On A Water Break

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.This week on On A Water Break, main host Bobbey Biddle is joined by Hayley Harrington and Joseph Simons (Jo) for a Weekly episode packed with marching arts headlines, WGI updates, drum corps news, and a thoughtful conversation about AI in the arts.Jo opens with his 32 Count Life Story and shares his path through UCF Pegasus World (2018–2022), Carolina Crown (2021), Mirage (2025), and Tampa Independent World (2026), along with teaching experience at Gaither High School and Bloomingdale High School.In this episode: Homewood Patriot Marching Band becomes the first American marching band invited to perform in Corso Zundert, the world’s largest flower parade A story of inspiration featuring Sarah Ferguson 2026 WGI Virtual Solo ratings for color guard, percussion, and winds Darcie Aungst is announced as part of the 2026 WGI Hall of Fame class The panel reflects on March Fourth and the impact of the marching arts DCI’s 2026 livestream schedule begins with Drums Along the Rockies on June 2760-Second Tech Block:Jo talks about breathing, breathwork, and how it supports movement, stamina, performance quality, and storytelling.Water We Doing?!Why are we not bringing more guest clinicians into rehearsals? Why are people using AI in the production, promotion, and creation of marching arts programs? And why are artists criticizing other art forms?Gush & Go:Hayley gushes about concert festival season, a guest clinician visit, and Cincinnati Tradition. Jo shares excitement about Tampa Independent World and the energy of the season. Bobbey gushes about teaching, Philly Pride, and sunnier days ahead in Philadelphia.Panel:Bobbey Biddle — @bobbey107Hayley Harrington — @h_harrington14Joseph Simons (Jo) — @josephroman_Sponsors:Guard Closet — guardcloset.comPeak Group Travel — peakgrouptravel.comStory Links:Homewood Patriot BandCorso Zundert / Homewood announcement coverageWGI 2026 Virtual Solo Color Guard RatingsWGI 2026 Hall of Fame RecipientsDCI Drums Along the Rockies 2026Find On A Water Break:WebsiteYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsLinktree

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.In this At Step Off bonus episode of On A Water Break, Jack Goudreau talks with Paula Braiden about the world of Scottish and Northern Irish drum major competition — from adjudication and flourish design to dress inspection, musicality, leadership, and the international performance work of The Force.Paula shares how a family tradition led her into the activity, what judges are really looking for, why presentation matters, and how drum majoring builds confidence, discipline, and leadership far beyond the competition circle.In this episode: What Scottish drum major competition looks like How drum majors are judged in Scotland and Northern Ireland Why uniform, dress, and detail matter in scoring How flourish routines balance simplicity and effect Paula’s competition memories and teaching philosophy What The Force is and where it performs Why drum majoring teaches leadership from the frontGuest: Paula BraidenHost: Jack GoudreauFeatured quote:“The leadership of the drum major is essential.”Find On A Water Break:Website: https://www.onawaterbreak.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreakSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wgaml1T115IsvvZd0XheTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-a-water-break/id1653637341YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreakPodcastFind The Force:Website: https://theforce.events/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforce.events/Follow:OAWB: @onawaterbreakJack Goudreau: @goudreau_The Force: @theforce.events

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.This week on On A Water Break, Nicole Younger is joined by Dalton Stout, Grantis Peranda, Amari Lewis, and featured guest Chris Green for a Weekly episode packed with DCI ticket news, WGI Hall of Fame recognition, indoor season reality checks, and one of the most memorable behind-the-scenes stories of the season.Chris Green joins the show representing Virtual Assistant Director and Fruhauf Uniforms, where he shares new announcements from Fruhauf including the streamlined Gen5 uniform line and new Hyper Performance tops and bibs for marching band. He also announces that the popular Virtual Assistant Director live conversations will begin crossing over with On A Water Break, opening the door for more shared conversations, casual industry chats, and cross-promotion across the marching arts community. This episode also covers new 2026 DCI ticket releases, the move of Open Class Championships to Dayton, WGI’s Hall of Fame honor for Darcie Aungst, Jackson State’s Sonic Boom being featured in the Michael campaign, and the African American Legacy Corps’ push toward 2027. Plus: Water We Doing?! takes on audience etiquette, helping indoor groups, and why some people still need to read Twirl.Panel this week:Nicole YoungerDalton StoutGrantis PerandaAmari LewisFeatured Guest: Chris GreenFeatured guest:Chris Green – @virtualassistantdirector & @fruhaufuniformsFeatured links:Virtual Assistant Director: https://virtualassistantdirector.comFruhauf Uniforms: https://fruhauf.comStory links:https://www.dci.org/news/new-2026-dci-tour-event-tickets-on-sale-soonhttps://www.dci.org/news/open-class-world-championship-to-relocate-to-daytons-welcome-stadiumhttps://www.wgi.org/26hof-darcieaungst/https://www.wlbt.com/2026/02/27/jsus-sonic-boom-promotes-release-michael-jackson-biopic/https://www.dci.org/news/african-american-legacy-corps-sets-sights-on-2027-world-championship-appearanceListen to more:https://www.onawaterbreak.comhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL600p0k2IuT4vhEIgopl8XDO-pU3YOR77https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL600p0k2IuT5c48Q_cvR1ATvbaQ1QGcN4https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL600p0k2IuT408fWr_3N-lt6eq7MkWwnLSend us your topics:onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.This week on On A Water Break, Whitney Stone, Sadie Wallace, and Jeremy Svoboda (Drum Corps Today) break down major marching arts updates—plus a Water We Doing?! debate that belongs on a medal podium: should color guard be an Olympic sport?PanelWhitney Stone — Instagram (@dancerwhit)Sadie Wallace — Instagram (@m.sadiewallace)Jeremy Svoboda (Drum Corps Today) — Instagram (@drumcorpstoday)Links mentionedWGI Terrace Suites (UD Arena): https://www.wgi.org/suiteexperience/Disney Boo To You Parade Flag Corps info (audition listing coverage): https://blogmickey.com/2026/02/popular-entertainment-returning-for-2026-mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party-confirmed/Guard Closet Shout-OutFollow @guardcloset for gear tips and season-ready essentials.Follow OAWBInstagram •TikTok •YouTube00:03 Marching Arts News00:04 DCI x Conn-Selmer00:06 WGI Terrace Suites (UD Arena)00:09 Disney Flag Corps Auditions00:11 60-Second Tech Block00:17 Water We Doing?!00:18 Guard in the Olympics?00:22 Camp Info Posted Late00:26 Audience Etiquette Reset00:31 Gush & Go00:37 Outro + Follow

WGI 2026 + DCI 2026 updates for marching arts fans: open drum corps positions, WGI Silent Auction dates, and a community music story from Minneapolis.Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.WGI season is coming fast — and the calendar is moving even faster than it feels. In this Water Break Weekly, Stephen McCarrick, Anne Turner, and Jeremy Denzer break down the biggest marching arts headlines you actually need right now: DCI’s “March Drum Corps” list of open 2026 positions, the official dates for the WGI Sponsor Silent Auction, and a feature on Brass Solidarity in Minneapolis that highlights how music can hold community together.If you’re in color guard, indoor percussion, marching band, or drum corps (or you staff, judge, teach, or parent your way through the activity), this episode is a practical check-in for the stretch run toward Dayton: what’s happening, where to click, and what it means for performers and programs.What this episode answers:Where can I find open drum corps positions for 2026 auditions right now?What is the “March Drum Corps” initiative and who is it meant to help?When is the 2026 WGI Sponsor Silent Auction (Mar 23–27) and where do I view the items?Why does WGI season feel compressed this year — and how are people adjusting?What does “taking a break” look like when the schedule never stops?How do you keep a show concept clear without writing a whole thesis?Topics we hit (fast + searchable):WGI 2026 timing + regional momentumDrum corps recruiting + open positions for the 2026 summer seasonWGI fundraising + sponsor support (silent auction)Performing arts community support + music in public spacesShow design clarity: concept depth vs. audience connectionStaff life + mental reset when “there’s always one more thing”Featured links (from the show):DCI — March Drum Corps open positions (Feb 11, 2026):https://www.dci.org/news/annual-march-drum-corps-initiative-highlights-open-positions-in-corps-across-the-country-2026/WGI — 2026 Sponsor Silent Auction items + dates (Mar 23–27, 2026):https://www.wgi.org/26silentauctionitems/Brass Solidarity in Minneapolis (Guardian feature, Feb 14, 2026):https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/14/minneapolis-brass-solidarity-band-iceQuote moments (from the episode):“I think that we’re just through the first two weeks of regionals and WGI is only six weeks away.” — Jeremy Denzer“What are we doing? Not taking a break for ourselves.” — Jeremy Denzer“If you need to write a five page essay to tell me what your show is about, it’s too deep.” — Jeremy DenzerFeaturing:Stephen McCarrick — @stephenmccarrick / @yeah_bassAnne Turner — @Anne.saberJeremy Denzer — @jeremydenzerSponsor / support:Guard Closet — @guardclosetFind On A Water Break:Website: https://www.onawaterbreak.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreakYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreakPodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wgaml1T115IsvvZd0XheTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-a-water-break/id1653637341Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.comEnjoying the show? Follow/subscribe, share this episode with your guard/percussion/band group chat, and leave a rating — it helps more marching arts people find us.Search terms:marching arts, winter guard international, WGI 2026, WGI season, WGI percussion, WGI color guard, indoor percussion, color guard, Dayton Ohio, drum corps, DCI 2026, Drum Corps International, drum corps auditions, open drum corps positions, marching band, pageantry arts, show design, band staff, judging, teaching, performing arts community

Marching band, drum corps, and DCI history—this Black History Month bonus is a “cookout-style” conversation about the African American Legacy Corps and the history it’s honoring.Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.Featuring:Ricardo Robinson-ShinallNicole YoungerErrick Prince (@talldarkandfrozen)Tony Lymon (@tony_lymon)Wayne HarrisHighlights:• Wayne Harris’ history focus on Black drum corps roots and how the activity shifted over time• The “why” behind African American Legacy Corps and how the team talks about purpose and participation• Water We Doing + Gush & Go to wrap with real talk and shoutoutsMore info:Instagram: @africanamericanlegacycorps  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1136665747980471/DCI announcement: https://www.dci.org/news/african-american-legacy-corps-sets-sights-on-2027-world-championship-appearance/  Contact Wayne Harris: https://www.wayneharris.net/  Find On A Water Break:https://www.onawaterbreak.com/https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreakPodcastonawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.comGuest Form: https://form.jotform.com/253235189587065

College baton twirling, WGI updates, and routine advice you can use this week.Ashlee, Woody, Haley, and April (college twirling focus) cover this week's marching arts headlines — including the Broward/WGI situation — then go deep on how twirlers can keep improving in college: where to practice, how to break down reps, and how to avoid burnout from too many routines.In this episode, you'll get: How to find practice space in college (band rooms, gyms, parking garages, local businesses) A step-by-step approach to cleaning routines: break it down, rep it smart, build consistency A twirling-focused burnout conversation: too many routines, injury risk, and losing the joy The Broward/WGI update and why it mattered mid-season A judging feedback rant that applies across twirling, guard, and percussionTranscript quotes:"The biggest piece of advice I have is make best friends with the wreck or different areas on campus that you can go and drill with.""Then when it comes to perfecting your routines, break it down. Take your time... Don't overwhelm yourself."Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterbreakNews links:Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremonyhttps://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/ceremonies/the-olympic-opening-ceremonyH. Robert Reynolds Obituary (University of Michigan)https://record.umich.edu/articles/obituary-h-robert-reynolds/SC State Marching 101 on Super Bowl Soulful Celebration (MEAC)https://meacsports.com/news/2026/2/3/football-scsu-represented-at-bets-super-bowl-soulful-celebration-hosted-by-cam-newton.aspxBroward/WGI dispute coverage (Local10)https://www.local10.com/news/local/2026/02/02/future-of-color-guard-programs-at-broward-schools-in-jeopardy/Broward/WGI resolution update (Change.org update page)https://www.change.org/p/broward-county-schools-at-risk-of-being-excluded-from-wgi-events/u/34288952Legacy HS marching band film promo (Review-Journal)https://neon.reviewjournal.com/music/rock-star-legacy-high-marching-band-join-to-promote-upcoming-film-3329173/Find On A Water Break:Websitehttps://www.onawaterbreak.comLinktreehttps://linktr.ee/onawaterbreakSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0wgaml1T115IsvvZd0XheTApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-a-water-break/id1653637341Emailonawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com

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?