starts this process before their fall season is even over!

Dan Berard is the founder of B Elevated, which supports music educators in their journey as teachers and directors. He also speaks about the spring timeline and what to do to plan for a strong fall season. Particularly just evaluating where your program thrives and how to be intentional with your decisions. Be honest with their capabilities and if YOU can't do it...THEY most likely cannot either.

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.