In Part 2 of our Electronics & Sound Design series, the Copper State Marching Podcast dives deeper into the world of marching arts audio production with guests Zach Whittier and Claire Thorpe-Coody, two of Arizona’s leading voices in sound design and front ensemble electronics. From microphone placement and front ensemble amplification to narration production, synth programming, MainStage troubleshooting, and wireless microphone setups, this episode is packed with practical advice for students, educators, and designers alike.

The conversation explores how both guests learned electronics “by necessity,” proving that anyone with curiosity and a willingness to experiment can grow into a successful sound designer. Listeners will hear detailed discussions on mic placement for marimbas and vibraphones, how to reduce frame noise using simple suspension systems, and why mallet bags are more important than most people realize.

Zach and Claire also break down the process of creating narration tracks and sound effects for marching band shows, including sourcing sounds from sites like freesound.org, recording custom Foley-style effects, and editing audio in Logic Pro, GarageBand, and Audacity. The episode also covers synth programming, risers, bass drops, sample playback, and the pros and cons of software like MainStage versus Ableton.

Additionally, the panel discusses troubleshooting common electronics failures at competitions, maintaining stable signal chains, using MIDI over USB when possible, and why teaching students to manage their own equipment is essential. The episode closes with advice on wireless microphones, speaker purchasing, compression techniques for soloists, and shout-outs to the many educators and designers helping grow Arizona’s marching arts audio community.

Whether you’re just beginning with electronics or looking to level up your program’s sound design, this episode offers an incredible amount of practical insight and inspiration. Sponsored by the Arizona Marching Band Association (AZMBA). You can reach the Copper State Marching Podcast at podcast@azmba.org.

Resources and sites discussed in Part 1 or Part 2:

Marching Arts Audio Discussion Page on Facebook

Mic Suggestions

Shure SM57

Digital Auto Workstation

Mainstage

Logic Pro

Ableton

Hardware

Sampl

Roland Sample Pad, SP40, 404MK2

Sounds/narration/effects

Freesound.org

Fiverr.com - sound actor resource

Voice123.com

Foley tutorials on youtube

Kontakt (plugin)

Sound cart/speaker design

Titan

Pagentry

Pyle

Synced Up (builds full sound system)

Other

pinecil soldering iron

Shure Education Material

In this episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, hosts Martin Hebda and Matt Kozacek dive into one of the most intimidating, but essential, parts of modern marching arts. Electronics and sound design. From spinning wheels of death and sample mishaps on championships day to practical advice for building a reliable sound setup, this conversation is packed with real world experiences and actionable tips for directors at every level.

Joining the podcast are sound design and audio specialists Zack Whittier and Claire Thorpe-Coody, who share their journeys into the world of marching audio and break down the basics of getting started with electronics. Whether your program only has only a synth and a guitar amp or you’re exploring digital mixers and advanced mic setups, this episode covers foundational strategies, affordable equipment recommendations, troubleshooting advice, cable management, mixer options, and the importance of asking for help.

Listeners will also hear discussion about:

- Beginner-friendly ways to introduce electronics into a marching program

- Recommended microphones, mixers, and sample pads

- Using iPads and apps for triggering samples

- Analog vs. digital mixers

- Daisy chaining, stage boxes, and cable management

- Online communities and resources for learning marching audio

- Common electronic failures — and how to avoid them

This is Part 1 of a two-part deep dive into electronics and sound design in the marching arts. Whether you're brand new to amplification or looking to improve your current setup, this episode offers practical guidance, relatable stories, and expert insight for every band director and sound tech.

Whether you’re a band director, student leader, staff member, or marching arts educator, this episode is packed with real-world leadership advice, rehearsal strategies, and thoughtful conversation about building stronger programs and stronger people.

To send in your own band dilemmas or questions, email the podcast team at podcast@azmba.org.

Resources and sites discussed in Part 1 or Part 2:

Marching Arts Audion Discussion Page on Facebook

Mic Suggestions

Shure SM57

Digital Auto Workstation

Mainstage

Logic Pro

Ableton

Hardware

Sampl

Roland Sample Pad, SP40, 404MK2

Sounds/narration/effects

Freesound.org

Fiverr.com - sound actor resource

Voice123.com

Foley tutorials on youtube

Kontakt (plugin)

Sound cart/speaker design

Titan

Pagentry

Pyle

Synced Up (builds full sound system)

Other

pinecil soldering iron

Shure Education Material

Hosts Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel bring Part 3 of our Student Leadership Series. The Copper State Marching Podcast welcomes nationally recognized leadership educator Jeremy Spicer, founder of Sassy Leadership. Jeremy shares the story behind building one of the most influential student leadership programs in the marching arts and offers practical insight into developing stronger student leaders, educators, and band cultures.

Throughout the episode, Jeremy dives into:

- The origins and evolution of Sassy Leadership

- Why relationships are the foundation of effective leadership

- Common mistakes young leaders make

- Communication strategies for today’s students - How directors can build leadership programs without expensive resources

- Practical rehearsal and teaching techniques for student leaders and educators

Jeremy also shares lessons from decades in the marching arts, including experiences with Cedar Park High School, Vandegrift High School, Santa Clara Vanguard, and leadership development across the country.

Whether you’re a band director, student leader, staff member, or marching arts educator, this episode is packed with real-world leadership advice, rehearsal strategies, and thoughtful conversation about building stronger programs and stronger people. To send in your own band dilemmas or questions, email the podcast team at podcast@azmba.org.

Suggested Book study list:

• Ted Lasso – “Be curious, not judgmental”

• One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard

• Any John Maxwell Books

• The Culture Code, Daniel Coyle

• Energy Bus, John Gordon

• Atomic Habits, James Clear

• Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey

• Coach Woodens Pyramid of Success, John Wooden and Jay Carty

• The Ideal Team Player, Patrick Lencioni

• Grit - the pier of passion and perspective, Angela duck worth

• The Obstacle is the Way, Ryan Holiday

• The Ego is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday

• Right Thing, Right Now, Ryan Holiday

• Power of influence, Deberry/Burros

• The 17 indisputable laws of teamwork, John Maxwell

• The Coaching Habit, By Michael Bungay Stanier

• Extreme Ownership, Joko Willink and Leif Babin

• Dare to Lead, Brene Brown

• 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni

• Try to be a rainbow in someone’s clouds. Maya Angelou

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iZwhA_9o8Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtdffxj7pNE