People Make the Difference: Stephen Alia on Design, Collaboration & Education

In Episode 4 of CSJA Presents: Inside the Judge’s Circle, we sit down with CSJA Visual Caption Head Jeremy Tate to explore the connection between teaching and judging, the evolution of visual performance, and the experiences that make the marching arts so meaningful. We begin with Jeremy's journey from small-town Humboldt, Tennessee, where his early experiences in band and the influence of a dedicated music educator helped shape his future in the activity. From performing on the field to becoming a band director, drum corps educator, and adjudicator, Jeremy reflects on the people and opportunities that helped guide his career. We then look back at Jeremy's 15 years as Director of Bands at Gibson County High School, including four state championships and the unforgettable experience of leading a combined ensemble of five high school bands to the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. Along the way, we discuss how his definition of success evolved and why the experiences students take with them often mean far more than the awards they receive. Our conversation then turns to Jeremy's unique perspective on education and adjudication. Having spent years on both sides of the judging process, Jeremy shares how being a band director made him a better judge and how judging, in turn, made him a better educator. We also explore his current role supporting middle and high school band directors and why mentorship remains such an important part of his work. We dive into Jeremy's responsibilities as CSJA Visual Caption Head, from recruiting and training new judges to reviewing recorded commentary and providing meaningful feedback to experienced adjudicators. We discuss the importance of balancing the "what" and the "how" in an evaluation, recognizing achievement, and delivering commentary that directors can actually use to improve their programs. We also explore the evolution of visual design and general effect, including the increasingly theatrical nature of marching band productions, the relationship between music and movement, and how designers continue to push the boundaries of what can happen on the field. Jeremy shares what captures his attention as a visual judge and why the emotional impact of a performance can be just as important as its technical execution. Throughout our conversation, one idea continues to emerge. Whether Jeremy is working with students, mentoring directors, or helping judges refine their craft, education is at the center of everything he does. For him, the marching arts are about much more than scores and championships. They're about creating opportunities, building relationships, and making a lasting impact on the people involved. And of course, we still make time for the really important questions, including what happens when you ask a visual caption head to explain his job using a lawn chair, a rubber chicken, and a slice of pizza. Whether you're a judge, director, designer, educator, performer, or marching arts fan, join us Inside the Judge’s Circle.

In Episode 2 of CSJA Presents: Inside the Judge’s Circle, we sit down with CSJA Music Caption Head Dr. Nick Riley to explore how teaching, judging, designing, and performing all connect within the marching arts. We begin with Nick’s own journey, from growing up in the Centerville High School band program to becoming a band director, percussion educator, arranger, adjudicator, and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Northern Kentucky University. Along the way, we hear how the people who shaped his early experiences in music continue to influence the way he approaches the activity today. From there, we go behind the scenes of CSJA’s music caption and take a closer look at how judges are recruited, trained, assigned, and evaluated. We also explore what Nick listens for when a band takes the field, including uniformity, clarity, musicality, and the importance of recognizing the personal biases every judge brings into the box. We then step back to look at Music General Effect and what Nick describes as “big picture music.” Our conversation moves through the relationship between marching band, DCI, and WGI, how those parts of the activity influence one another, and why staying connected to all corners of the marching arts matters for today’s adjudicator. Nick also takes us inside Connexus, the indoor percussion ensemble he co-founded, and shares how working directly with performers continues to shape his approach as a judge, designer, and educator. As the conversation unfolds, we arrive at a common thread running through nearly everything Nick does. Whether he is writing music, working with performers, training judges, or making commentary from the press box, it all comes back to teaching. And of course, we still make time for the really important questions, including what Nick would judge if music were completely off the table and what a judging sheet for a cooking competition might actually look like. Whether you're a judge, director, designer, educator, performer, or marching arts fan, join us Inside the Judge’s Circle.

In the inaugural episode of CSJA Presents: Inside the Judge’s Circle, our hosts Sean Sumwalt and Robert “Bob” Fischer sit down with Central States Judges Association Executive Director David Kaiser to explore what really goes into judging the marching arts. David reflects on his 23 years with the Central States Judges Association, from his earliest experiences as a judge to the extensive training, feedback, and continuing education that help CSJA adjudicators stay current with an ever-evolving activity. We dive into what judges are actually evaluating, the balance between what performers are being asked to do and how well they achieve it, the evolution of general effect, and how adjudication has shifted from simply identifying mistakes to recognizing and rewarding achievement. David also shares where CSJA is headed next, including continued education, new initiatives, and the association’s growing efforts to support programs and help build better bands across the country. And of course we also get into the really important questions like what concession-stand food will get you through a 30-band contest. Whether you're a judge, director, educator, performer, or marching arts fan, welcome "Inside the Judge’s Circle."