Champions at the Summit: Stories from Arizona’s 2025 Marching Band Titleholders - Part 1

In this special champion spotlight episode of the Copper State Marching Podcast, Martin Hebda and Aaron Vogel sit down with Arizona’s 2025 AzMBA class champions to celebrate their remarkable seasons and the stories behind their success.

From Mountain Ridge High School’s 5A championship show “The Summit”—a powerful mountain-themed journey of endurance and artistry—to Mesquite High School’s electrifying 1A-winning Miami Sound Machine tribute that had audiences dancing, and Horizon High School’s dramatic 2A production “Turn to Stone,” inspired by the myth of Medusa, this episode dives deep into the creativity, grit, and leadership that define championship programs.

The directors share:

• The inspiration and source music behind their award-winning shows
• The turning points that shaped their seasons
• Lessons learned from weather delays, flyovers, prop mishaps, and leadership transitions
• The behind-the-scenes work of students, staff, and booster parents
• How culture, motivation, and community drive lasting success

Plus, hear their goals for the future—from national aspirations to building lifelong musicians—and heartfelt shout-outs to the families, staff members, and administrators who make it all possible.

Whether you're a director, student leader, parent, or marching band fan, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a celebration of Arizona’s thriving marching band community.