The Directors Cut: Leading the Design Process as a Director - Part 2

About this episode

The episode features Richard Saucedo discussing his experiences and insights on designing marching band productions.

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel continue their Director’s Cut series with a special guest: legendary arranger, composer, and educator Richard Saucedo. Known for his 31-year tenure at Carmel High School Marching Band and his work with top ensembles across the country, Saucedo shares insights from decades of experience designing marching band productions. From his early days writing arrangements in high school to helping lead the judging community for Bands of America, Saucedo discusses how his philosophy of show design has evolved. He explains why successful programs start by designing for student success, not ego, and how thoughtful show planning can drive recruitment, retention, and excitement within a band program. Listeners will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process: - Where great marching shows begin (music vs. visual concepts) - How arrangers learn the strengths of each band they write for - The importance of variety, clarity, and effect in show design - Ideal timelines for writing and teaching a marching band production Saucedo also reflects on memorable productions from his career, including the…

People in this episode

Hosts: Martin Hebda, Aaron Vogel

Guest: Richard Saucedo

Topics covered

• marching band design
• show planning
• music education
• arranging
• student success

Keywords

• marching band
• show design
• arranging
• music education
• student success
• Carmel High School
• Bands of America

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Carmel High School Marching Band, Bands of America

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