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This week, we’re taking a break with two powerhouse performers who are redefining what it means to be visible — both on the floor and online. Hosts Jackie Brown and Nicole Younger sit down with Piper Click (University of Alabama, Alta Marea, Blue Devils) and Max Marr (Fantasia, Blue Devils) to talk about performing at the highest level while managing a growing social media presence during the competitive season.
In this episode, Piper and Max share their 32 Count Life Stories, give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to balance school, rehearsal, and content creation, and reflect on how visibility, legacy, and pressure shape their experience as young leaders in the marching arts.
🎧 Hosted by: Jackie Brown (@spintronixguard) & Nicole Younger (@nicoleyoungercreative)
🎤 Guests:
• Piper Click – @piper.k.click / @piper.spins
• Max Marr – @maxspin.s💬 In This Episode
• 32 Count Life Stories from Max & Piper
• Being recognized at Dayton & UD Arena
• The realities of rehearsal schedules, travel, and vlogging
• “Color guard influencers” and what visibility really means
• How they deal with social media pressure and performance anxiety
• The biggest misconceptions people have about them
• Their most surprising (and weirdest!) DM stories
• What Are We Doing? (Max and Piper sound off on white ceilings & timeline chaos)
• Gush & Go: The future of Alta Marea, Blue Devils, and show reveal season joy!💡 Quote of the Week
"I just wanted to make sure I kept myself on track… and it turned into this big thing." – Max Marr📲 Want to be on the show?
Submit a guest form: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9
Have a topic idea or shout-out? Email us at: [email protected]📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreak🔗 Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & more:
@onawaterbreakSponsored by:
🌍 Peak Group Travel – Group trips made easy. https://www.peakgroup.travel | @peakgrouptravel
👕 Guard Closet – Gear up with the best in the activity. https://www.guardcloset.com | @guardcloset -
On this episode of On A Water Break we tackle a powerful and often unspoken issue in the activity: body shaming.
Host Nicole Younger (@o2binpjs) is joined by co-hosts Alicia Sharp (@aliciaoninsta2) and Whitney Stone (@dancerwhit), alongside guest clinicians Carlos Herrera (@hellocarlosxd) and Erik Longey (@itsspelledwithak), for an emotional and honest discussion on body image, staff expectations, and how size discrimination shows up in the marching arts.
From traumatic uniform fittings and audition comments to the struggle of masking and the impact of a single sentence, each guest shares personal stories and reflects on how we can all do better as educators, performers, and leaders. They also spotlight organizations offering real support, like Melanin Mosaic, the WGI Participant Protection system, and RISE (Resource for Instruction, Safety & Education).
👥 Hosts & GuestsHost: Nicole Younger – @o2binpjs
💬 In This Episode: “You spin beautifully… but you’ll need to lose 50 pounds.” The emotional toll of staff comments and audition feedback What it means to feel safe and seen in uniform Creating an inclusive teaching environment How to advocate for yourself (and others) How to file a concern with WGI Where to turn for mental health support Rewriting the expectations of body, ability, and performance
Co-Hosts: Alicia Sharp – @aliciaoninsta2 | Whitney Stone – @dancerwhit
Guest Clinicians: Carlos Herrera – @hellocarlosxd | Erik Longey – @itsspelledwithakQUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“You’re not going to perform at your best if you don’t feel good in your costume.” — Whitney Stone🎧 Listen anywhere you get your podcasts
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube
📲 Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: @onawaterbreak
📬 Email us: [email protected]
🎤 Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9Sponsored by:
Guard Closet – https://guardcloset.com | IG: @guardcloset
Peak Group Travel – https://peakgrouptravel.com | IG: @peakgrouptravelHashtags:
#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingArts #ColorGuard #BodyPositivity #SizeInclusion #GuardLife #WGI #TeachingWithCompassion #MelaninMosaic #RISEGroup -
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We’re back and LIVE again on YouTube with hosts Trish O’Shea (@trishdish1002), Jackie Brown (@spintronixguard), Jose Montes III (@marchingbymontes), and Joey Montes — joined this week by winter guard judge and educator Ashley D’Amore and our favorite sideline perspective, Sharon Boyd (@therealbandmom).
SEGMENT 1: THE SIDELINES & BONUS EPISODE PREVIEWSWe kick things off with a quick welcome and look ahead at what’s coming up:
An international episode featuring the Color Guard Alliance of the Philippines A candid chat with Brandy Keeton (University of Alabama & Alta Marea) A WGI engagement recap with the couple from Tampa Independent A summer preview with siblings Piper & Avery Click heading to Blue Devils Alicia’s deep dive into body size and space in the marching artsSEGMENT 2: MARCHING ARTS NEWS
Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps sparks controversy with a $1700 “Field Set Crew” post targeting 18–22-year-olds. The backlash was immediate — and now they’re “reevaluating.” Sharon (The Band Mom) gives her honest thoughts. Jackie reports on Avon Band Director Jay Webb’s appearance in Travis Scott’s Coachella show Spartans announce their 2025 show “Mistica” but face heat for using AI-generated art before quietly swapping it out Michigan’s Reeths-Puffer HS Band is the focus of a new documentary WGI launches BEAM: a real-time performance feedback platform Ultimate Drill Book rolls out the “Listening Zones” feature to help students better understand ensemble timing Peak Group Travel shares their weekly travel tipSEGMENT 3: 60-SECOND TECH BLOCK / WATER WE DOING / GUSH AND GOAshley D’Amore delivers a 60-Second Tech Block on Dynamic Efforts & Qualities — and the crew reacts in real time. In this week’s “Water We Doing?” segment:
Sharon asks why indoor winds still don’t get as much attention Ashley begs groups to practice getting on and off the floor to avoid last-second chaos Trish wants drum corps to stop waiting until mid-season to announce their show themes Jose shares frustrations as a drill writer being asked for August-ready material in AprilWe wrap with “Gush and Go”:
Jackie’s middle school mini guard is ready for their big debut Ashley shares her summer spinning with her 2-year-old to Chapel Roan Sharon celebrates her son graduating with a music ed degree and aging out with the Blue Devils Jose has a few open choreography spots and is finally relaxing after WGIWant to be a guest on the pod? Fill out the form at the link in our bio or email us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to follow us @onawaterbreak, leave a review, and share the show.
We’ll see you at the next rehearsal — On A Water Break.
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This week, Nicole (@o2bnpjs) is joined by Whitney (@dancerwhit) and Alicia (@aliciaoninsta2) for an episode packed with big announcements, fresh perspectives, and two exciting new voices joining the sidelines!
We’re thrilled to welcome guest clinicians Carlos Herrera (@hellocarlosxd) and Erik Longey (@itsspelledwithak) to the podcast! They each share their 32 Count Life Stories — from band kid beginnings to taking leadership roles in the marching arts.
🎧 After the break, Carlos delivers an insightful 60-Second Tech Block on preventing performer burnout — and opens up a bigger conversation about how we can better support all performers, not just competitors.
In Water We Doing, the team tackles:
Why costumes without matching shorts are a movement hazard Why glasses on the floor are a bigger problem than you think Why appreciation needs to happen throughout the season, not just at the end Why it’s still so hard to find archives of Winter Guard performancesFinally, we wrap up with Gush and Go, where we celebrate: 🎓 Carlos graduating with honors
💼 Whitney starting her next adventure (and her Canva skills!)
🙌 Erik’s incredible experience on staff with JuxtapositionIf you’re reflecting on the season or looking ahead to summer, this episode is packed with heart, humor, and inspiration.
HOSTS:
🎙️ Nicole Younger – @o2bnpjs
🎙️ Alicia Sharp – @aliciaoninsta2
🎙️ Whitney Stone – @dancerwhitGUEST CLINICIANS:
👤 Carlos Herrera – @hellocarlosxd
👤 Erik Longey – @itsspelledwithak🎧 Listen anywhere you get your podcasts
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: On A Water Break Channel
📬 Email us: [email protected]
📣 Want to be a guest? Apply here
📲 Follow: @onawaterbreakSponsored by:
💙 Guard Closet | IG: @guardcloset
🌍 Peak Group Travel | IG: @peakgrouptravel#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingWeekly #MarchingArts #Winterguard #ColorGuard #DCI #MarchingBand #Podcast #GuardCloset #PeakGroupTravel
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This week, On A Water Break: Around the World takes us to the Philippines, where host Grantis Peranda sits down with percussionist, educator, and visionary leader Patricia Real Barairo, founder of the Color Guard Alliance of the Philippines (CGAP).
Patricia shares her journey from her early days in Quezon City’s drum & lyre scene to building a nationwide network of performers, directors, and choreographers that are redefining what color guard looks like in Southeast Asia.
Host: Grantis Peranda (@grantisimo_p)
Guest: Patricia Real Barairo (@colorguardphilippines)
In this episode:
– what drum & lyre means in the Philippines
– how Patricia transitioned from percussion to pageantry
– founding CGAP and performing at WGI Asia
– traveling across 7,000 islands for competitions
– the rise of Camp Spin, Spin Fest, and color guard battles
– launching WMBO: the World Marching Band Organization
– how color guard is becoming part of Filipino festivals, TV, and weddingsCGAP turns 10 in 2025, and Patricia has big plans: concerts, workshops, competitions, an equipment expo, and international appearances in Thailand, Malaysia, and beyond.
💬 “Marching band is part of every celebration in the Philippines — even funerals. It’s tradition, it’s culture, it’s life.” – Patricia Real Barairo
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📲 follow our guest:
@colorguardphilippines on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook📲 follow our host:
@grantisimo_p | grantisimoproductions.com🎧 subscribe to on a water break on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEIZAjFybvq_AzpFUXvNJDQ
or listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts🔗 want to be a guest?
https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9—
✨ this episode is sponsored by:
Guard Closet – guardcloset.com | @guardcloset
Peak Group Travel – peakgrouptravel.com | @peakgrouptravel—
#onawaterbreak #colorguardphilippines #CGAP #WGIAsia #WMBO #marchingarts #drumandlyre #campspin #spinfest #globalguard #filipinopride #aroundtheworld
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🎙️ ON A WATER BREAK WITH... BRANDY KEETON
Hosted by Jackie Brown and Stephanie ClickThis week, we’re heading to Tuscaloosa for a bonus episode featuring the powerhouse behind the University of Alabama Color Guard and Alta Marea—Brandy Keeton! From her early days as a shy baton twirler in Athens, Alabama, to leading one of the most visible and successful collegiate color guard programs in the country, Brandy’s story is full of heart, hustle, and high tide energy.
Join hosts Jackie Brown @spintronixguard and Stephanie Click @stephanieclick as they sit down with Brandy for her 32 Count Life Story, and unpack her journey from Crimsonette to co-director of a WGI medalist program. In this episode, we dive into:
How Brandy balances SEC football, high school teaching, and directing a world-class winter guard The unique structure of Alta Marea—all members are Million Dollar Band students! What it’s like to juggle fall football performances on ESPN and prepare for WGI World Class debut in the same season University support for the guard—including athletic trainers and realistic fees How Alta Marea evolved from a fall training tool into a full-fledged competitive program✨ In our Water We Doing segment, Brandy calls out the chaos of the UD Arena rain plan and shares the now-iconic “ShamWow moment” backstage in Dayton.
💖 And in Gush and Go, she celebrates Alta Marea’s incredible 2025 season and drops big news: record-breaking audition numbers and early plans for 2026!💬 Want to be on the show?
Email us at: [email protected]
OR fill out our guest interest form here: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9📲 Follow Brandy and Her Teams:
TikTok: @theblondebobshell
Instagram: @altamarea_cg | @milliondollarband
Facebook: Alta Marea Winterguard | Million Dollar Band Color Guard🎧 Follow & Subscribe:
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook: @OnAWaterBreak
YouTube: On A Water Break
Listen anywhere you get your podcasts!🧳 Sponsored by:
Peak Group Travel
Website: https://peakgrouptravel.com
Instagram: @peakgrouptravelGuard Closet
Website: https://guardcloset.com
Instagram: @guardcloset -
On this jam-packed On A Water Break episode, host Stephen McCarrick is joined live by Matt Walters (@surfingdrums), Austin Hall (@austin_hall10), Woody Woodward (@remoking100), Joey Montes (@marchingbymontes), and first-time guest Daniel Balls (@balls_boy) to break down all the action from WGI Championships 2025.
💥 From record-breaking scores to viral horse props, this live panel covers it all:
🧾 What’s inside this week’s episode:
🎉 Recaps of every finals class: PIW, PIO, PIA, Scholastic World, Open, and A
🥁 Joey's tabla prodigy & ICT’s surprise debut
🥇 George Mason’s fan favorite moment — and controversial video snub
🚨 Ayala & RCC setting new world records
🎭 Deep talk on effect, show design, and letting go of “I didn’t get the show”
🧠 60 Second Tech Block – Joey delivers the “3 C’s of Champ Week” like a pro
🧐 Water We Doing? – Crooked floors, cold lot setups, and missed applause
💖 Gush and Go – Shoutouts to students, staff, wins culture, bass drum culture, and a reminder: We’re all in this togetherPlus:
How a group literally brought horses to WGI Why Veritas and George Mason raised the bar Woody reveals his students found out he’s on the podcast 👀 Joey takes on too many groups (again) Austin dreams of Winds getting its own weekend Matt gushes about bassline love and SoCal Base Camp Daniel reflects on member growth and family vibes at North Star🎧 Whether you watched it live or are tuning in after the fact, this is the ultimate wrap-up of WGI 2025 Percussion & Winds.
—
📣 Want to be a guest on the show? Fill out the form:
👉 https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9📺 Watch episodes & live streams on our YouTube Channel
📸 Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Threads → @OnAWaterBreak
🛍 Sponsored by: Guard Closet | @guardcloset
🚌 Powered by: Peak Group Travel | @peakgrouptravel
🎙️ Listen to all episodes: https://onawaterbreak.buzzsprout.com—
🔎 TAGS
#OnAWaterBreak #WGI2025 #PercussionRecap #WindsRecap #PIW #WGIWorldClass #WaterWeDoing #GushAndGo #60SecondTechBlock #GeorgeMason #Ayala #BrokenCity #RhythmX #WGIResults #MarchingArtsPodcast #DrumlineCulture #BasslineLove #SoCalBaseCamp #GuardCloset #PeakGroupTravel #WGIWins #WGI2025Recap #IndependentWorld #ScholasticWorld -
🎙️ QUICK SIP: A WGI Love Story — The Tampa Independent Proposal 💍
We’re kicking off our Quick Sip bonus series with a love story straight from retreat! Ricardo sits down with Tampa Independent’s very own Madison Nelson (@maddylynn22) and John Shirella (@drummerboymercy), whose surprise proposal at WGI Finals had the crowd (and their teammates) cheering and crying all at once. 💍💙
From their 32 Count Life Stories to their first days teaching at River Ridge High School, this episode spills all the tea — including how the whole thing went down, the behind-the-scenes nerves, and how press-on nails almost became the real emergency. 😂
We also chat about what it’s like being in a relationship where pageantry always comes first, why it actually works, and how they balance rehearsals, performances, and life together.
✨ Then we dive into Water We Doing?, where Maddie comes in hot about VE shoes that don’t let you point your feet (jazz shoe nation rise up), and John’s ready to cancel those booming metronome speakers in the lot. And yes, Ricardo might finally be convinced to stop complaining about percussion people in the lot… maybe.
💖 Finally, they wrap things up with a Gush and Go that celebrates the next chapter in their lives — together.
📲 Want to be on the podcast or have a Quick Sip-worthy story? Hit the form in our bio or DM us!
🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube and follow us @OnAWaterBreak.
💧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. And we’ll see you… on a water break -
We’re wrapping up the WGI 2025 Color Guard season with three incredible returning guests who just took the floor by storm in Dayton:
🌟 Jacob Allison – performer with crowd-favorite AMP Winter Guard, who brought the club vibes all season long and left their mark as one of the most entertaining fan-favorite shows of the year.
🌟 Colby Tapp – from Etude Winter Guard, sharing insight into their emotionally moving production Wild Geese and what it felt like to fully settle into his second season in World Class.
🌟 Andrew SeeBaran – gold medalist with Pride of Cincinnati, reflecting on their stunning, intimate floor design and what it meant to lead such a deeply connected cast.🏆 Hear how each of them tackled personal performance goals, navigated the emotional high of WGI Finals, and what advice they have for aspiring World Class performers. We dig into performance anxiety, disco ball mishaps, UD Arena goose sightings, and the power of trust, timing, and teamwork.
🎧 Plus:
• Why Etude’s poetic staging made such an impact
• The hidden storyline behind AMP’s nightlife-themed journey
• How Pride’s 65x65 circle pushed boundaries and forced focus
• The emotional toll (and ibuprofen count) of being a seasoned vet
• Why we need a Fan Favorite Award back – officially
• Who’s retiring, who’s still hungry, and what they all wish they knew before starting🎤 HOSTED BY:
Nicole Younger (@thatsingerguardgirl)
Alicia Sharp (@aliciasharptoo)
Trish O’Shea (@trishoshea.design)👑 GUEST PERFORMERS:
Jacob Allison (@jacoballizon97) – AMP Winter Guard (@ampwinterguard)
Andrew SeeBaran (@iandrewmark) – Pride of Cincinnati (@prideofcincinnati)
Colby Tapp (@c0lbytapp) – Etude Winter Guard (@etudewinterguard)📸 Don’t forget to check out all the content from WGI 2025 on our Instagram @onawaterbreak and subscribe to the YouTube channel for even more behind-the-scenes and bonus footage:
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onawaterbreak
🌐 Website: https://www.guardcloset.com/on-a-water-break
📧 Want to be on the podcast? Fill out the guest form in our link in bio or email us at [email protected]💬 TAGS:
#OnAWaterBreak #WGI2025 #ColorGuard #WinterGuard #Etude #AMPWinterGuard #PrideOfCincinnati #WGIWorldClass #GuardLife #MarchingArts #FanFavorite #SpillTheTea #WGIRecap #UDArena #ColorGuardGoals #MarchingArtsPodcast -
🔥 This week on On A Water Break, we’re LIVE from the 2025 WGI World Championships floor with your recap dream team: Ricardo, Trish, Whitney, Dylan Watson, and Bryan Ayala!
💬 Segment 1:We break down the highlights from an unforgettable WGI weekend — rain, props, floor drama, tears, and triumphs! From scheduling madness to weather woes, we cover the real behind-the-scenes of Dayton. Plus, we celebrate the 2025 DCI Hall of Fame inductees: Jim Moore, Matt Harloff, and Jack Bevins.
🥇 Segment 2:We’re dishing out the medals and celebrating top-tier performances! Huge congrats to:
The Woodlands HS (Scholastic World Gold, 98.000) — first Texas gold in SW! Pride of Cincinnati (Independent World Gold, 94.900) Little Elm HS (Scholastic Open Gold, 98.400) Third Legend (Independent Open Gold, 96.900) Pope HS (Scholastic A Gold, 96.555) Homage Independent (Independent A Gold, 95.985)Texas DOMINATED in all classes — with six SA and six SO guards in finals and three Scholastic medals coming home to the Lone Star State!
🛠️ Segment 3: 60 Second Tech BlockDylan Watson breaks down how to nail multiple three-turns in one show. It’s technical gold — you’ll want to replay it again and again!
😤 What Are We Doing?!
Trish calls out copy-paste scoring from Power Regionals to finals. Whitney blasts WGI proposal culture at retreat (it's giving Phoebe from Friends). Dylan questions post-show photos (makeup meltdown edition). Ricardo demands tents for rain logistics and questions A Class burnout with 2-shows-a-day finals format. Bryan asks WGI to up the wristband allotments for staff — can we get a little more help?🎉 Gush & Go:
The clipping trend is here and it's adorable. Texas celebrates a true glow-up year. Dylan gets personal about his choreography growth and starting year 3 at ASU. Bryan shows love to all the first-time finalists and the amazing young directors. Ricardo gushes over the power of WGI fellowship, The Cookout, and community.🎧 Guests: Dylan M. Watson @that_dude_dylan18, Bryan Ayala @itsbadluckbryan / @ehsfriscocolorguards
🎧 Catch the full episode now and celebrate the season with us!
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEIZAjFybvq_AzpFUXvNJDQ
🌐 Brought to you by our sponsors:
Guard Closet — https://guardcloset.com | IG: @guardcloset
Peak Group Travel — https://www.peakgrouptravel.com | IG: @peakgrouptravel📩 Want to be a guest? DM us or submit at the link in bio!
💌 Email: [email protected]
📲 Follow us everywhere: @onawaterbreak#WGI2025 #ColorGuard #MarchingArts #OnAWaterBreak #PrideOfCincinnati #TheWoodlandsHS #LittleElmHS #TexasGuards #TechBlock #PageantryLife #WGIRecap #GuardLife
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This week’s On A Water Break is coming to you LIVE for the first time ever! 🎉 Hosted by Jackie, Steven, and Nicole, this episode is packed with spontaneous moments, major marching arts news, heartfelt reflections, and all the chaos you expect from a live stream.
💬 What’s Inside:
Nicole takes over the 60-Second Tech Block with a passionate pitch on Why You Should Go to The Cookout – a must-attend, inclusive WGI-week event Jackie shares a moving story about the Yukon Band’s fundraiser to support a neighboring school after a devastating fire (News 9 Oklahoma) Nicole follows up on our recent reporting with an update on the Palisades Charter High School Band returning to performance after California wildfires (Spectrum News) Stephen announces the newest WGI Hall of Fame Inductees for 2025 (WGI.org) Nicole brings us national coverage of a sweet surprise moment for a North Carolina high school band (ABC News/GMA) Upcoming appearances and live recaps from the Show Day booth at WGI Exciting info about The Cookout: Join us Saturday between Open and World Finals from 3–5 PM at Paw Paw Pavilion — $10 donation ($5 per performer if you're bringing your whole group), live music, scholarship awards, and community vibes! @thecookoutcg🌎 Organizations & Partners Featured:
@gonzako.projects @melaninmosaic @grantisimo_p @guardcloset – guardcloset.com @peakgrouptravel – peakgrouptravel.com @pflagdayton @miamivalleymeals📣 Want to be a guest? Submit your story through our Link in Bio or email us at [email protected].
📲 Follow us @onawaterbreak for behind-the-scenes fun, bonus content, and livestream alerts.
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Keep coming back each week for more laughs, lessons, and love from the On A Water Break crew.
🎯 #marchingband #drumcorps #colorguard #wgi #dci #marchingarts #winterguard #bandlife #gushandgo #waterwedoing #onawaterbreak #livepodcast #guardcloset #thecookout #wginationals #marchingartsnews
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In this special bonus episode, Stephen McCarrick and Anne Turner sit down with Julie Davila, renowned percussion educator, composer, adjudicator, and newly appointed Judge Administrator for Drum Corps International (DCI). Julie shares her remarkable journey through the marching arts, from her early passion for percussion and transformative years at the University of North Texas to her extensive adjudicating career in both DCI and WGI.
✨ Highlights from this Episode:
Julie's "32-Count Life Story": From her roots as a young drummer and water sports enthusiast to becoming a respected leader and advocate for women in percussion. Deep Dive into Arranging and Composition: Julie discusses her powerful piece, "Faith and Fortitude," inspired by personal experiences and resilience through her daughter’s medical challenges. Judging Insights: Julie provides an insider look at what defines a successful front ensemble, balancing innovation with tradition, and her experience across multiple judging captions. New Role at DCI: Julie shares her excitement about becoming the Judge Administrator for DCI, her goals for supporting diversity in adjudication, and nurturing future talent. "Water We Doing?": Julie, Stephen, and Anne address the pitfalls of comparing scores across competitions and advocate for a stronger musical foundation in young ensembles. "Gush and Go": Celebrating recent accomplishments, exciting future plans, and the continuous growth of women leaders in the marching arts.🔗 Featured Organizations & Links:
Drum Corps International: https://www.dci.org WGI: https://www.wgi.org University of North Texas Percussion: https://percussion.music.unt.edu Roloff Productions: https://www.roloff.com🌟 Connect with Julie Davila:
Instagram: @sisterjules9397 Facebook: Julie Sutton Davila📲 Stay Connected:
Follow "On A Water Break" on Social Media: @onawaterbreak Questions or episode suggestions? Email us at [email protected]🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, review, and share! Stay tuned to "On A Water Break" for more insightful conversations, innovative ideas, and exclusive content from the marching arts community!
#MarchingArts #DrumCorps #DCI #WGI #Percussion #JulieDavila #MusicEducation #BandLife #Colorguard #IndoorPercussion #Podcast #OnAWaterBreak
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Join us this week on On A Water Break as we wrap up Women's History Month with an incredible panel of talented women from the marching arts! Hosts Stephen McCarrick, Trish O'Shea, Cynthia Bernard, Beth Beccone, and Anne Turner lead a dynamic conversation filled with insightful tips, exciting news, and passionate discussions.
Episode Highlights: Beth Beccone from Peak Group Travel announces an exciting new podcast sponsorship and shares essential travel tips for ensembles. In our 60 Second Tech Block, Beth tackles bus travel logistics, crucial for smooth touring experiences. Spirit of Atlanta Alumni Corps celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special performance at DCI semifinals. spiritdrumcorps.org Big Parade News for July 4th 2026 - Marching.com Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps sets a new standard for financial transparency in Drum Corps. pacific-crest.org WGI announces a job opening for Digital Marketing Manager, a fantastic opportunity for marching arts enthusiasts. wgi.org University of South Alabama unveils plans for a state-of-the-art rehearsal facility opening in 2026. Hosts discuss recent design trends appearing simultaneously across WGI groups, prompting conversations on creativity and originality. Third Legend, Sonor Winterguard, and Pacificaires receive special shoutouts and detailed insights from Cynthia Bernard. Specter Percussion celebrates top rankings in preparation for WGI Championships. specterpercussion.orgFollow Us: Instagram: @onawaterbreak YouTube: On A Water Break Channel🎺 Sponsored by Peak Group Travel — your partner in unforgettable student adventures. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
🎭 Powered by Guard Closet — your one-stop shop for the marching arts. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
Subscribe, share, and stay connected with the latest in marching arts!
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In this powerful bonus episode, On A Water Break tackles an emotional and timely subject: how the marching arts community responds in moments of crisis. In light of the recent Texas drumline tragedy and the devastating California wildfires, we explore the systems, support networks, and people who rise up when everything is on the line.
Alicia is joined by rotating hosts Ricardo and Nicole along with Band director Spencer Milligan for an urgent and candid roundtable conversation about safety, preparedness, and how programs can act before tragedy strikes.
We also feature an inspiring interview co-led by Christopher Rutt and Alicia with Peter Ye and Allison Avina-Wyant from Palisades Charter High School in Los Angeles. When their campus was impacted by wildfires over winter break, their band and color guard programs faced immediate disruption. Hear how they worked together—with help from the Santa Monica High School staff and band parents—to continue their seasons and keep students connected through music and performance.
From forming partnerships and sharing rehearsal spaces to securing donated instruments and navigating circuit policies, their story highlights the resilience of the performing arts.
Topics Covered in This Episode
🎵 The importance of proactive safety policies across indoor and outdoor circuits
🛡️ How visibility and communication can save lives at competitions
📣 The role of band parents, school districts, and circuit leadership in protecting performers
🤝 How community partnerships—like the one between Palisades and Santa Monica—can turn a disaster into a comeback
💡 How circuits like FFCC, SCPA, and WGASC are supporting programs in crisisOrganizations & Programs Mentioned
📍 Palisades Charter High School (Los Angeles, CA)
Support them: https://givebutter.com/paliband
Instagram: @paliband📍 Santa Monica High School
Instagram: @samohiband📍 FFCC – Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit
Website: https://ffcc.org
Instagram: @ffccflorida📍 SCPA – Southern California Percussion Alliance
Website: https://sc-pa.org
Instagram: @scpapercussion📍 WGASC – Winter Guard Association of Southern California
Website: https://wgasc.org
Instagram: @wgasc_official📍 Townsend Junior High School – Instrument donor
https://www.chino.k12.ca.us/townsend📍 Evolv Technology – Weapons detection system mentioned in the show
https://www.evolvtechnology.com📣 JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Are you a band parent, performer, or educator? Share your thoughts in the comments about how your circuit or school is handling safety and preparedness. We want to hear from every corner of the activity.📱 FOLLOW US
IG / TikTok / Threads / Facebook: @OnAWaterBreak
💌 Email: [email protected]
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This week, we're highlighting more powerhouse women in the marching arts as part of our Women’s History Month series.
This episode features hosts:🎤 Nicole Younger 🎤 Whitney Stone 🎤 Kim Webb 🎤 Haley Harrington 🎤 Roxy Lazar
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:
💬 Candid sideline chats, from surprise slaps in rehearsal to spring break shenanigans. 🌟 Guest introductions and our signature “32 Count Life Stories” with Roxy, Haley, and Kim—featuring their experiences as performers, educators, and leaders. 🎙️ Real talk about being women in marching arts, breaking barriers, and mentoring the next generation.
📰 Marching Arts News & Reflections
Honoring the legacies of Doug Young (Sebastian St. Jacques) and Ramon Ruiz A discussion on hazing at Southern University DCI’s new “I Marched” alumni initiative WGI and UDB’s pilot program: Beam Music Performance safety, mental health, and community remembrance⚙️ 60 Second Tech Block – Whitney drops rapid-fire knowledge on ensemble etiquette: show up, go full out, and don’t whisper during rehearsal!
🤔 Water We Doing?! – Rants and reflections on marching arts trends, like:
Not watching performance videos with students Directors neglecting the color guard Is “marching” disappearing from marching band? Skipping technique blocks? What are we doing?!💖 Gush and Go – Celebrating wins and joy across the activity:
Vox A-Guard heads to WGI for the first time Kim’s band earns superior ratings and heads to state A Cincinnati art show raising money for DCA champ Cincinnati Tradition Nicole shares love for a junior guard with 50+ members🏫 FEATURED PROGRAMS & ORGANIZATIONS
Vox Artium – @voxartium The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps – arizonaacademy.org Cincinnati Tradition – cincinnatitradition.org Russell County HS – russellcoschools.com Greene County Tech HS – gctsd.k12.ar.us WGI Sport of the Arts – wgi.org Drum Corps International – dci.org Ultimate Drill Book – ultimatedrillbook.com FloMarching – flomarching.com📲 CONNECT WITH US📧 Email: [email protected]
📹 YouTube: Click Here to Subscribe
📱 Social: Follow us @OnAWaterBreak on all platforms
💬 Want to be a guest? Use the link in our bio to submit your info!
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🎧 BONUS EPISODE: On A Water Break with Gonzako 🥁✨
Dive into this special bonus edition of "On A Water Break" as host Stephen McCarrick chats with dynamic bass drum duo Adrian Gonzalez ("Gonzo") and Mako, known together as Gonzako. From their early days marching with RCC, Pacific Crest, Blue Stars, Blue Devils, and Mandarins, to their current creative adventures, this episode offers a vibrant glimpse into their artistic process.
Gonzo and Mako share the behind-the-scenes story of their latest high-energy music video, "More Bass In Da Club," produced alongside Lou from Fourth Block. Discover how a spontaneous idea evolved into an epic drumline party, complete with professional studio recordings, choreography, and even a live crowd. They discuss challenges, surprises, and their passion for redefining bass drumming beyond traditional competitive performances.
The episode also tackles the broader topic of visual training in marching programs, highlighting its impact and the importance of fostering independent artistic projects within the marching arts community.
🔗 Watch Gonzako's video, "More Bass In Da Club":
https://www.youtube.com/@gonzako.projects📲 Connect with Gonzako:
Instagram & YouTube: @gonzako.projects🎙 Stay connected with "On A Water Break":
Subscribe and follow us on social media to stay updated with all episodes, discussions, and more!#MarchingArts #Drumline #IndoorPercussion #WGI #DCI #BassDrum #Gonzako #Drumline #IndoorPercussion #BandLife #MusicVideo #CreativeArts #MarchingBand
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In this Women’s History Month special, we’re bringing you an episode full of inspiration, empowerment, and wisdom from some of the brightest and most powerful women in the marching arts world. Hosted by Alicia Sharp, with a dynamic group of rotating co-hosts including Ashlee Amos, Nicole Younger, and Whitney Stone, this episode dives deep into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs as they share their journeys in a traditionally male-dominated field.
This week’s episode is packed with incredible conversations about leadership, mentorship, and breaking barriers. The panel talks about gender issues in marching arts, the progress being made, and how they are shaping the future for the next generation of women in the activity. We also explore burnout, career transitions, and the power of building confidence and authenticity.
🌟 KEY SEGMENTS INCLUDE:
⏱ 32-Count Life StoriesEach guest shares their journey in the marching arts, from early musical experiences to their current roles as leaders, educators, and performers. Get to know Holly Connell, Cecilia Clark, Katie Zheng, and Jenna N. Foley as they open up about their personal paths.
🎧 60 Second Tech BlockOne of the rotating hosts takes the challenge and delivers a rapid-fire technical session on twirling techniques, including tips for catching under stadium lights, offering an exclusive glimpse into the world of twirling and color guard.
💬 Water We DoingThe hosts reflect on their experiences and share insights about navigating the hurdles of being women in the marching arts world. They discuss the pressures of being perfect and overcoming gender biases, while uplifting one another.
🔥 Gush and GoCelebrate wins with the hosts as they share exciting announcements and updates! From Katie Zheng's recent WGI victory with Fishers High School to Holly Connell's inspiring path forward in her career, there’s a lot to celebrate in this heartfelt segment.
Featured Guests Social Media Links:
Katie Zheng: Instagram: @katiezheng99 Holly Connell: Instagram: @hollyrebecca61 | Facebook: Holly Rebecca Cecilia Clark: Instagram: @ceciliavclark Jenna N. Foley: Instagram: @jennafoleymusic | Facebook: Jenna N. Foley Courtney Allyson Mills: Instagram: @camills_cr8tive | Bluesky: @lovecam.bsky.social | Website: camillscreative.com🔗 Follow Us On Social Media:
Instagram: @on_a_water_break Facebook: On A Water Break Podcast YouTube: On A Water Break YouTube Channel -
Welcome back to On A Water Break! This week, Jackie is hosting and we’re kicking off Women’s History Month with a special episode featuring incredible voices from across the marching arts world.
Joining us are:
Trish Alicia WhitneyWe also have a truly inspiring guest this week: Denise Bonfiglio, a pioneering force in the marching arts with over 50 years of experience. From her early days with the 27th Lancers to her work with Santa Clara Vanguard, Denise has not only redefined performance but mentored countless artists.
Additionally, we’re joined by Kristi Hebert (aka @Supermomma on TikTok), who’s taking her group to Dayton for the first time. Kristi shares her fears, hopes, and questions about the big step, and our panel of experts helps guide her through the process.
This episode is packed with incredible stories and advice, and we’ll also take a deep dive into Kristi’s 32 Count Life Story, plus discuss current news in the marching arts.
Don’t forget to:
Subscribe and hit notifications on your favorite podcast app Write us a review and share with a friend Send us your questions or topics via email at [email protected] Follow us on social media @OnAWaterBreak for updates and more Interested in being on the show? Fill out the guest form linked in our bio on social mediaLinks:
March Forth on March Fourth - DCI WGI Advisory Board Meetings Randall Standridge's Post on Mental HealthFollow Us:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook @OnAWaterBreakThanks for listening, and we’ll see you at the next rehearsal… on a water break!
This version summarizes the episode with all the important details while keeping it within a concise format!
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🎙️ Hey everyone, and welcome back to On A Water Break! The podcast where we talk about everything you and your friends are discussing at rehearsal—on a water break. This week, we have a powerful lineup of Black female musicians, each representing Black women band directors across all levels of education!
🔊 Listen in as we welcome:✅ Delisa Rufus – Band Director at Margate Middle School (Broward County, FL)✅ Jacqueline Hairston – Band Director at Franklin High School & TikTok’s @ThatBandTeacherLady✅ Dr. Devan Moore – Assistant Athletic Band Director at Florida State University Instagram: @dlm12_3
🎶 This week, we’re diving deep into: ✔️ The impact and mission of the Association of Black Women Band Directors (ABWBD)✔️ The journey of our guests – their inspirations, challenges, and victories✔️ Navigating the marching arts as Black women✔️ How to foster inclusion and mentorship in music education
📢 Special Segments!🎵 60-Second Tech Block – Trevor breaks down keeping your pep band in time, emotional drill writing, and how to survive the Midwest Clinic!💧 Water We Doing? – A rapid-fire round where our guests reflect on their experiences and what’s next in their journey.
📩 Join the conversation!📧 Have a question or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected]🔗 Fill out our guest form (Find it in our link in bio on social media!) 📲 Follow us on Social Media: On A Water Break Podcast📺 Watch us on YouTube: Full video editions of our best interviews!
🚀 Support and Follow Our Guests!🎼 Delisa Rufus – Instagram: @derricious5890🎺 Jacqueline Hairston – TikTok: @ThatBandTeacherLady🥁 Dr. Devan Moore – Instagram: @dlm12_3
🎶 Association of Black Women Band Directors (ABWBD) – Website | Instagram | Facebook
🔊 Subscribe, rate, and share! If you love the podcast, leave us a review and share it with a friend! 🎧
🔥 Let’s close out Black History Month with a bang and lead into Women’s History Month with inspiration!
📅 New Episodes Weekly! See you at the next rehearsal – On A Water Break!
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Join us for a special On A Water Break bonus feature as we take a trip around the world, starting in Thailand! In this two-part episode, host Grantis Peranda sits down with Kosin Suebprasitwong, the president of the Marching Band Association of Thailand, to explore the growth and development of marching arts in Thailand and beyond.
In Part 1, Kosin shares his journey from being a marching band student to becoming a leading figure in Thailand's marching arts scene. He discusses his role in creating the Thailand World Music Championships (TWMC) and the challenges he’s overcome to make the marching arts accessible to schools of all sizes and budgets. Learn about the unique competitions in Thailand, from street parades to marching battles and modern concert bands.
In Part 2, Kosin dives into the creation of the Thai Marching Band Association and his efforts to build a global network for marching arts through the Asian Marching Band Confederation (AMBC) and the World Marching Band Organization (WMBO). He talks about the importance of education and government support, as well as his dream of expanding marching arts to every country in the world. Kosin’s passion for growing the activity internationally, including bringing marching bands to countries like Bhutan, is truly inspiring.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the global impact of marching arts and how you can get involved!
For more information on Kosin's work and the organizations he leads, visit:
Kosin’s Website Marching Band Association of Thailand Thailand World Music Championships Contact Kosin: gosin.supersitvong.comFor more about Grantis Peranda, the host of On A Water Break, check out:
Grantis’ Website Follow Grantis on Instagram: @grantisimo_pFollow On A Water Break on social media:
Instagram: @onawaterbreak Facebook: @onawaterbreakSubscribe, share, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts to support the show. We’ll see you at the next rehearsal!
- Visa fler
