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. Drum Corps History, DCI Ticket Prices & 2026 Tour Model Debate | OAWB S4EP25

    3h ago

    Drum Corps History, DCI Ticket Prices & 2026 Tour Model Debate | OAWB S4EP25

    Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes. Color guard, winter guard, marching band, drum corps, DCI 2026, and WGI are all on deck this week. Whitney Stone is joined by Sadie Wallace, Jeremy Svoboda from Drum Corps Today, and special guest P.A. Kelly / Patti Ann Rego for a Water Break Weekly episode connecting old-school drum corps history to the 2026 season. P.A. shares stories from the Bronx, Blessed Sacrament, Santa Clara Vanguard, the Blue Devils, rifle lines, inspection lines, the Bottle Dance, Blue Devils “Betties,” and the generational shift from early drum corps to today’s DCI and WGI world. The panel also talks Big, Loud & Live, FloMarching, DCI West, River City Rhapsody, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game field cast opportunity in Philadelphia, first DCI scores, ticket prices, the tour model, and the peak Backyard Betty conversation. Segments: Guest Spotlight: P.A. Kelly / Patti Ann Rego on Vanguard, Blue Devils, gold medals, rifle lines, and drum corps historyNews: Walnut Hills practice time, Blue Devils bus incident, DCI Houston relocation, WGI updates, Big Loud & Live, FloMarching, DCI scores, and MLB All-Star field cast opportunityWater We Doing?!: DCI ticket prices, smaller lineups, the tour model, and modern show designGush & Go: Momix, the Human Library, Govenaires, Blue Knights, moving, not moving, vintage rifles, Blue Devil Betties, and Backyard BettysPanel: Whitney Stone @dancerwhit • Sadie Wallace @m.sadiewallace • Jeremy Svoboda / Drum Corps Today @drumcorpstoday • Special Guest: P.A. Kelly / Patti Ann Rego Sponsored by: Guard Closet — guardcloset.com — @guardcloset Source Links: Walnut Hills: https://local12.com/news/local/cincinnati-marching-band-miss-season-after-practice-time-cut-walnut-hills-high-school-students-bands-marching-instruments-talent-controversy-controversial-frustrations-state-finals-performances | Blue Devils: https://bluedevils.org/news/article.php?ID=1291 | DCI Houston: https://www.dci.org/news/katy-isds-legacy-stadium-to-host-2026-dci-houston-event/ | WGI proposals: https://www.wgi.org/26adboardresults/ | WGI alumni casting: https://www.wgi.org/wgi-opening-ceremony-alumni-casting-call/ | Big Loud & Live: https://www.dci.org/cinema/ | DCI/FloMarching: https://www.flomarching.com/articles/16020294-subscribe-to-flomarching-to-watch-the-entire-2026-dci-season | DCI scores: https://www.dci.org/scores/ | BD Entertainment: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreBDE/ | MLB All-Star Week: https://www.mlb.com/phillies/fans/all-star-game | MOMIX: https://www.momix.com/ | Human Library: https://humanlibrary.org/ Find On A Water Break: Website: onawaterbreak.com | Listen Everywhere: linktr.ee/onawaterbreak | YouTube: @Onawaterbreak | Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @onawaterbreak | Be a guest: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com

    56 min
  2. Blue Devils Bus Fire, WGI 2027 Calendar, DCI Houston Move & Marching Band Practice Cuts | Color Guard, Winter Guard, Drum Corps, Marching Band & Marching Arts News on OAWB

    6d ago

    Blue Devils Bus Fire, WGI 2027 Calendar, DCI Houston Move & Marching Band Practice Cuts | Color Guard, Winter Guard, Drum Corps, Marching Band & Marching Arts News on OAWB

    Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. Color guard, winter guard, and marching band news are moving fast as DCI 2026 gets rolling and WGI 2027 starts coming into view. Nicole Younger hosts Stephen McCarrick and Jeremy Svoboda for a Water Break Weekly episode covering Walnut Hills High School marching band rehearsal access, the Blue Devils travel incident, DCI Houston’s move to Katy ISD’s Legacy Stadium, and the newly released WGI 2027 Color Guard, Percussion, and Winds regional calendars. In this episode: Walnut Hills marching band practice-time concerns and why rehearsal access mattersBlue Devils members and staff reported safe after a tire-related bus fireDCI Houston moving to Katy ISD’s Legacy Stadium for the 2026 tourWGI 2027 regional calendars for color guard, percussion, and winds60 Second Tech Block: Stephen on training technique through muscle awarenessWater We Doing?!: late DCI show announcements, rehearsal leaks, copyright realities, and respecting admin teamsNicole highlights the African American Legacy Corps and its 2027 DCI plansGush & Go: Eastern University, Phantom Regiment, Colts percussion, Eagles Drumline, and FIFA performance lifeRelated Episodes: S4EP23: Summer Color Guard Training, WGI Rule Changes & DCI Houston Relocation | Color Guard & Marching Band Design Analysis | Pro Tip Besties This week’s panel: Nicole Younger @o2binpjs • Stephen McCarrick @stephenmccarrick • Jeremy Svoboda / Drum Corps Today @drumcorpstoday Sponsored by: Guard Closet. Find On A Water Break: Website | Listen Everywhere | YouTube | Instagram/TikTok/Facebook: @onawaterbreak | Be a guest: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com

    52 min
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
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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