On this week’s episode of On A Water Break, the summer season ramps up! Host Trish O’Shea is joined by Sadie Wallace, Justin Siegmund, Tommy Maiello, and Eric Sabach for five packed segments filled with marching arts history, breaking news, and tech tips.

🎺 32 Count Life Stories & Interviews:

• Sadie Wallace traces her journey from Baton Twirling Champion to legendary instructor across East Coast corps.
• Eric Sabach recounts marching from Lenape Valley to directing Phantom Regiment and co-founding the 1934 Foundation.
• Justin Siegmund shares his rise from Illinois high school guard to Phantom Regiment performer and recent Gold Medal with WGI 2025 Champion Pride of Cincinnati.
• Tommy Maiello reflects on decades leading and teaching corps, now launching LEGACY DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS, Dream’s newest SoundSport venture.

📰 In the News:

• Chuck Mangione’s passing at age 84: honoring the smooth jazz flügelhorn icon who bridged DCI and the broader music world.
• LEGACY Drum & Bugle Corps Launch: Dream’s new DCI Soundsport corps for 2026 → Press Release
• Cadets heritage secured: the 1934 Foundation acquires The Cadets’ name, logo & IP and unveils a scholarship program.
• 🏅 Gabby, a Norwin High School color guard standout and two-time WGI world medalist, is a finalist for Sports Illustrated Youth Athlete of the Year—vote daily through August 7 → SI Youth Athlete Voting

🛠 60-Second Tech Block:
Justin delivers nonstop tips on mastering the three-turn under a five in cramped spaces. 

💧 Water We Doing?!
Panelists rant about over-the-top face makeup trends in guard and debate when innovation crosses the line with tradition.

🌟 Gush & Go:

• Justin is thrilled to move into his new apartment with college guard friends.
• Sadie celebrates her debut in the Spectacular Follies at age 71.
• Tommy & Eric gush over Dream Performing Arts Academy’s programs and the promise of Legacy Corps.

🎥 Watch this week’s full episode & bonus clips → YouTube
🔗 Apply for Legacy auditions → dreamtoperform.org
🔗 Vote daily for Gabby as SI Youth Athlete of the Year → SI Youth Athlete Voting

🌍 Sponsored by: Peak Group Travel | IG: @peak.group.travel
👕 Guard Closet: IG: @guardcloset

Drum Corps History, Shower Anthems & Duct‑Tape Marching Tux Triumph

Your All‑Access Pass to the Marching Arts.
A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts—On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes.

This week hosts Nicole Younger, Jackie Brown, and Trish O’Shea welcome Tai Nelson from Ty Talks DCI (@taitalksdci) to dive into the deeper story behind drum corps—from academic roots to Instagram education and yes, shower anthems.

Surprise guest Nicholas Moore (@BrasstapeBandKid on IG, @BrassTape on TikTok) joins us live from Disney to celebrate his $15,000 Duck Brand “Stuck at Prom” win, featuring his viral duct‑tape tux!

🔹 Segments & Highlights:

• 32 Count Life Story: Crossmen legacy → BD → scholar/content creator
• West Coast DCI tour predictions
• AES 500 Festival & HBCU Band announcements
• Duct‑Tape Tux Triumph: Nicholas' creative showcase + scholarship
• Tech Block: building community in tour showers
• What Are We Doing?! & Gush & Go

🎙️ Panel & Guests:
Nicole Younger [@o2bnpjs], Jackie Brown [@spintronixguard], Trish O’Shea [@trishdish1002], Tai Nelson [@taitalksdci], Nicholas Moore [@BrasstapeBandKid / @BrassTape]

💼 Sponsors:
Peak Group Travel @peak.group.travel | Guard Closet @guardcloset

📝 Want to be on the show? Fill out the guest form or email us.
🔔 Subscribe, rate, and DM to keep the hype going!

Welcome to On A Water Break—your all-access pass to the marching arts! This week, Stephen is joined by Jackie Brown, Woody Woodward, and two special guests: legendary Chuck Henson (@chuckhenson1) of Bands of America and broadcaster, and Joe Brown, the powerhouse educator behind Elizabeth HS, NJ.

• 32 Count Life Stories from Chuck (“the big voice in the big stadium at the big band show!”) and Joe (“Joe Bama” of Title I band fame).
• Sideline Scoop:
  Clark Atlanta University Mighty Marching Panthers performed at Truist Park’s MLB All-Star Weekend ✔️
  Leander (TX) HS band mourns sophomore member Braxton Jarmon amid flooding; community launches fundraisers ✔️
  Music for All names Dr. James Weaver as new CEO/President ✔️ Duck Brand+1Instagram+1
  Nicholas Moore of South Iredell HS takes home a $15,000 Duck Brand “Stuck at Prom” scholarship for his Duck Tape tuxedo ✔️ Duck Brand+15Duck Brand+15Ferris State University+15
• Peak Group Travel Tip: Book early-bird fares now – peakgrouptravel.com & IG @peak.group.travel.
• 3…2…1—go! (60‑Second Tech Block): Joe breaks down the keys to Title I program success—“The difference is not in the kids’ passion, but in the support, resources, and structure schools provide.”
• Water We Doing: Stephen advocates for raising NJ drumline standards; Chuck pushes for greater exposure to elite performance; Joe & Woody challenge DCI’s tour model and explore regional access.
• Gush & Go: Woody celebrates opening-season wins; Joe cheers on alumni marching in Mandarins and Blue Devils; Chuck salutes BOA’s 50th anniversary; Stephen reveals he’s being sized for his Eagles Drumline championship ring.

Featured Guests:

• Chuck Henson (@chuckhenson1) – BOA announcer, host of Joining Us podcast
• Joe Brown – Elizabeth HS, NJ 

Hosts:

• Stephen McCarrick (@stephenmccarrick)
• Jackie Brown (@spintronixguard)
• Woody Woodward (@remoking100)

News & Story Links:
• CAU at All-Star Game: [HBCU News article] ✔️
• Leander HS band story: [Facebook/KWTX coverage] ✔️
• Dr. James Weaver’s appointment: [Music for All release] ✔️
• Nicholas Moore’s scholarship: [Duck Brand winners page] & [PR Newswire coverage] ✔️ Yahoo Finance+14Duck Brand+14PR Newswire+14

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & Host Introductions
02:00 – 32 Count Life Story: Chuck Henson
10:00 – 32 Count Life Story: Joe Brown
18:00 – Sideline Scoop: News
27:00 – Peak Group Travel Tip
28:00 – 60‑Second Tech Block: Title I Bands
34:00 – Water We Doing: DCI Access & Exposure
44:00 – Gush & Go: Wins, BOA, Drumline Ring
55:00 – Closing & CTAs

Listen everywhere:
Apple • Spotify • Amazon • YouTube
Connect with us @onawaterbreak

Ricardo Robinson-Shinall (@ricardorrobinson) • Stephen McCarrick (@stephenmccarrick)
Co-host: Trish O’Shea (@trishdish1002)
Guest Hosts: Michelle Adcock (@michelleainpa) of the Hawthorne Caballeros (https://hawthornecaballeros.org) • Nick Coppock (@cantstopcop) of the Bushwackers (https://www.bushwackers.org)

Episode Summary:
We kick off the inaugural DCI All-Age season with your full panel: news headlines, a 60-Second Tech Block on video-feedback drills, a Water We Doing? rant on online negativity, and Gush & Go highlights.

Segments:

1. 32-Count Life Stories – Origins and paths of Michelle, Nick & Ricardo
2. News Roundup –
   FAMU’s first female head drum major → https://www.si.com/college/hbcu/bands/florida-a-m-marching-100-makes-herstory-naming-first-female-head-drum-major
   Beyoncé’s $100K to Texas Southern “Ocean of Soul” → https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/music/article/beyonce-donates-100k-to-tsu-ocean-of-soul-houston-20398428.php
   WGI’s new Participant Protection (3P) training → https://www.wgi.org/participant-protection-training
   NFL’s first twirler in 23 years → https://sports.yahoo.com/article/hartselle-native-twirl-tennessee-titans-123600911.html
3. 60-Second Tech Block – Michelle Adcock on using in-rehearsal video feedback (full guide on site)
4. Water We Doing? – Why we need to champion positivity in the marching-arts community
5. Gush & Go –
   Trish’s All-Age show excitement
   Stephen’s July 12 Rowan University clinic featuring Roger Carter
   Ricardo’s post-tour adrenaline & student success shout-outs
   Nick’s fitness-through-discipline journey
   Michelle’s drum clinic buzz with elementary guards

Listen & Subscribe:
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEIZAjFybvq_AzpFUXvNJDQ
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/onawaterbreak
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-a-water-break/id1653637341
• Other platforms: search “On A Water Break”
• Guest Signup: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9

Sponsors:
Peak Group Travel – https://peakgrouptravel.com (@peak.group.travel)
Guard Closet – https://www.guardcloset.com (@guardcloset)

Welcome to On A Water Break—your sideline pass to the world of drum corps, marching band, color guard, and the marching arts! In this bonus “With” episode, host Stephen McCarrick sits down with Neal Bright, drummer for the Savannah Bananas Pep Band, to unpack six seasons of stunt drumming, pre-game pageantry, viral social-media fame—and the reality of balancing it all around a school-day teaching career.

• 32-Count Life Story
  Neal’s lightning-fast origin: Effingham, GA → Georgia Southern & West Georgia → middle-school band director → “one-off” summer gig → permanent spot in the Savannah Bananas Pep Band.
• Inside the Show
  How the Bananas blend choreography, crowd interaction, stunt drumming and TikTok-worthy antics into every plaza rehearsal and in-game routine.
• Water We Doing?
  A hot take on why marching-arts educators rarely mention paid entertainment-band careers—and why drumline skills can become a fun, income-generating side hustle.
• Gush & Go
  Great news: Neal’s first child is due this December (banana-onesie ready!), plus a reminder about Stephen’s July 12 drum clinic at Rowan University.

• This Is Bananas: Banana Band ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEIWCpuwIoc youtube.com
• Pep Band Practice #Shorts ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uj-hjsZZKVU youtube.com
• Official Savannah Bananas Site ▶️ https://thesavannahbananas.com/ thesavannahbananas.com

• YouTube Channel ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEIZAjFybvq_AzpFUXvNJDQ
• Spotify ▶️ https://open.spotify.com/show/onawaterbreak
• Apple Podcasts ▶️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-a-water-break/id1653637341
• Google Podcasts, Amazon Music & more — search “On A Water Break”

• On A Water Break (IG & X) ▶️ @onawaterbreakpodcast
• Host Stephen McCarrick ▶️ @stephenmccarrick
• Guest Neal Bright ▶️ @nealdrums1
• Guest Signup ▶️ https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9
• Website ▶️ https://onawaterbreakpodcast.com

Guard Closet
Custom color-guard uniforms, flags & accessories—design your look at https://www.guardcloset.com and follow @GuardCloset for pro tips and new releases.

This week, your hosts—Jackie Brown (@spintronixguard), Stephen McCarrick (@stephenmccarrick), Ricardo Robinson-Shinall (@RicardoRRobinson) and Trish O’Shea (@trishdish1002)—sit down with:

• Brent Becker (uniform designer extraordinaire; IG: @bbecker_designs)
• Nicholas Moore (Duck Brand “Stuck at Prom” finalist; IG: @BrasstapeBandKid, TikTok: @BrassTape)
• Brandon Worf of Drum Corps AF Podcast (IG: @drumcorpsafpodcast | https://drumcorpsaf.com)

What’s on the sideline this week?

• 32-Count Life Stories with Brent & Nicholas
• Uniform Room News: Inside Nicholas’s full marching-band suit built from duct tape—and Brent’s pro tips on fit, materials & color theory
• Sponsor Break with Guard Closet
• 60-Second Tech Block: Brent’s rapid-fire deep dive into the Bluecoats’ uniform evolution
• Water We Doing?! Rant & rave on esoteric show themes, secrecy culture and “fast fashion” uniform practices
• Gush & Go: Community shout-outs and hype for DCI 2025’s opening weekend

• Spotify → https://spotify.link/OnAWaterBreak
• Apple Podcasts → https://apple.link/OnAWaterBreak
• Google Podcasts → https://google.link/OnAWaterBreak

• Vote for Nicholas’s Duct-Tape Suit → https://www.duckbrand.com/stuckatprom
• Brent Becker’s Portfolio → https://instagram.com/bbecker_designs
• Drum Corps AF Podcast → https://drumcorpsaf.com | IG: @drumcorpsafpodcast

Guard Closet – uniforms, flags & gear → https://guardcloset.com | IG: @guardcloset
Peak Group Travel – expert tour planning for bands & drum corps → https://peakgrouptravel.com | IG: @peakgrouptravel

Want to be on the show or pitch a topic?
• Guest Form → https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9
• Email → [email protected]
• Follow → @onawaterbreak on Instagram, Facebook & X

#OnAWaterBreak #UniformDesign #DuctTape #DCI2025 #DrumCorpsAF #MarchingArts #Podcast

Don’t miss next week’s episode—same sideline, new stories!

🎙️ Welcome to On A Water Break — your sideline pass to the world of drum corps, marching band, color guard, and the marching arts!

This week, we’re turning the spotlight on LGBTQIA+ performers, educators, and community leaders who are making Pride not just a celebration—but a statement.

🫶 Host Ricardo Robinson-Shinall and co-host Whitney Stone are joined by an all-star panel:

• Cameron Elliott, former Artistic Director for the World Pride Marching Band and longtime leader with Charlotte Pride Band
• Chad Greife, director of the St. Louis Pride Guard
• Danielle Young, co-director of the Indy Pride Guard and national adjudicator

Together, they share heartfelt stories, hilarious moments, and hard-won lessons from building Pride Guards and Bands across the country. From battling heat exhaustion on parade routes to coordinating hundreds of performers with just a few rehearsals, this episode dives deep into the passion, logistics, and legacy behind these vital community groups.

💬 Topics include:

• How Indy Pride Guard and St. Louis Pride Guard were founded
• Behind-the-scenes stories from World Pride and local parades
• The role of color guard and marching band in queer visibility
• Superstitions, glitter, flag swaps, and... serving face when the hottie walks by

👀 Plus: A viral-worthy 60-Second Tech Block from Cameron, Water We Doing?! rants on parade policies and superstition, and a round of Gush & Go that’ll leave you smiling.

🎧 Sponsored by
Guard Closet – your one-stop shop for all things marching arts.
Website: guardcloset.com | IG: @guardcloset

Peak Group Travel – travel planning for your next band trip, competition, or parade.
Website: peakgrouptravel.com | IG: @peakgrouptravel

📬 Have a story or want to be a guest?
Email: [email protected]
Guest Sign-Up: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9

📱 Follow us @onawaterbreak on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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.

—
🎥 Watch this week’s full episode & bonus segments → [link]
📋 Submit to be featured → [link]
—
🌍 Sponsored by: Peak Group Travel | IG: @peakgrouptravel
👕 Guard Closet | IG: @guardcloset

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
• Be Our Next Guest → https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9
• Host Questionnaire → https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QHSqoUpMbUqhrCa5rNK8zRFgVB4BROjZBCQ4m6yd4aQ
• Follow Us:
– Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/onawaterbreak
– TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@onawaterbreak
– Link in Bio → https://linktree.com/onawaterbreak

• 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