On A Water Break

Marching band • drum corps • brass instruments • trumpet • trombone • instrument repair • music educationYour All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.“Today’s guest is someone whose work you’ve probably heard long before you ever heard his name.”“Known across the brass world as the Horn doctor…”On this episode of On A Water BreakJoey sits down with Mike Corrigan (“The Horn Doctor”) and Cameron Sipe from BAC Musical Instruments — with Ricardo Robinson-Shinall joining the conversation.Transcript moments:• “There’s the art of music is nothing but community.”• “Speak with your horn. Speak with your horn.”• “I think sometimes music is therapy, though.”• “I feel like my horn is a piece of art.”• “We are actually starting a repair shop in New Orleans, Louisiana…”Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/oGzsvfecKV0BAC links:• Website: https://www.coolisbac.com/• Mission & History: https://www.coolisbac.com/mission-and-history• Store: https://www.coolisbac.com/storeFind On A Water Break:• Website: https://www.onawaterbreak.com/• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreak• Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com

Marching arts news you’ll hear talked about at rehearsal — on a water break. This week, Grantis, Dalton, and Amari break down WGI 2026 updates (including the WGI Judges Summit) plus the newly announced Metallica Marching Band Competition collegiate winners.You’ll also hear why the Music for All Advocacy in Action Awards matter for smaller programs, what the WGI Advisory Board does, and a Water We Doing?! that’s a must-listen for staff culture: “care about your kids… teach them and help them grow.”This week’s panelGrantis Peranda @grantisimo_p • Dalton Stout @SaltyDalti • Amari Lewis @amari.lewis  Find On A Water BreakWebsite: OnAWaterBreak.com  Linktree: linktr.ee/onawaterbreak  Spotify: On A Water Break  Apple Podcasts: On A Water Break  Be a guest: forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9  Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com  #OnAWaterBreak #MarchingArts #WGI #WGI2026 #WinterGuard #MarchingBand 

Marching arts consulting, marching band clinics, and color guard education — Matt & Susie Harloff share the big news: they’re stepping away from full-time teaching to focus on clinics, consulting, and helping more programs across the activity.Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes.In this Quick Sip, Ricardo is joined by Matt & Susie to talk about why now is the right season for this shift, what they want to build next, and how directors/instructors can reach out to start working together.GuestsMatt Harloff — Avon HS Director of Bands; Carolina Crown Brass Caption Head (as mentioned in-episode)IG: @mattharloffEmail (shared in-episode): MattHarloff@mac.comSusie Harloff — Movement specialist & color guard educator/clinician (as mentioned in-episode)IG: @1414sooze73Email (shared in-episode): SoosieHarloff@gmail.comOn this episodeHost: Ricardo Robinson-Shinall — @ricardorrobinsonPanel: Joey Montes — @marchingbymontesFind On A Water BreakWebsite: OnAWaterBreak.comLinktree: linktr.ee/onawaterbreakWatch on YouTube: @OnAWaterBreakPodcast

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.This is an OAWB With (Bonus) episode featuring World Class winter guard performers from Juxtaposition, Alta Marea, and AMP — talking real WGI experience from the floor: culture, auditions, lessons learned, rehearsal expectations, and what the activity needs more (and less) of right now.What this episode answers What do World Class performers want to see more of at WGI? What do they want to see less of in winter guard show trends/culture? What’s something you learn the hard way as a top-level performer? What advice helps most when preparing for World Class auditions? What traditions matter inside successful programs?Performers + socials (personal + ensemble tags) Maria (Juxtaposition) Personal: TikTok Marsco16 | Twitter MariaScott1616 Ensemble: @juxtapositionwg Piper (Alta Marea) Personal: IG/TikTok Piper.K.Click | Spin IG Piper.spins Ensemble: @altamareawinterguard Julian (AMP) Personal: IG/TikTok Juliankahoolian Ensemble: @ampwinterguardHost socialsTrish O’Shea — @trishdish1102Alicia Sharp — @aliciaoninsta2Nicole Younger — @o2binpjsOAWB: @onawaterbreakFind On A Water BreakWebsite: https://www.onawaterbreak.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreakListen/Subscribe (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/0wgaml1T115IsvvZd0XheTListen/Subscribe (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-a-water-break/id1653637341Be a guest: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingArts #WinterGuard #WGI #ColorGuard

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. SUPER IMPORTANT QUICK SIP: Broward County winter guard + indoor percussion programs are facing an urgent “master agreement” deadline that could impact WGI participation. Trish is joined by Evan Zubkov (@evankarlis) and Dean Broadbent (@dnbroad) from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to explain what’s happening, why the Feb 10 school board meeting matters, and what the community can do right now.Sign + share the petition:From the episode:• “it has to be voted on by the by the entire school board”• “it doesn’t just affect color guard, it affects percussion as well”• “that deadline is very real.”Schools/programs referenced:Cooper City JV / Varsity (@cchscolorguard) • Cypress Bay Varsity (@cypressbaycolorguard) • Flanagan A / World (@flanagancolorguard) • Monarch High School (@monarchguard) • Stoneman Douglas World (@stonemandouglasguard) • Stoneman Douglas Percussion (@msdpercussion) • West Broward World (@wbcolorguard) • West Broward Percussion (@wbhspercussion)Sponsor: Guard Closet (@guardcloset)Find On A Water Break:Website: https://www.onawaterbreak.comLinktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreakBe a guest: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.This week on Water Break Weekly, we’re hitting Marching Arts News (DCI Annual Meeting chatter + the DCI 2026 “Mega Monday” ticket drop) and then going straight into a STAFF REALITY CHECK: how we prepare new instructors, what safety standards programs should be taking seriously, and why practicing the full “show flow” matters more than people want to admit.Key sources mentioned:DCI Mega Monday (DCI 2026 ticket drop): https://www.dci.org/news/mega-monday-tickets-to-20-2026-dci-tour-events-on-sale-february-2/DCI Annual Meeting overview: https://www.dci.org/news/2026-dci-annual-meeting-setting-the-stage-for-summer/This week’s panel:Whitney Stone — @dancerwhitSadie Wallace — @m.sadiewallaceJeremy Svoboda — @drumcorpstodayFIND ON A WATER BREAKWebsite: https://www.onawaterbreak.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreakBe a guest: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.This season’s first Quick Sip is a fast, focused conversation about DCI All-Age’s new “unified format” for 2026.Trish O’Shea (@trishdish1002) sits down with David Hobart, Director of the Sunrisers Drum & Bugle Corps (@sunriserscorps), who was in the room for the director conversations and vote. David breaks down why the format change happened, what it could improve for the activity, and how All-Age plans to keep honoring the legacy and people who helped build DCA history—while stepping forward into the DCI era.Also: David teases Sunrisers’ 2026 production “Outlaw” and what fans can expect from the corps this season.Guests / Hosts Trish O’Shea — @trishdish1002 David Hobart — @hobart_david Sunrisers Drum & Bugle Corps — @sunriserscorpsSponsor Guard Closet — @guardcloset

marching band • color guard • WGI • marching arts“WGI just announced that they’re… a new housing policy for world championships starting in twenty twenty seven season.”“what are we doing over relying on AI to do our shows and do our uniforms?”YOUR ALL-ACCESS PASS TO THE MARCHING ARTS.THIS WEEK ON ON A WATER BREAK:Joey, Jeremy, and Emily talk marching arts news, WGI updates, and what’s happening across the activity.SEGMENTS IN THIS EPISODE• News• 60-Second Tech Block (Jeremy Denzer): “taking your first show commentary and turning it into a plan.”• Water We Doing?!• Gush & GoTHIS WEEK’S PANEL• Joey Montes III — @marchingbymontes• Jeremy Denzer — @jeremydenzer• Emily Nee — @tch.makes.artSPONSORED BY• Guard Closet — @guardcloset — https://www.guardcloset.com/FIND ON A WATER BREAKWebsite: https://www.onawaterbreak.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreakBe a guest: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingArts #WGI #ColorGuard #MarchingBand

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.“It is time for your favorite show that gives you news, interviews, all things marching arts — and you are on a water break.”This week on Water Break Weekly, Ashlee Amos, Nicole Younger, Stephen McCarrick, and Hayley Harrington break down the biggest marching arts headlines — including a brand-new drum corps in Indiana, major DCI All-Age updates, and the 2026 WGI Hall of Fame recipients.SEGMENTS IN THIS EPISODE• News• 60-Second Tech Block (Nicole): “How to prepare for a critique.”• Water We Doing?!• Gush & GoSPONSORED BY• Guard Closet — @guardcloset — https://www.guardcloset.com/THIS WEEK’S PANEL• Ashlee Amos — @famousamossss_• Nicole Younger — @o2bnpjs• Stephen McCarrick — @stephenmccarrick• Hayley Harrington — @h_harrington14FIND ON A WATER BREAKWebsite: https://www.onawaterbreak.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreakEmail: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. Water Break Weekly is back for Season 4 — and we’re kicking off 2026 with major DCI headlines, WGI updates, and a parade performance story that proves marching artists are built different. Christopher Rutt is joined by Bobbey Biddle, Dalton Stout, Grantis Peranda, and Amari Lewis to talk Boston Crusaders’ historic championship run, what’s coming next in 2026, WGI’s continued focus on training and safety, and the rain-soaked Rose Parade performances that had everyone grinding through seven miles with zero resets.Segments:• News Block: DCI recap + what 2026 could bring, WGI’s 2025 season recap and 2026 updates, Rose Parade 2026 rain performance stories, Philly Mummers Parade weather impact, and Harriman High School’s field show inspired by Vincent Lima — with the artist showing up in person.• 60-Second Tech Block: Dalton Stout on Effective Conditioning — what it should actually do, and why “just doing something” isn’t the same as training for performance.• Water We Doing?! Rehearsal schedules that don’t exist, repeating the same show ideas, the lack of med staff support at rehearsals, and costuming choices that don’t account for real bodies.• Gush & Go: Shoutouts from judging and choreography life to WGI/DCI weekends, plus love for every Rose Parade performer who pushed through the weather.Panelists:Christopher Rutt (@wildhornbrass1) • Bobbey Biddle (@bobbey107) • Dalton Stout (@SaltyDalti) • Grantis Peranda (@grantisimo_p) • Amari Lewis (@_amari.lewis_)Sponsors:• Guard Closet (@guardcloset) – Gear, consignments, and more at guardcloset.comFind On A Water Break:Website: onawaterbreakpodcast.comLinktree: linktr.ee/onawaterbreakpodcastGuest/Segment Submission: bit.ly/OAWBGuestFormEmail: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.comHashtags:#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingArts #DrumCorps #ColorGuard #MarchingBand #WGI2026 #DCI2026 #BandLife #GuardCloset

Nicole Younger closes out Season 3 with the OG crew — Jackie Brown and Stephen McCarrick — for a finale hang that hits favorite moments, big laughs, and a full preview of the new Season 4 flow.Highlights The crew shares their favorite Season 3 moments — from NFL drumline conversations to Finley’s “Toddler of the Year” marching band obsession, and the Matt Harloff interview right after WGI and Coachella. Season 4 preview: team-format weeklies, rotating main hosts, more regular faces, and expanded associate producer support. 60 Second Tech Block: Stephen breaks down how to design video assignments so the work itself makes students better. Water We Doing?! drum corps audition camp logistics + why color guard isn’t showing up more in pop productions. Gush & Go: new jobs, focused creative seasons, holiday wins, and meeting baby Leilani.This week’s panel Nicole Younger (@o2binpjs) Jackie Brown (@spintronixguard) Stephen McCarrick (@stephenmccarrick)SponsorsPeak Group Travel (@peak.group.travel) • Guard Closet (@guardcloset)Find the showWebsite: onawaterbreak.com • Linktree: linktr.ee/onawaterbreak • Be a guest: forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9 • Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes.This week, we’re celebrating the world of parades—the traditions, the chaos, the unexpected moments, and the marching arts culture behind them. Jackie, Jack, Grantis, and Jeremy take a full tour through America’s most iconic parades, sharing stories from the street, expert opinions, and tips every band and guard should know before stepping off.We dig into everything from national spectacles like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Rose Parade, and Mardi Gras to regional favorites including the Mummers Parade, Cherry Blossom Parade, Gatlinburg Midnight Parade, Bristol 4th of July, Lodi Grape Festival, Portland Grand Floral Parade, Detroit’s Thanksgiving traditions, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, and the highly competitive California parade circuit.Whether you love parades for the pageantry, the community connection, or the pure unpredictability (yes—goats, llamas, feathers, wine fountains, and more), this episode has something for everyone.What We Cover Why parades matter for school culture, community presence, and recruitment Parade memories that shaped each panelist The role of drum majors and block structure on a moving route What makes the Rose Parade turn so intimidating How Mardi Gras float builders create parade magic Why Philly’s Mummers Parade is still unmatched in personality What directors overlook: spacing, alignment, showmanship, and audience impact The difference between competitive parade judging and community performance60-Second Tech BlockJack Goudreau delivers a full breakdown of how to build a proper parade block, covering interval control, step-off technique, first-step mechanics, subdivision, and how body alignment affects sound and visual clarity.Water We Doing?!Jeremy questions why parade blocks cater to judges instead of the audience. Grantis talks about students who join band for connection, not competition. Jack calls out unsafe guard/band collisions and poor spacing on parade routes.Gush & GoThe panel shares end-of-season highlights, life updates, creative inspiration, and their excitement for wrapping up Season 3 and stepping into Season 4.This Week’s PanelJackie Brown — @spintronixguard  Jackson Goudreau — @goudreau_  Grantis Peranda — @grantisimo_p  Jeremy Williams — @guardclosetSponsorsPeak Group Travel — @peak.group.travel  Guard Closet — @guardclosetFind On A Water BreakWebsite: onawaterbreakpodcast.com Linktree: linktr.ee/onawaterbreak Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com Be a Guest: form in our bio Follow us everywhere: @onawaterbreakWe’ll see you next rehearsal — On A Water Break.

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.This week, Ricardo and Trish welcome two standout guests: Kenai Central High School Band Director Christian Stefanos (@akbanddirector) — whose band traveled from Alaska to BOA Grand Nationals — and TikTok creator & performer Taylor Greatbatch (@greatbatchofcookies).Christian breaks down what it took to build a marching band from scratch, fundraise across a state the size of a continent, and take a small-town Alaska program onto the national stage in Indianapolis. Taylor shares what it’s like teaching in one of Kentucky’s lowest-income districts, why BOA experiences matter for rural kids, and how marching band shaped their entire career across theater and performance.Then the whole panel dives into a packed NEWS segment featuring:• BOA Grand Nationals Finals breakdown• DCI 2025 schedule• HBCU Band of the Year finalists• 2025 Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Parade bands• 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade lineupChristian takes on the 60-Second Tech Block with “How to Build a Marching Band From the Ground Up.” Taylor unleashes a viral-worthy rant about Broadway-level marching band shows (“I should not have to have a PhD to understand your marching band show, girl!”), and Ricardo drops a scorched-earth message to the Avon haters who have been trashing kids online after BOA Finals.The episode closes with a heartfelt Gush & Go, including:• The Spartans preparing for the Macy’s Parade• Christian’s students getting national love• Ricardo’s district-wide arts expos inspiring the next generation• Kentucky band programs celebrating major milestonesHosts:Ricardo Robinson-Shinall (@ricardorrobinson)Trish O’Shea (@trishdish1002)Guests:Christian Stefanos — Kenai Central High School Band (@akbanddirector)Taylor Greatbatch (@greatbatchofcookies)Presented by: Guard Closet — gear, education & design for the marching arts Peak Group Travel (@peak.group.travel) — group travel done rightIf you’re not listening to On A Water Break… what are you even doing?

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes.It’s BOA Grand Nationals Week, PASIC is happening across the street, and the 2025 marching band season is officially coming to a close. Nicole hangs out with Taylor and Haley to talk favorite shows, end-of-season surprises, band-parent TikTok chaos, and the programs they can’t wait to watch in Indy — all pulled directly from this week’s conversation.Highlights:• Bandtober survival + Grand Nats weekend hype• Boston, Bluecoats, Vanguard, Catawba Ridge, and Texas standouts• Band parent & senior “sign-in / sign-out” TikTok trends• Taylor’s PASIC breakdown (60-Second Tech Block)• Water We Doing?! — AI props & “stop asking what time it is”• Gush & Go — pies, parades, Cincinnati Tradition, and new seasons starting upSponsors:Peak Group Travel — @peak.group.travelGuard Closet — gear, design, education: https://guardcloset.com/Find On A Water Break:Website: https://onawaterbreakpodcast.comLinktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreakBe a Guest: link in bioEmail: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.comSocial: @onawaterbreak

Winter guard takes center stage as Becca Anderson and Stephanie Furniss of Juxtaposition join Jackie Brown, Nicole Younger, and Joey Montes to explore how great design meets athlete care. From musical hooks and color theory to safety, mentorship, and inclusion, this conversation celebrates the art and heart of the activity.✨ OAWB Journey to WGI 2026: Follow our exclusive coverage of Juxtaposition Winter Guard all season for weekly rehearsal updates and design insights as they prepare for WGI Finals.Episode Highlights• Juxta’s design and storytelling approach• Injury prevention and health culture in elite programs• Color psychology and creative decision-making• Mentorship and generational collaboration• Honest discussion on safety for under-18 performers• Feel-good “Gush & Go” wins from the panelNews StoriesChad Smith scholarship • Gladys Wright legacy • WGI DEI programs • Macy’s Parade bands • Vandegrift community responsePanelists: Jackie Brown (@spintronixguard), Nicole Younger (@o2bnpjs), José “Joey” Montes III (@marchingbymontes) Guests: Becca Anderson (@becca.anderson23 | @becca.anderson2397) & Stephanie Furniss (@sfurn4) – @juxtapositionwinterguard Sponsors: Peak Group Travel (@peak.group.travel) | Guard Closet (@guardcloset)Listen Everywhere: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube • Amazon Music • iHeartRadio • onawaterbreakpodcast.com

The Peters Family brings the phrase “family tradition” to the marching arts. Hosts José “Joey” Montes III and Trish O’Shea talk with Craig, Melissa, Lindsay & Ashley Peters about their viral rifle-feature video that united four generations of color-guard experience. From Cavaliers and Guardsmen roots to Colts, Bluecoats, Boston Crusaders, Pride of Cincinnati & Allegiance, this family shows how spinning together keeps them connected on and off the field.Highlights• Family legacy across drum corps generations• Behind the viral Boston Crusaders TikTok• Lindsay Peters’ 60-Second Tech Block on packing for tour• The ethic and energy that keep them teaching and creating• “Water We Doing” rants & “Gush and Go” shout-outsFeaturing Craig Peters (@craigpeters459), Melissa Peters (@melissapeterscg), Lindsay Peters (@lindsayspins31), Ashley Peters (@ashleyspins21) Hosts José “Joey” Montes III (@marchingbymontes) and Trish O’Shea (@trishdish1002) Sponsors Guard Closet | Peak Group Travel📧 onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com  🌐 onawaterbreakpodcast.com  🔗 linktr.ee/onawaterbreak

Before the world knew Latrice Royale from RuPaul’s Drag Race, she was spinning with Alliance of Miami Winter Guard, performing in the legendary Hotel California show and learning what it means to put her heart on the floor.In this special edition of On A Water Break With…, Latrice sits down with Ricardo Robinson-Shinall and Jeremy Williams to share how her marching-arts roots shaped everything that came after — the discipline, the storytelling, and the confidence that fueled her rise as a performer and drag icon.From unforgettable Alliance memories and the hilarious “1900s” moment to finding belonging, artistry, and self-expression through color guard, this conversation celebrates how the activity continues to inspire lives far beyond the gym floor.Latrice also talks about returning to WGI with AMP Winter Guard, connecting with a new generation of performers, and how those early lessons still drive her work on stages around the world.💼 Presented by Guard Closet — Pre-Loved & Custom Marching Arts Gear guardcloset.com | IG @guardcloset👑 Guest Latrice Royale | IG @latriceroyale | latriceroyale.com🎙 Hosts Ricardo Robinson-Shinall – IG @ricardorrobinson Jeremy Williams – Executive Producer, On A Water Break Podcast📢 Find On A Water Break🌐 onawaterbreakpodcast.com🎧 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube📩 onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com📱 IG/FB/TikTok @onawaterbreak

This week, Stephen McCarrick is joined by Neil, Art Grossman, and guest Megan Cooney, Associate Director of Bands & Director of Athletic Bands at Rowan University, to talk about the rapid rise of the Pride of the Profs Marching Band and the realities of surviving Bandtober.🎺 Discover how Rowan’s program expanded from 130 to 180 members in just three years, what it takes to build a college band culture from scratch, and how joy, trust, and community keep musicians coming back through the busiest month of the season.🗞️ NEWS• Wisconsin State Championships – Baldwin-Woodville, Greendale, River Falls & Oak Creek take top honors.• HBCU Red Lobster Band of the Year – Florida A&M’s Marching 100 lands #1.• Minnesota Youth & Music Championships – Rosemont High School wins gold.Plus, big shoutouts to every band wrapping up state finals weekend!💼 Peak Group Travel Tip – @peak.group.travel | Lock in your early-bird fares before finals season hits full stride.⚙️ 60-Second Tech BlockNeil fires up the field with a pep talk on staying motivated — from Halloween rehearsals to senior night celebrations.💦 Water We Doing?!Stephen questions why “bad” college bass lines still exist,Megan vents about practice-room noise complaints,Art calls out Bandtober burnout,and Neil just wants one Saturday for pumpkin patch season.🌟 Gush & GoNeil’s band heads to the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade,Megan’s students earn a 2026 Philly Thanksgiving Parade invite,Stephen performs with the Eagles Drumline Kelly Green Game,and Art celebrates how the marching arts are thriving nationwide.👥 This Week’s PanelStephen McCarrick – @yeah_bass Neil – @neildrums1 Art Grossman – @arthurjuhl Guest Megan Cooney – @prideoftheprofs | Rowan University💧 Find On A Water Break🌐 onawaterbreakpodcast.com🔗 linktr.ee/onawaterbreak📧 onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & more.🏆 Sponsors🥇 Peak Group Travel – @peak.group.travel | peakgrouptravel.com🛍 Guard Closet – @guardcloset | guardcloset.com🎙 A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes.

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts!This week, Whitney Stone, José “Joey” Montes III, Alicia Sharp, and first-time guest Amari Lewis dive into the chaos of Bandtober—from Texas showdowns and rehearsal rules to accountability and drill cleaning that actually works.🎺 In Joey’s 60-Second Tech Block, he explains how to clean drill like a scientist—fix the source, not the symptom. Then the team lets loose in “Water We Doing?!”, calling out three-hour full-ensemble rehearsals, upside-down flag silks, and DCI members who treat the summer like a vacation instead of a responsibility.💖 Finally, everyone takes a deep breath for Gush & Go—celebrating Monterey High’s first marching band in 38 years, Joey’s new BAC 8to5 Horns rep role, and the pure joy of Bandtober season.Guest Spotlight: Amari Lewis, Michigan State University drum major and Mandarins alum, shares his 32-Count Life Story and talks about leadership work with Silent Command and DCI’s Drum Major Leadership Committee.Sponsored by: Guard Closet and Peak Group Travel📧 Want to be on the show? Email us at onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com or fill out the guest form via our Linktree.🌐 Find us at onawaterbreakpodcast.com

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.This week, journalist and award-winning author Sam Quinones (Dreamland, The Least of Us, The Perfect Tuba) joins the OAWB team to explore how the tuba—and the marching band itself—can teach us everything we need to know about purpose, community, and fulfillment.Host Christopher Rutt leads the conversation alongside Nicole Younger and Trish O’Shea, diving into the meaning behind The Perfect Tuba and the resilience of the band world. From addiction recovery to the discipline of rehearsal, Sam shares how musicians, directors, and everyday band kids are quietly shaping stronger communities through focus, collaboration, and hard work.NEWS SEGMENT Lois Rogge, a 58-year-old mellophone player, joins NC State’s Power Sound of the South—proof that it’s never too late to march. The Alabama State Honeybees receive national support after an offensive “Ozempic” comment from a rival announcer. Detroit’s Cody High School brings back its marching band after a 20-year hiatus, celebrating a new era of school pride.Plus, the Peak Group Travel Tip of the Week helps you plan your next performance adventure with ease.WATER WE DOING?!The crew calls out habits that need to go: Nicole: “Stop hiding behind your shako—perform with your face.” Chris: “Directors, pick age-appropriate, culturally sensitive show concepts.” Sam: “Why are bands trying to be football? Remember, it’s about the sound, not the size of your props.”GUSH & GO Sam celebrates his new book, The Perfect Tuba. Chris moves to Virginia and settles into East Coast life. Nicole launches her full-time coordination business. Trish honors her friend Mike Alicourt, remembering his incredible spirit in the marching arts community.LISTEN & CONNECTFind The Perfect Tuba wherever books are sold or visit samquinones.com.Follow the full OAWB crew:@spintronixguard | @o2bnpjs | @trishdish1002 | @onawaterbreakGot a question or story idea?Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.comDM us or fill out our guest form—link in bio.SPONSORSBrought to you by Peak Group Travel (@peak.group.travel), helping you navigate your next adventure, whether it’s across the country or your next competition.And supported by Guard Closet (@guardcloset), your one-stop shop for gear, consignment, and design.Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your favorite band friend.We’ll see you next rehearsal—On A Water Break.