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

    1d ago ·  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

    4d ago

    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

    6d ago

    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
  7. DCI 2026 Tickets, Band Censorship & Homage Independent News | WGI Graphic Designer Job, Color Guard + Marching Arts | OAWB S4EP19

    May 16

    DCI 2026 Tickets, Band Censorship & Homage Independent News | WGI Graphic Designer Job, Color Guard + Marching Arts | OAWB S4EP19

    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, DCI 2026, WGI 2026, color guard, drum corps, and music education are all on the table in this Water Break Weekly episode. Ashlee Amos hosts Bobbey Biddle, Bill “Woody” Woodward, Haley Harrington, and guest Deion Curtis for a full sideline conversation about the Watertown band controversy, DCI tour tickets, WGI’s graphic designer opportunity, and Homage Independent going inactive for the 2027 winter guard season.In this episode:00:00 – Intro: Water Break Weekly S4EP1901:44 – Guest Intro: Deion Curtis02:11 – 32 Count Life Story04:25 – News: Watertown Band Piece Pulled Over Marsha P. Johnson Dedication09:22 – News: DCI 2026 Tour Tickets15:13 – News: WGI Graphic Designer Opportunity18:12 – News: Homage Independent Going Inactive38:47 – 60 Second Tech Block: Self-Cleaning Before Staff Corrections42:26 – Water We Doing?!: Schedules, DCI Timing + Online Haters01:00:26 – Artistry, Excellence + Marching Arts History01:14:31 – Gush & GoThis week’s panel:Ashlee Amos — @famousamossss_Bobbey Biddle — @bobbeyboy107Bill “Woody” Woodward — @remoking100Haley Harrington — @h_harrington14Deion Curtis — Cincinnati Tradition / Fairfield HS / Centerville Junior Guard / Homage IndependentReferenced links:DCI 2026 Tour TicketsWGI Graphic Designer JobWatertown School Board StoryHomage IndependentRelated episodes:OAWB S4EP18Legacy Drum & Bugle Corps 2026 Drum MajorsBlessed Sacrament Viral Show ExplainedSponsored by:Guard Closet — Find On A Water Break:Website: onawaterbreak.comListen Everywhere: plinkhq.com/i/1653637341All Links: linktr.ee/onawaterbreakBe a guest: Guest Application FormEmail: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingArts #DCI2026 #WGI2026 #ColorGuard #DrumCorps #MarchingBand #MusicEducation

    1h 24m
  8. Elementary Marching Band, WGI Leadership Applications & Music Rights Costs | DCI Tour Prep, Show Design Rants & Marching Arts News | OAWB S4EP18

    May 9

    Elementary Marching Band, WGI Leadership Applications & Music Rights Costs | DCI Tour Prep, Show Design Rants & Marching Arts News | OAWB S4EP18

    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, WGI, DCI 2026, color guard, drum corps, and music education are on deck in OAWB S4EP18. Ricardo Robinson-Shinall hosts Amari Lewis and Bill “Woody” Woodward for a weekly episode about Nuner Elementary’s marching band with color guard, WGI leadership applications, advisory board proposal deadlines, music rights, arrangement costs, and why the activity needs more original show design. In this episode:• Nuner Elementary School and Fine Arts Academy starts a marching band with color guard• WGI Board of Directors and Steering Committee applications are open• WGI 2026 Advisory Board proposal deadlines are here• Woody tackles music rights, arrangement costs, and why old charts keep coming back• Water We Doing?! takes on recycled shows, mismatched media content, and creative silos• Gush & Go celebrates student growth, DCI tour prep, and a Philly Pride finale in the works Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Water Break Weekly S4EP1800:52 – Panel Check-In: Post-Season Recovery + DCI Move-In04:22 – Bonus Content Preview: WGI 2026 + Legacy Drum & Bugle Corps05:15 – News: Elementary Marching Band with Color Guard13:13 – News: WGI Board + Steering Committee Applications14:48 – News: WGI 2026 Advisory Board Proposals19:16 – Sponsor: Guard Closet21:21 – 60 Second Tech Block: Music Arrangement Costs + Performance Rights31:02 – Water We Doing?! Recycled Shows, Media Mistakes + Creative Teams41:55 – Gush & Go: Student Wins, DCI Tour + Philly Pride48:38 – Closing: Subscribe, Review + Share Panel:Ricardo Robinson-Shinall — @ricardorrobinsonAmari Lewis — @_amari.lewis_Bill “Woody” Woodward — @remoking100 Referenced Links:Nuner Elementary marching band storyWGI Board + Steering Committee applicationWGI 2026 Advisory Board proposal submissionsWGI 2026 Advisory Board meeting dates Related Episodes:Why “Believability” Is Winning WGI 2026Legacy Drum & Bugle Corps 2026 Drum Majors Sponsored by Guard Closet:GuardCloset.comInstagram: @guardcloset Find On A Water Break:WebsiteListen EverywhereAll LinksWeekly Episodes PlaylistBonus Episodes + Quick Sips Keywords: marching band, WGI 2026, DCI 2026, color guard, drum corps, music education, indoor percussion, marching arts, show design, music rights, Guard Closet.

    50 min
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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