On A Water Break

On a Water Break

On A Water Break is a weekly podcast for everyone in the marching arts. If you’re talking about it at rehearsal, on the bus ride home, or during a water break — we’re probably planning to talk about it on an upcoming episode. This show is built for performers, instructors, designers, adjudicators, and marching arts enthusiasts who want to stay connected to what’s happening across the activity — without the fluff or the filter. Each week, our rotating panel of experienced hosts dives into: Marching arts news and major stories shaping the activity Real conversations about band, color guard, drumline, drum corps, twirling, and parade performance Educational insights you can actually use in rehearsal Opinion, accountability, and culture conversations that reflect what people are really dealing with Community highlights and wins worth celebratingYou’ll hear recurring segments like: Marching Arts News — stories that matter, with context and discussion 60 Second Tech Block — focused, practical teaching ideas in under a minute Water We Doing?! — calling out habits, trends, and choices that deserve a second look Gush & Go — quick shoutouts to people, programs, and moments moving the activity forwardOn A Water Break isn’t about hot takes for clicks or recycled press releases. It’s about thoughtful conversation, lived experience, and sharing perspectives from people who have marched, taught, designed, judged, and produced at every level of the activity. Whether you’re in the middle of band camp, winter guard season, drum corps tour, or just missing rehearsal life — this podcast is your place to stay plugged in. 🎧 New episodes release weekly 🌐 Learn more at: https://www.onawaterbreak.com 📺 Watch on YouTube or listen on all major podcast platforms 💧 Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. 🎙️ A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes.

  1. Color Guard & Marching Band Design Analysis | Pro Tip Besties with Nicole Younger + Dalton Stout

    Jun 12 ·  Bonus

    Color Guard & Marching Band Design Analysis | Pro Tip Besties with Nicole Younger + Dalton Stout

    Color Guard, Winter Guard & Marching Band Design AnalysisDesign analysis does not have to feel like a mystery. In this special Pro Tip Besties episode of On A Water Break, Nicole Younger and Dalton Stout dig into the Design Analysis caption with real questions from real color guard, winter guard, and marching band programs. This conversation originates on On A Water Break and is presented in collaboration with Guard Closet and the Design Closet. Nicole and Dalton are joined by Preston Copas, Annie Stegall, and Jordan Fontana for a practical conversation about writing smarter shows, designing for the performers in front of you, and building visual programs that are achievable, clear, musical, and effective. In this episodeDesigning for beginner color guard performers without making the show boringHow marching band guard writing reads from the standsWhy simple choreography can still create effectBuilding a Plan B before rehearsal pressure hitsWhat judges may mean when they ask for “more variety”How to avoid split focus in color guard and marching band stagingWriting for mixed skill levelsFinishing phrases and strengthening transitionsAvoiding midseason “science fair project” rewritesTeaching performance without just saying “smile”Quick fixes for common design problemsFeaturingNicole Younger — Guard Closet / Design Closet — Instagram: @o2bnpjsDalton Stout — Instagram: @saltydaltiPreston Copas — University at Albany Winterguard — Instagram: @ualbanyguard / @heylookitsprestonAnnie Stegall — Corbin High School / University of the Cumberlands — Instagram/TikTok: @corbin.colorguard / Instagram: @whatthefawkbroJordan Fontana — Lecanto Emeralds — Instagram: @lecanto.emeraldsLinksLearn more about Guard Closet’s Design ClosetVisit Guard ClosetFollow On A Water BreakFollow Guard Closet on InstagramFollow On A Water Break on InstagramOn A Water Break WebsiteFind On A Water Break: Website: onawaterbreak.com | Listen Everywhere: linktr.ee/onawaterbreak | Be a Guest: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com #ColorGuard #WinterGuard #MarchingBand #DesignAnalysis #MarchingArts

    1 hr
  2. Have a Plan and Train: Rehearsal Scheduling, Technique, Trick Toss Safety & DCI Access | OAWB S4EP21

    Jun 9

    Have a Plan and Train: Rehearsal Scheduling, Technique, Trick Toss Safety & DCI Access | OAWB S4EP21

    Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes. Marching band, color guard, DCI, WGI, BOA Summer Camp, drum corps, rehearsal planning, and Pride Bands are all on deck this week. This week on On A Water Break, Joey Montes III is joined by Dalton Stout and Haley Harrington for a Water Break Weekly episode about training with intention, building better rehearsal schedules, keeping performers safe, and remembering that the marching arts are built by people who show up, ask questions, and keep learning. The panel covers Adams 14 honoring Colorado fallen veterans at the National Memorial Day Parade, WGI event staff opportunities, Bands of America Summer Camp at Ball State, and the Pride Bands Alliance conference in Philadelphia. Then Dalton drops a 60 Second Tech Block on detailed rehearsal schedules before the group gets into trick toss safety, DCI show access, community advocacy, and appreciating how far you’ve come. Panel:Joey Montes III — @marchingbymontesDalton Stout — @SaltyDaltiHaley Harrington — @h_harrington14 Episode Highlights:• Adams 14 honors Colorado fallen veterans• WGI event staff applications and why logistics matter• BOA Summer Camp, Leadership Weekend, and continued learning• Pride Bands Alliance and Philadelphia Freedom Band’s 2026 conference concert• Dalton’s 60 Second Tech Block on detailed rehearsal schedules• Technique in every rehearsal, training in character, and cleaning transitions• Trick toss safety and DCI show access• Gush & Go: summer reading, DVS beginner courses, and WGI advisory board proposals Related Episodes:DCI CEO Departure, $85K Drum Corps Scholarships, WGI Brother Duo & Marching Arts BurnoutBand Censorship, DCI Clinics & AI Uniform DesignDCI 2026 Tickets, WGI Graphic Designer Job + Band Censorship Debate Featured Links:WGI Event Staff ApplicationBands of America Summer CampPride Bands Alliance 2026Dalton Stout / DVSCincinnati Tradition Sponsored by:Guard Closet — @guardclosetPeak Group Travel — @peak.group.travel Find On A Water Break:WebsiteYouTubeListen EverywhereAll LinksBe a guestonawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com Follow @onawaterbreak on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

    1h 10m
  3. Marching Band Summer Prep, Color Guard Costumes, Sunscreen Safety, WGI Future Leaders & Drum Corps Costs | OAWB S4EP22

    Jun 7

    Marching Band Summer Prep, Color Guard Costumes, Sunscreen Safety, WGI Future Leaders & Drum Corps Costs | OAWB S4EP22

    Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. Marching band, color guard, DCI, WGI, drum corps, and summer band camp prep are all on deck this week. A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes. This week on On A Water Break, Ashlee Amos leads Bobbey Biddle, Whitney Stone, Hayley Harrington, and Bill “Woody” Woodward through a packed Water Break Weekly episode covering sunscreen safety, Blue Devils International, Pete Emmons’ visual design legacy, Leia Klein’s inspiring color guard story, the return of WGI Latin America, and the 2026 WGI Future Leaders Program class. Whitney’s 60 Second Tech Block is the summer marching band and color guard reality check: train your performers, teach technique, size the cast, order costumes, prep flag designs, get music in students’ hands, and make sure the whole staff understands the show before band camp arrives. Episode Highlights:• Sunscreen, hats, hydration, and rehearsal safety• Blue Devils International heading to Europe• Remembering Pete Emmons and asymmetrical drill• WGI Latin America returning in Costa Rica• WGI Future Leaders Program class of 2026• AI-generated design and why real artists still matter• Drum corps costs, tour logistics, and alumni support• Baton music choices, judging standards, and rewarding creativity Panel:Ashlee Amos — @famousamossss_Bobbey Biddle — @bobbeyboy107Whitney Stone — @dancerwhitHayley Harrington — @h_harrington14Bill “Woody” Woodward — @remoking100 Sponsored by:Guard Closet — guardcloset.com — @guardclosetPeak Group Travel — peakgrouptravel.com — @peak.group.travel Find On A Water Break:WebsiteYouTubeListen EverywhereSpotifyApple PodcastsAll LinksBe a guest: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com Follow @onawaterbreak on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

    1h 31m
  4. Color Guard Joins the Patti LaBelle Pride Celebration at Philadelphia Pride 2026

    Jun 4 ·  Bonus

    Color Guard Joins the Patti LaBelle Pride Celebration at Philadelphia Pride 2026

    Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. Color Guard Joins the Patti LaBelle Pride Celebration at Philadelphia Pride 2026. In this Quick Sip, Trish O’Shea welcomes Dylan Watson back to On A Water Break to preview the Philly Pride 365 Colorguard and its role inside Philadelphia Pride 2026. Dylan talks about building a bigger color guard production this year, including parade choreography, stage movement, dancing, Philly music, and a celebration connected to the music and legacy of Patti LaBelle. Philadelphia Pride 2026 brings Pride on the Parkway to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday, June 7, following March Into Pride in the Gayborhood. This year’s celebration honors Philadelphia icon Patti LaBelle with a tribute recognizing her musical legacy, cultural impact, and connection to LGBTQIA+ communities. For Dylan, this is more than a parade feature. It is a chance to show audiences that color guard is a full production: visual, musical, emotional, and powerful. Featuring:Trish O’Shea – @trishdish1102Dylan Watson – @that_dude_dylan19 Also connected:Philly Pride 365 – @phillypride365Patti LaBelle – @mspattilabelleNicole Younger – @o2binpjs Learn more about Philly Pride 365:PhillyPride365.org Find On A Water Break:WebsiteListen EverywhereAll LinksBe a guestonawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com Follow On A Water Break:Instagram: @onawaterbreakFacebook: @onawaterbreakYouTube: @Onawaterbreak

    6 min
  5. DCI CEO Departure, $85K Drum Corps Scholarships, WGI Brother Duo & Marching Arts Burnout | OAWB S4EP20

    May 30

    DCI CEO Departure, $85K Drum Corps Scholarships, WGI Brother Duo & Marching Arts Burnout | OAWB S4EP20

    Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. DCI 2026, drum corps scholarships, WGI percussion, marching band burnout, and AI show art all hit the water break this week. Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, Sadie Wallace, and Jeremy Denzer break down Drum Corps International’s leadership transition, DCI’s 2026 scholarship recipients, the WGI story of Joshua and Jacob Mendiola, and why marching arts educators need to take a real break before the next season takes over. Panel:Ricardo Robinson-Shinall — @ricardorrobinsonSadie Wallace — @m.sadiewallaceJeremy Svboda — @drumcorpstoday Chapters:00:00 Cold Open: Welcome to Water Break Weekly00:46 Meet the Panel01:45 Jeremy’s Govenaires Update + Drum Corps Season Talk04:05 Last Week Recap + This Week’s News Setup05:25 News: DCI Announces Leadership Transition14:47 News: DCI Awards More Than $85K in 2026 Scholarships18:09 News: WGI Brother Duo Shares Medal-Winning Experience22:34 Sponsor Break24:32 60 Second Tech Block: Skipped This Week24:32 Water We Doing?!: Drum Corps Apps, AI Show Art, and Burnout25:14 Sadie: Lot App, Member Tracking, and Tour Privacy30:14 Jeremy: Show Announcements and AI-Generated Design33:05 Ricardo: Educators, Take the Break39:30 Gush and Go39:38 Sadie: Michael Cesario Wedding Dress Story44:05 Jeremy: Returning to Drum Corps with the Govenaires47:09 Ricardo: Philly Pride 365, Patti LaBelle, and Color Guard53:06 Closing: Submit Stories + Subscribe Featured Links:DCI leadership transitionDCI 2026 scholarship recipientsWGI Mendiola brothers feature Related Episodes:WGI Housing Policy + AI Show Design DebateMarching Band Protests, Million Dollar Band Record Numbers, Drum Corps Costs & Big Loud Live Sponsored by:Guard Closet — guardcloset.com — @guardclosetPeak Group Travel — peakgrouptravel.com — @peak.group.travel Find On A Water Break:WebsiteYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsAll LinksBe a guestonawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com Follow @onawaterbreak on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

    56 min
  6. Band Censorship, DCI Clinics & AI Uniform Design: Watertown, Judging Effect, Show Reveals + Drum Corps News | OAWB S4EP20

    May 23

    Band Censorship, DCI Clinics & AI Uniform Design: Watertown, Judging Effect, Show Reveals + Drum Corps News | OAWB S4EP20

    Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. Marching band, DCI 2026, WGI, drum corps, color guard, and music education are all on the table this week. This week on On A Water Break, Joey Montes III, Nicole Younger, and Hayley Harrington break down the Watertown High School band censorship story, DCI Event Day Clinics, Team DCI age-out volunteer opportunities, WGI’s Dayton impact, Westfield percussion opening Inside The Sound, and why AI uniform design inspiration still needs real-world production sense. Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Water Break Weekly00:41 – Joey, Nicole, and Hayley check in03:00 – Bonus episode previews04:23 – Watertown band censorship story12:08 – DCI 2026 Event Day Clinics16:09 – Team DCI opportunity for recent age-outs22:08 – WGI’s Bart Woodley honored by Destination Dayton24:39 – Westfield Percussion opens Inside The Sound30:29 – 60 Second Tech Block setup33:38 – Nicole Younger: judging effect and design40:17 – Water We Doing?!40:49 – AI uniform inspiration vs. production reality45:03 – Stop gatekeeping marching band show reveals49:06 – Building your name vs. doing the work52:05 – Gush & Go58:19 – Closing HostsJoey Montes III – @marchingbymontesNicole Younger – @o2bnpjsHayley Harrington – @h_harrington14 Links MentionedWatertown / A Mother of A Revolution!DCI Event Day ClinicsTeam DCI Age-Out OpportunityWGI / Bart Woodley Destination Dayton AwardInside The Sound Related EpisodesDCI 2026 Tickets, WGI Graphic Designer Job + Band Censorship DebateElementary Marching Band, WGI Leadership Applications & Music Rights CostsLegacy Drum & Bugle Corps 2026 Drum Majors Find On A Water BreakWebsiteListen EverywhereAll LinksBe a guestonawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com Sponsored by Guard Closet: guardcloset.com | @guardcloset

    1 hr
4.5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

On A Water Break is a weekly podcast for everyone in the marching arts. If you’re talking about it at rehearsal, on the bus ride home, or during a water break — we’re probably planning to talk about it on an upcoming episode. This show is built for performers, instructors, designers, adjudicators, and marching arts enthusiasts who want to stay connected to what’s happening across the activity — without the fluff or the filter. Each week, our rotating panel of experienced hosts dives into: Marching arts news and major stories shaping the activity Real conversations about band, color guard, drumline, drum corps, twirling, and parade performance Educational insights you can actually use in rehearsal Opinion, accountability, and culture conversations that reflect what people are really dealing with Community highlights and wins worth celebratingYou’ll hear recurring segments like: Marching Arts News — stories that matter, with context and discussion 60 Second Tech Block — focused, practical teaching ideas in under a minute Water We Doing?! — calling out habits, trends, and choices that deserve a second look Gush & Go — quick shoutouts to people, programs, and moments moving the activity forwardOn A Water Break isn’t about hot takes for clicks or recycled press releases. It’s about thoughtful conversation, lived experience, and sharing perspectives from people who have marched, taught, designed, judged, and produced at every level of the activity. Whether you’re in the middle of band camp, winter guard season, drum corps tour, or just missing rehearsal life — this podcast is your place to stay plugged in. 🎧 New episodes release weekly 🌐 Learn more at: https://www.onawaterbreak.com 📺 Watch on YouTube or listen on all major podcast platforms 💧 Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. 🎙️ A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes.

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