About this episode

The episode features in-depth conversations with Arizona's 2025 Class Champions about their creative processes and program-building strategies.

In this part two of a special champion spotlight series, hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel sits down with two of Arizona’s 2025 Class Champions for an in-depth conversation about design, culture, and building programs that thrive. Hamilton High School (Class 3A Champion) Directors Leo Werner and Jason Bullock share the creative process behind their cinematic production The Lost City , inspired by tales of El Dorado and featuring music from Jumanji and Holding Out for a Hero . From dramatic visual twists and storytelling through costume design to cultivating a championship culture that transcends classification, they offer practical insights on: Designing shows students truly buy into Balancing creativity with budget realities Building sustainable culture amid staff and roster changes Planning and revealing next season’s production Leading with partnership and shared vision Campo Verde High School (Class 4A Champion) Director Matt Kozacek joins the show to discuss Tangled Fate , a dark and theatrical production that blended classical, jazz, and dramatic storytelling—including a jaw-dropping final moment audiences won’t forget. Matt dives into: Collaborating with composers and…

People in this episode

Hosts: Martin Hebda, Aaron Vogel, Dan Hoffman

Guests: Leo Werner, Jason Bullock, Matt Kozacek

Topics covered

• marching band
• championship culture
• show design
• student engagement
• program development

Keywords

• marching band
• Arizona
• champions
• show design
• student culture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hamilton High School, Campo Verde High School

Books & works: The Lost City, Jumanji, Holding Out for a Hero, Tangled Fate

More episodes of Copper State Marching Podcast

• Concept to Count Sheets: The Coordinator’s Role in Show Design Part 2 · April 21, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Conversations with Arizona College Directors Part 3 · April 14, 2026 · 55 min
• 2026 AZMBA Show Schedule & Season Highlights · April 7, 2026 · 41 min
• Conversations with Arizona College Directors Part 2 · March 31, 2026 · 50 min
• Conversations with Arizona College Directors Part 1 · March 24, 2026 · 44 min
• The Coordinator’s Role in Show Design - Part 1 · March 17, 2026 · 54 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Copper State Marching Podcast podcast page.