The Marching Arts Utah Podcast

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!In this episode of the Marching Arts Utah Podcast, we visit Southern Utah University to meet Dr. David Torres, Associate Director of Bands and Director of The Sound of Southern Utah, and explore the experiences shaping SUU’s growing athletic bands program.Dr. Torres shares his journey from marching with the Boston Crusaders to performing professionally in Broadway productions, Disney shows, and BLAST! before transitioning into music education.We also hear from SUU marching band members Hannah Meeker and Kaden Handy about their experiences in Drum Corps International, competing with top-tier programs, adapting to college marching band, and pursuing careers in music education.From the life-changing influence of great band directors to the challenges, friendships, and opportunities that define the marching arts, this episode offers an inside look at the people and experiences building the future of marching arts at Southern Utah University.We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtahWatch this episode here: https://youtu.be/M8rbGAVmUtUDisclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!In this episode of the Marching Arts Utah Podcast, we sit down with Darin Graber, Director of Bands at Bingham High School, to discuss his remarkable career in music education and the evolution of one of Utah's most respected marching band programs.Darin shares his journey from growing up in Kansas and performing in a family band to becoming a longtime educator in Utah's Jordan School District. Along the way, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his teaching philosophy, his passion for jazz, and why he chose high school music education over a college career.The conversation explores the growth of Bingham's marching band program—from a 41-member ensemble struggling for recognition to a competitive program with state championships, national travel opportunities, and a strong culture of student leadership. Darin also offers candid insights into the challenges facing modern marching bands, including competition classifications, rising program costs, student participation, and the increasing influence of Drum Corps International on high school marching arts.Whether you're a band director, student, parent, or marching arts enthusiast, this episode provides a thoughtful look at leadership, program building, and the life lessons that make music education so impactful.We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtahWatch this episode here: https://youtu.be/1jm9fxr6gzIDisclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!In this episode of the Marching Arts Utah Podcast, creative director Jessica Glasgow shares her journey from a young baton twirler in Colorado to becoming one of the most influential designers in the marching arts today. Jessica discusses her early experiences in music, color guard, drum corps, and Winter Guard International, as well as the mentors and opportunities that shaped her career.The conversation dives deep into the art and science of show design, exploring how ideas become productions, how designers balance creativity with competitive requirements, and why collaboration is essential to creating memorable performances. Jessica also reflects on her time at American Fork, the evolution of Utah’s marching arts scene, lessons learned from marching world-class winter guard as an adult, and the importance of continuously seeking growth as an artist.Whether you're a student, educator, designer, performer, or marching arts fan, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that brings marching band and drum corps productions to life.We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtahWatch this episode here: https://youtu.be/ijgFXqQBoKMDisclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!In this episode of the Marching Arts Utah Podcast, Ethan Johnson takes us behind the scenes of one of the most technical parts of modern marching band: audio engineering. Ethan shares how he went from discovering marching band at Westlake High School to becoming an audio engineer for high school programs, DCI, and professional marching arts productions.The conversation explores how marching band audio actually works, including microphones, speakers, mixers, wireless systems, front ensemble amplification, and the design decisions that shape how a production sounds in a stadium. Ethan also discusses the differences between high school and DCI audio and the lessons he learned from experienced engineers.Ethan also discusses music licensing and copyright, explaining some of the challenges programs face when recording and sharing performances online. He closes with advice for students interested in audio engineering and discusses his company, Dragon Scale Audio, which provides audio design, installation, consultation, and recording services for the marching arts.This is an inside look at the technology, creativity, and technical expertise that help bring modern marching band productions to life.Contact Ethan directly if you are interested in his services:Email: [email protected]: @dragonscaleaudioWe film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtahWatch this episode here: https://youtu.be/CaM_QBrJpW0Disclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!In this episode of the Marching Arts Utah Podcast, legendary music educator Dr. Don Peterson joins the show to reflect on a career that has shaped generations of musicians and band directors throughout Utah and beyond. From his early years at American Fork High School to a 35-year tenure at BYU, Dr. Peterson shares the story of how he helped build some of the most influential marching and concert band programs in the region while inspiring thousands of students along the way.The conversation explores the early evolution of marching band in Utah, including the growth of the American Fork program, the development of the Cougar Marching Band, and the dramatic changes that have transformed the activity over the past five decades. Dr. Peterson offers a unique historical perspective on show design, traditions, uniforms, props, college marching bands, and the increasing production demands facing modern programs.Dr. Peterson also reflects on the challenges and rewards of directing one of the nation's largest collegiate marching bands, sharing stories from football games, bowl trips, Disneyland performances, international travel, and the behind-the-scenes realities of leading a program that became a defining part of BYU's identity. He discusses the relationships that mattered most, the lessons he learned as an educator, and the importance of keeping students at the center of every decision.Throughout the episode, Dr. Peterson speaks candidly about legacy, mentorship, and the profound joy that comes from watching former students become successful educators, leaders, professionals, and community builders. His perspective offers a powerful reminder that the true impact of a teacher is measured not by trophies or accolades, but by the lives they help shape.This is a fascinating conversation about the history of Utah's marching arts, the evolution of music education, and the enduring influence of one of the state's most respected band directors.We film all of our podcasts. Please subscribe to us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchingArtsUtahWatch this episode here: https://youtu.be/SBjJvbCItwgDisclaimer: This platform is fundamentally opposed to the use of generative AI, especially in the general field of human performing arts, and we are dedicated to producing 100% human-created content at all times.