In this powerful bonus episode, On A Water Break tackles an emotional and timely subject: how the marching arts community responds in moments of crisis. In light of the recent Texas drumline tragedy and the devastating California wildfires, we explore the systems, support networks, and people who rise up when everything is on the line.

Alicia is joined by rotating hosts Ricardo and Nicole along with Band director Spencer Milligan for an urgent and candid roundtable conversation about safety, preparedness, and how programs can act before tragedy strikes.

We also feature an inspiring interview co-led by Christopher Rutt and Alicia with Peter Ye and Allison Avina-Wyant from Palisades Charter High School in Los Angeles. When their campus was impacted by wildfires over winter break, their band and color guard programs faced immediate disruption. Hear how they worked together—with help from the Santa Monica High School staff and band parents—to continue their seasons and keep students connected through music and performance.

From forming partnerships and sharing rehearsal spaces to securing donated instruments and navigating circuit policies, their story highlights the resilience of the performing arts.

Topics Covered in This Episode
🎵 The importance of proactive safety policies across indoor and outdoor circuits
🛡️ How visibility and communication can save lives at competitions
📣 The role of band parents, school districts, and circuit leadership in protecting performers
🤝 How community partnerships—like the one between Palisades and Santa Monica—can turn a disaster into a comeback
💡 How circuits like FFCC, SCPA, and WGASC are supporting programs in crisis

Organizations & Programs Mentioned
📍 Palisades Charter High School (Los Angeles, CA)
Support them: https://givebutter.com/paliband
Instagram: @paliband

📍 Santa Monica High School
Instagram: @samohiband

📍 FFCC – Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit
Website: https://ffcc.org
Instagram: @ffccflorida

📍 SCPA – Southern California Percussion Alliance
Website: https://sc-pa.org
Instagram: @scpapercussion

📍 WGASC – Winter Guard Association of Southern California
Website: https://wgasc.org
Instagram: @wgasc_official

📍 Townsend Junior High School – Instrument donor
https://www.chino.k12.ca.us/townsend

📍 Evolv Technology – Weapons detection system mentioned in the show
https://www.evolvtechnology.com

📣 JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Are you a band parent, performer, or educator? Share your thoughts in the comments about how your circuit or school is handling safety and preparedness. We want to hear from every corner of the activity.

📱 FOLLOW US
IG / TikTok / Threads / Facebook: @OnAWaterBreak
💌 Email: [email protected]
Want to be on the show? Visit the link in our bio or DM us!