– First-ever female Penn State drum major, Brass Band tribute at Ozzy Osbourne’s celebration, and DCA/DCI crossover in Williamsport.
On this week’s episode of On A Water Break, we’re gearing up for DCI Championships in Indianapolis, August 8–9, 2025! Stephen McCarrick (@stephenmccarrick) is joined by Nicole Younger (@o2bnpjs), Chris Green (@virtualassistantdirector), and Lori Winschel (@lori.winschel) for five packed segments filled with history-making news, live-from-the-field insights, tech tips, and candid “water break” rants.

🎺 32 Count Life Story & Interview:
Special guest Chris Green (National Sales Manager, @fruhaufuniforms & @virtualassistantdirector) kicks off the show with his 32 Count Life Story, then shares behind-the-scenes tales from the road and what makes DCI week so electric.

📰 In the news:

• Penn State Blue Band names Ellie Sheehan as its first-ever female drum major.
• Bostin Brass Band honors Ozzy Osbourne with a “War Pigs” tribute.
• Williamsport’s DCA/DCI crossover brings Bushwackers, Phantom Regiment & more together.
• Music For All appoints Dr. James Weaver as CEO & President.
• Cynthia Bernard becomes the first international steering-committee member for WGI.

🛠️ 60-Second Tech Block:
Lori Winschel (@lori.winschel) dives into slow-tempo training, showing why “if you can’t do it slow, you can’t do it fast”—and how subdividing every count can sharpen technique.

🧠 Water We Doing?!

• Chris Green (@virtualassistantdirector): Why judging bias needs a reset—evaluate each performance on its own merits.
• Lori Winschel (@lori.winschel): The case for teaching business & guard management in music-education programs.
• Neal Bright (@nealdrums1): How college band programs must prep new directors for rural & small-town teaching realities.

💬 Gush & Go:

• Nicole Younger (@o2bnpjs): Pumped for a three-week break before judging season begins.
• Stephen McCarrick (@stephenmccarrick): Celebrating a childhood friend’s wedding & an Eagles drumline reunion.
• Chris Green (@virtualassistantdirector): Thrilled to reconnect Drum Corps alumni at SoundSport & surprise an audience in full @fruhaufuniforms regalia.
• Lori Winschel (@lori.winschel): Check out StartingLineDesignCo on Etsy for custom guard accessories and follow my work at @virtualassistantdirector.

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