About this episode

The episode features a conversation with Dr. Stephen Meyer about leadership and the marching arts, alongside band adventures and insights into NAU's band program.

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek catch up on exciting band adventures—from an upcoming international performance tour in Ireland to reflections on unforgettable parade experiences. Then, they welcome special guest Dr. Stephen Meyer, Director of Bands at Northern Arizona University, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, teaching, and the ever-evolving marching arts. Dr. Meyer shares his inspiring musical journey from Ohio to NAU, including impactful teaching experiences in Georgia and Texas, and his work with collegiate ensembles across the country. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at NAU’s band program, including their memorable appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and how the program continues to grow through community, creativity, and student engagement. The discussion dives into what defines excellence in marching band today, the importance of connecting music to emotion, and how directors can focus on solutions over excuses. Dr. Meyer also highlights the value of drawing inspiration from outside the band world—whether it’s Broadway, film, or even stand-up comedy—to create meaningful and engaging…

People in this episode

Hosts: Martin Hebda, Matt Kozacek

Guest: Dr. Stephen Meyer

Topics covered

• marching band
• leadership
• music education
• performance
• community engagement
• creativity

Keywords

• marching arts
• band program
• music education
• performance tour
• student engagement
• excellence in music

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Northern Arizona University

Places: Ireland, Georgia, Texas

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• 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 1 · March 24, 2026 · 44 min
• The Coordinator’s Role in Show Design - Part 1 · March 17, 2026 · 54 min
• The Directors Cut: Leading the Design Process as a Director - Part 2 · March 10, 2026 · 36 min

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