This week, your sideline squad Jackie Brown (@spintronixguard), Nicole Younger (@o2binpjs), Stephen McCarrick (@stephen.mccarrick), Christine from Guard Closet (@guardcloset), Jeremy from Drum Corps Today, Cynthia Bernard (@cynthiabern), and guest Dylan Watson (@that_dude_dylan18) are bringing the energy and insight you’ve been waiting for.

We’re back with fresh takes and fire updates:

Dylan shares what it was really like spinning on stairs, performing with drag queens, and surviving a single rehearsal before Philly Pride’s biggest shows.

• Cynthia gives a full breakdown of her experience on the WGI Advisory Board—including new rules, international perspectives, and the importance of representation.
• Stephen dives into the latest percussion updates and strobe light controversies.
• Jeremy breaks down the summer’s biggest DCI show announcements and why corps secrecy is starting to feel a little ridiculous.

Plus, the gang discusses online equipment scams, consignment tips, and why your performers deserve better shoes and undergarments. Seriously.

🎧 Segment 3 features:

• 60-Second Tech Block: Christine shares advice for choosing quality performance shoes.
• Water We Doing? – Why aren’t more groups consigning old gear? And what’s up with show announcements coming late… even for members?
• Gush & Go: From summer road trips and Philly Pride highlights to 3D printing superhero gear and lazy laundry days — it's all love on the sidelines.

Don’t forget to leave a review, subscribe on YouTube, and join the conversation in our new Facebook group: On A Water Break Chatter!

Hosts & Guests:

• Jackie Brown @spintronixguard
• Nicole Younger @o2binpjs
• Christine Ream @guardcloset
• Stephen McCarrick @smccarrickdesigns
• Jeremy from Drum Corps Today @drumcorpstoday
• Cynthia Bernard @cynthiabern
• Dylan Watson @that_dude_dylan18

💧 Want to be on the pod? Fill out our form at bit.ly/WaterBreakGuest

📺 Subscribe on YouTube: On A Water Break Channel

👕 Sponsored by:

• Guard Closet – guardcloset.com | @guardcloset
• Peak Group Travel – peakgrouptravel.com | @peakgrouptravel

Bonus Episode • Equipment Scams • Buyer & Seller Best Practices

Ever encounter a “too-good-to-be-true” listing for marching band gear online? In this bonus episode, host Nicole Younger sits down with band educators Christine Ream (@guardcloset), Erica Owens (@urkuh_spins), and Rose Crow (@r0secr0w) to unpack firsthand accounts of attempted equipment fraud. They discuss the red-flag warning signs, share real victim experiences, and lay out practical steps every program can take to protect booster funds and ensure secure transactions. Whether you need used rifles, sabers, flags, or uniforms, learn how to spot scam listings, choose secure payment methods, and explore trustworthy alternatives so your students never miss a beat.

• Host: Nicole Younger — @o2bnpjs
• Guest: Christine Ream — @guardcloset
• Guest: Erica Owens — @urkuh_spins
• Guest: Rose Crow — @r0secr0w

• Scam Red Flags: How missing profile photos, refusal to use PayPal Goods & Services, and requests for Cash App signaled fraud.
• Community Response: Christine explains how Facebook-group admins removed the scammer, why vigilant moderation matters, and how to safeguard performers’ images.
• Real Victim Story: A band booster’s Apple Pay loss underscores the importance of protected payment channels.
• Tech Block Quick Tips:
– Blending brass on uneven turf surfaces
– Teaching tempo consistency without a metronome
– Drill-set pointers for complex field formations
• Water We Doing?!: Panel calls out:
– Lack of size inclusivity in off-the-rack dancewear
– Overuse of props and resulting class disparities in program budgets
– Neglecting Memorial Day observances by some groups
– Underfilled DCI corps tryouts (over 1,000 open spots in 2025)
• Gush & Go:
– Erica & Rose’s successful youth program recruitment at a community vendor fair
– Rose’s upcoming Community Spin event welcoming all ages to flag work
– Christine’s 25-year legacy helping schools nationwide with guard and band equipment

• Guard Closet → https://guardcloset.com
• Peak Group Travel → https://peakgrouptravel.com
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• Peak Group Travel – Ensuring your next competition trip is worry-free.
• Guard Closet – Trusted source for new and consignment guard and band equipment.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Drop a review, share with a friend, and tag us with your own gear-hunting wins or cautionary tales.

#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingBand #EquipmentScams #ColorGuard #DrumCorps #BuyerBeware #GuardCloset #PeakGroupTravel #MarchingArts #Podcast #SafetyFirst #CommunityEvents #MarchingLife

This week on On a Water Break, Nicole Younger is back hosting a twirl-tastic episode packed with passion, performance, and positivity! She’s joined by Ashlee Amos and Ohio State’s own Jacob Cline (@jacob.cline.161), and they’re diving into everything from the pipeline between twirling and color guard to the world of college twirling auditions and what it's like being a male twirler building a platform and community online.

💥 Kicking things off with Jacob’s 32-Count Life Story, we learn how this multi-title-holding performer went from small-town drum major to the United States Twirling Open Collegiate Champion. Ashlee and Nicole get into the evolution of presentation, performance pressure, and what really sets the college twirling experience apart.

📰 In this week’s news:

• Nicole shares details on InstructorDatabase.com, a new global platform for marching arts professionals
• Ashlee brings updates from USBands, who are looking for fall event staff across 80+ contests
• Jacob announces Team USA for the 2025 IBTF World Championship in Italy!

🎶 [CUE TECH BLOCK MUSIC]
In our 60-Second Tech Block, Jacob breaks down the three pillars of preparing for college twirling auditions: presentation, practice, and performance videos. From dirt patches in the backyard to nailing facial expressions, it's a crash course in how to stand out for the right reasons.

❓ WHAT ARE WE DOING?!
Ashlee calls out the twirling world for lacking musicality and encourages better connection to sound, rhythm, and expression. Jacob has a powerful message for OSU: “Why aren’t twirlers on the field?” Nicole turns the lens on herself as she preps for another summer with The Academy... and hasn’t packed.

🌟 GUSH & GO:

• Nicole celebrates a new summer role working with leadership at Academy
• Jacob shares his growth on social media as a platform for twirling visibility
• Ashlee gushes over her rising star student and new color guard captain, Bella

🗣️ Big thanks to our guest Jacob Cline – follow him @jacob.cline.161 on TikTok & Instagram to keep up with his twirling journey!
You can also follow Ashlee Amos and Nicole Younger on the On A Water Break socials.

💌 Got a hot take or want to be on the show? Reach out! Email us at [email protected] or fill out our guest form

🎥 Watch the episode and more on our YouTube channel

🔗 Find all our links in one place: linktree.com/onawaterbreak

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Presented by:
🧳 Peak Group Travel – peakgrouptravel.com | @peakgrouptravel
👕 Guard Closet – guardcloset.com | @guardcloset

Welcome back to On A Water Break, the podcast where we talk about everything you're talking about on the sideline during a water break. This week, we're welcoming a brand-new crew — our 2025 DCI Correspondents — who'll be reporting all summer long from the road!

🫡 Hosted by Jackie Brown with Jeremy (Drum Corps Today) and Omari Holaki (Crown), this episode introduces our dynamic correspondent lineup:

• Jack Hawkins – Boston Crusaders
• Clara Bagwell – Boston Crusaders
• Petey (@peteydrums) – Spirit of Atlanta
• Zoe Duran Arambul – Seattle Cascades

🎧 In this episode:

• The story behind our DCI Correspondents Program
• What it’s really like preparing for tour (from packing tips to performance pressure)
• A hilarious 60-Second Tech Block with Omari on flying internationally with a contra
• Water We Doing?! returns with big rants on judging, social media hate, and... yelling names during shows?!
• Gush & Go: graduations, scholarships, and the joy of getting back on the field

📰 In the news:

• Pride of Cincinnati announces end of competitive program
  Omari and Jackie reflect on the legacy and future of one of Color Guard’s most legendary programs.

💬 Favorite moments include:

• Clara asking “What are we doing with only one percussion judge?”
• Zoe repping the return of Seattle Cascades
• Jack’s reminder not to yell your friend’s name mid-show 🙃
• Petey’s thoughts on supporting newer performers online

📬 Want to be on the show or pitch a topic?
📨 [email protected]
🎙 Guest form: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreak

📲 FOLLOW US:
Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube: @onawaterbreak
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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🎒 This episode is sponsored by Peak Group Travel – Helping you plan your next adventure!
🌐 https://www.peakgrouptravel.com
📸 @peakgrouptravel on socials

🛍️ And shoutout to Guard Closet – Your one-stop shop for marching arts consignment, design, and more!
🌐 https://guardcloset.com
📲 Instagram & TikTok: @guardcloset | Facebook: GuardCloset | Threads: @guardcloset

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✅ Subscribe, leave us a review, and share with your band fam!
🎵 We’ll see you at the next rehearsal — On A Water Break!

This week on On A Water Break Weekly, we’re twirling into something special! Author and longtime color guard veteran Jase Peoples joins us to talk about Twirl—his new YA novel that centers queer identity, color guard culture, and the power of found family. We get into his 32 Count Life Story, talk representation in marching arts literature, and how Twirl is already resonating with performers across the country.

To Catch up on the Book with Jase Peeples (@jasepeeples).  Check it out (bit.ly/3Z8n1Fi)

Plus, it’s a packed sideline with Jackie, Ricardo, Trish, and special guest Jase jumping in on this week’s topics, including:

• 📚 The creative and cultural inspiration behind Twirl
• 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ visibility in color guard and youth lit
• 🥁 The official end of Pride of Cincinnati’s legendary run
• 🎓 Scholarships and student success stories
• 📼 Old school color guard history and what we’ve forgotten
• 💬 60‑Second Tech Block: performance consistency
• 😤 What Are We Doing?!: Ballad bans, uniform disasters, and program legacy
• 🎉 Gush & Go: DCI move-ins, new jobs, and big guard wins

💥 Whether you’re headed to spring training, starting summer camps, or just missing Dayton, this episode will hit you right in the show feels.

💬 Want to be on the show? Fill out our guest form: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreak
📬 Email us: [email protected]
📺 Watch us on YouTube & subscribe
📱 Follow us everywhere @onawaterbreak
🛍️ Brought to you by Guard Closet – www.guardcloset.com
🧳 Sponsored by Peak Group Travel – www.peakgrouptravel.com

This week On A Water Break, we’re spinning into pageant season, breaking down the cost of drum corps, and celebrating some throwback Aussie hat glory. Hosts Nicole, Woody, and Jeremy from Drum Corps Today are joined by color guard director and pageant competitor AK Hazel for an episode packed with marching arts news, real talk, and lots of love for performers pushing boundaries.

🎵 In this episode:

• AK’s 32 Count Life Story – Color Guard to Miss Pretzel City to Miss Pennsylvania
• Florida House Bill 1105 gives marching band students PE credit
• Crossmen return to the Aussie hat — the iconic look is back!
• $85,000+ in DCI scholarships awarded for 2025 season
• Crown x Seavine glove partnership announcement
• 1,000+ open spots still available to march this summer

🔧 60 Second Tech Block
AK shares her pre-pageant routine — a mix of drum corps playlists, pageant films, and mental prep

❓ Water We Doing?!

• Nicole: Why aren’t we mixing genres on the field (DCI x HBCU style)?
• AK: Uniforms should empower — not restrict — your performers
• Jeremy: Background checks & adult vetting in drum corps is still lacking
• Woody: We’re ignoring the collapse of arts funding — and it’s already here

💖 Gush & Go

• AK: Her guard’s undefeated season and a gold medal finish
• Woody: His students cried with pride — the ultimate teacher payoff
• Jeremy: Open Class Thursday night is the best-kept secret in DCI

💬 Special Guest
@akrhazel | @misspretzelcity

🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:
Instagram & TikTok: @onawaterbreak
Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel

📥 Be a guest: Guest Application Form

🧳 Sponsored by:
Peak Group Travel
Website: https://www.peakgrouptravel.com
Instagram: @peakgrouptravel

🌟 Thanks for joining us at rehearsal — see you next time On A Water Break!

CROWN BRASS • COACHELLA ENERGY • DCI LEGEND

From Star of Indiana rookie to the face of Carolina Crown’s famous brass line, educator MATT HARLOFF just checked off an unexpected bucket-list item: conducting a 60-piece ensemble for Travis Scott at Coachella. Hosts NICOLE YOUNGER and JOSÉ “JOEY” MONTES III dig into the email that started it all, the three-week scramble, and why saying “YES” to wild opportunities feeds your students, too.

• Nicole Younger — IG @o2bnpjs
• José “Joey” Montes III — IG @joeymontes57
• Guest: Matt Harloff — IG @mattharloff | Carolina Crown Brass Caption Head

• 32-Count Life Story — Iowa beginnings → Star of Indiana → Avon HS & Crown
• The “Alyssa” Email — why Matt almost deleted the Coachella invite
• Building a 60-piece brass army with Crown, FAMU & Jackson State
• Rehearsing in Phoenix: three weekends, handful of reps, zero room for error
• Live-show curveballs: 1 AM hard curfew, in-ear stage calls, Travis’s un-rehearsed dance break
• Red-eye gymnastics to catch Avon Winds at WGI finals
• “Stop & Smell the Roses” — Matt’s advice for educators who never slow down

📥 Be our next guest → https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9
🌐 Peak Group Travel — peakgrouptravel.com • IG @peakgrouptravel
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⭐ Like ➕ Subscribe ➕ Drop a review to help more marching-arts fans find the show!

#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingArts #DrumCorps #CarolinaCrown #Brass #Coachella #TravisScott #BandDirector #GuardCloset #PeakGroupTravel #Podcast

This week On A Water Break, we’re bringing you our monthly live-recorded episode, now debuting on the podcast feed! Hosts Jackie, Nicole, and Stephen are joined by special guest Taylor Poole, Percussion Caption Head for The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps — and the team goes in on everything from wrist technique to DCI performance order to how a snail and roller derby made it into a 32 Count Life Story.

🎵 In this episode:

• Taylor’s 32 Count Life Story – Southeast roots, roller derby, WGI, and her aquatic son Hoover
• Her 60 Second Tech Block: “Why wrist turn matters in percussion”
• Zildjian Giveaway instructions (backpack + practice pad!)
• Marching arts news:
  Blue Stars full corps update
  Academy’s 2025 show – London Fog
  Cavaliers vs. Phantom fundraiser hits $30K
  Colts/Cadet split-camp update
  Crossmen teaser reactions
• WGI proposal and board application deadlines (May 16!)
• Water We Doing:
  Taylor calls out harness-smacking and early show time bias
  Stephen goes spicy on groups over-prioritizing effect over skill
• Gush and Go:
  Nicole wins Derby Day bets
  Jeremy celebrates Widener’s indoor bronze medal
  Taylor preps for her first roller derby bout
  Jackie gushes over her new mini guard and her 3-year-old’s flag skills

💬 Special Guest:
Taylor Poole – Instagram: @taylorpoole7

🎒 Zildjian Giveaway Rules:

1. Follow us on Instagram
2. Subscribe to our YouTube
3. Comment “backpack” on the live chat replay!

🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

• Instagram & TikTok: @OnAWaterBreak
• Watch on YouTube: On A Water Break Channel

📥 Be a guest: Guest Application Form

🧳 Sponsored by:
Peak Group Travel – Expertly coordinated educational travel
Website: peakgrouptravel.com
Instagram: @peakgrouptravel

🌟 Thanks for joining us at rehearsal — see you next time On A Water Break!

This week, we’re taking a break with two powerhouse performers who are redefining what it means to be visible — both on the floor and online. Hosts Jackie Brown and Nicole Younger sit down with Piper Click (University of Alabama, Alta Marea, Blue Devils) and Max Marr (Fantasia, Blue Devils) to talk about performing at the highest level while managing a growing social media presence during the competitive season.

In this episode, Piper and Max share their 32 Count Life Stories, give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to balance school, rehearsal, and content creation, and reflect on how visibility, legacy, and pressure shape their experience as young leaders in the marching arts.

🎧 Hosted by: Jackie Brown (@spintronixguard) & Nicole Younger (@nicoleyoungercreative)
🎤 Guests:
• Piper Click – @piper.k.click / @piper.spins
• Max Marr – @maxspin.s

💬 In This Episode
• 32 Count Life Stories from Max & Piper
• Being recognized at Dayton & UD Arena
• The realities of rehearsal schedules, travel, and vlogging
• “Color guard influencers” and what visibility really means
• How they deal with social media pressure and performance anxiety
• The biggest misconceptions people have about them
• Their most surprising (and weirdest!) DM stories
• What Are We Doing? (Max and Piper sound off on white ceilings & timeline chaos)
• Gush & Go: The future of Alta Marea, Blue Devils, and show reveal season joy!

💡 Quote of the Week

📲 Want to be on the show?
Submit a guest form: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9
Have a topic idea or shout-out? Email us at: [email protected]

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreak

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@onawaterbreak

Sponsored by:
🌍 Peak Group Travel – Group trips made easy. https://www.peakgroup.travel | @peakgrouptravel
👕 Guard Closet – Gear up with the best in the activity. https://www.guardcloset.com | @guardcloset

On this episode of On A Water Break we tackle a powerful and often unspoken issue in the activity: body shaming.

Host Nicole Younger (@o2binpjs) is joined by co-hosts Alicia Sharp (@aliciaoninsta2) and Whitney Stone (@dancerwhit), alongside guest clinicians Carlos Herrera (@hellocarlosxd) and Erik Longey (@itsspelledwithak), for an emotional and honest discussion on body image, staff expectations, and how size discrimination shows up in the marching arts.

From traumatic uniform fittings and audition comments to the struggle of masking and the impact of a single sentence, each guest shares personal stories and reflects on how we can all do better as educators, performers, and leaders. They also spotlight organizations offering real support, like Melanin Mosaic, the WGI Participant Protection system, and RISE (Resource for Instruction, Safety & Education).

Host: Nicole Younger – @o2binpjs
Co-Hosts: Alicia Sharp – @aliciaoninsta2 | Whitney Stone – @dancerwhit
Guest Clinicians: Carlos Herrera – @hellocarlosxd | Erik Longey – @itsspelledwithak

• “You spin beautifully… but you’ll need to lose 50 pounds.”
• The emotional toll of staff comments and audition feedback
• What it means to feel safe and seen in uniform
• Creating an inclusive teaching environment
• How to advocate for yourself (and others)
• How to file a concern with WGI
• Where to turn for mental health support
• Rewriting the expectations of body, ability, and performance

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“You’re not going to perform at your best if you don’t feel good in your costume.” — Whitney Stone

🎧 Listen anywhere you get your podcasts
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube
📲 Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: @onawaterbreak
📬 Email us: [email protected]
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Sponsored by:
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Hashtags:
#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingArts #ColorGuard #BodyPositivity #SizeInclusion #GuardLife #WGI #TeachingWithCompassion #MelaninMosaic #RISEGroup