Boston Crusaders & Carolina Crown check-in, Band Director Marching Band’s 2026 Rose Parade return, and Marc Whitlock’s decades of design wisdom.

On this week’s On A Water Break, the summer season is officially underway! Host Nicole Younger is joined by Christopher Rutt, Jackson Goudreau, and Joey Montes for five packed segments covering drum corps updates, marching band nostalgia, and pro-level design advice.

🎺 32 Count Life Story & Interview
Special guest Marc Whitlock (Academy, Cavaliers, Cadets) kicks things off with his 32 Count Life Story, then stays to share tales from the golden age of corps, lessons from Zingali & Sylvester, and must-have tips for today’s designers.

📰 In the News

• Band Director Marching Band returns to the 2026 Rose Parade
• How HBCU bands stole the spotlight in Netflix’s Severance
• Jackson’s preview of the Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo
• Joey breaks down Drum Corps International’s new “DCI to the Core” campaign

🎤 DCI Correspondents Report In

• Clara & Jack (Boston Crusaders): Spring training highlights, pit secrets & drill insights
• Omari Holaki (Carolina Crown): 47 pages of drill, intentional leaks, and ballad beauty

🛠️ 60-Second Tech Block
Marc on behind-the-scenes design chaos and why today’s writers must focus on audio layering.

🧠 Water We Doing?!

• Chris: “Bring back traditional retreat uniforms.”
• Jackson: “Let’s help members cover tuition.”
• Marc: “Don’t overload your soundscape.”
• Joey: “Build your teaching village.”

💬 Gush & Go

• Jackson: Heads to Canada for the Tattoo.
• Chris: Celebrates Palisades HS grads at the Hollywood Bowl.
• Joey: Eva’s return & his Jabbawockeez audition.
• Marc: Reflects on the mentors, students & moments that shaped him.

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