On A Water Break

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:
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Sponsored by:
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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]
🎤 Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9

Sponsored by:
Guard Closet – https://guardcloset.com | IG: @guardcloset
Peak Group Travel – https://peakgrouptravel.com | IG: @peakgrouptravel

Hashtags:
#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingArts #ColorGuard #BodyPositivity #SizeInclusion #GuardLife #WGI #TeachingWithCompassion #MelaninMosaic #RISEGroup

We’re back and LIVE again on YouTube with hosts Trish O’Shea (@trishdish1002), Jackie Brown (@spintronixguard), Jose Montes III (@marchingbymontes), and Joey Montes — joined this week by winter guard judge and educator Ashley D’Amore and our favorite sideline perspective, Sharon Boyd (@therealbandmom).

SEGMENT 1: THE SIDELINES & BONUS EPISODE PREVIEWSWe kick things off with a quick welcome and look ahead at what’s coming up:

• An international episode featuring the Color Guard Alliance of the Philippines
• A candid chat with Brandy Keeton (University of Alabama & Alta Marea)
• A WGI engagement recap with the couple from Tampa Independent
• A summer preview with siblings Piper & Avery Click heading to Blue Devils
• Alicia’s deep dive into body size and space in the marching arts

SEGMENT 2: MARCHING ARTS NEWS

• Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps sparks controversy with a $1700 “Field Set Crew” post targeting 18–22-year-olds. The backlash was immediate — and now they’re “reevaluating.” Sharon (The Band Mom) gives her honest thoughts.
• Jackie reports on Avon Band Director Jay Webb’s appearance in Travis Scott’s Coachella show
• Spartans announce their 2025 show “Mistica” but face heat for using AI-generated art before quietly swapping it out
• Michigan’s Reeths-Puffer HS Band is the focus of a new documentary
• WGI launches BEAM: a real-time performance feedback platform
• Ultimate Drill Book rolls out the “Listening Zones” feature to help students better understand ensemble timing
• Peak Group Travel shares their weekly travel tip

SEGMENT 3: 60-SECOND TECH BLOCK / WATER WE DOING / GUSH AND GOAshley D’Amore delivers a 60-Second Tech Block on Dynamic Efforts & Qualities — and the crew reacts in real time. In this week’s “Water We Doing?” segment:

• Sharon asks why indoor winds still don’t get as much attention
• Ashley begs groups to practice getting on and off the floor to avoid last-second chaos
• Trish wants drum corps to stop waiting until mid-season to announce their show themes
• Jose shares frustrations as a drill writer being asked for August-ready material in April

We wrap with “Gush and Go”:

• Jackie’s middle school mini guard is ready for their big debut
• Ashley shares her summer spinning with her 2-year-old to Chapel Roan
• Sharon celebrates her son graduating with a music ed degree and aging out with the Blue Devils
• Jose has a few open choreography spots and is finally relaxing after WGI

Want to be a guest on the pod? Fill out the form at the link in our bio or email us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to follow us @onawaterbreak, leave a review, and share the show.

We’ll see you at the next rehearsal — On A Water Break.

This week, Nicole (@o2bnpjs) is joined by Whitney (@dancerwhit) and Alicia (@aliciaoninsta2) for an episode packed with big announcements, fresh perspectives, and two exciting new voices joining the sidelines!

We’re thrilled to welcome guest clinicians Carlos Herrera (@hellocarlosxd) and Erik Longey (@itsspelledwithak) to the podcast! They each share their 32 Count Life Stories — from band kid beginnings to taking leadership roles in the marching arts.

🎧 After the break, Carlos delivers an insightful 60-Second Tech Block on preventing performer burnout — and opens up a bigger conversation about how we can better support all performers, not just competitors.

In Water We Doing, the team tackles:

• Why costumes without matching shorts are a movement hazard
• Why glasses on the floor are a bigger problem than you think
• Why appreciation needs to happen throughout the season, not just at the end
• Why it’s still so hard to find archives of Winter Guard performances

Finally, we wrap up with Gush and Go, where we celebrate: 🎓 Carlos graduating with honors
💼 Whitney starting her next adventure (and her Canva skills!)
🙌 Erik’s incredible experience on staff with Juxtaposition

If you’re reflecting on the season or looking ahead to summer, this episode is packed with heart, humor, and inspiration.

HOSTS:
🎙️ Nicole Younger – @o2bnpjs
🎙️ Alicia Sharp – @aliciaoninsta2
🎙️ Whitney Stone – @dancerwhit

GUEST CLINICIANS:
👤 Carlos Herrera – @hellocarlosxd
👤 Erik Longey – @itsspelledwithak

🎧 Listen anywhere you get your podcasts
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: On A Water Break Channel
📬 Email us: [email protected]
📣 Want to be a guest? Apply here
📲 Follow: @onawaterbreak

Sponsored by:
💙 Guard Closet | IG: @guardcloset
🌍 Peak Group Travel | IG: @peakgrouptravel

#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingWeekly #MarchingArts #Winterguard #ColorGuard #DCI #MarchingBand #Podcast #GuardCloset #PeakGroupTravel

Patricia shares her journey from her early days in Quezon City’s drum & lyre scene to building a nationwide network of performers, directors, and choreographers that are redefining what color guard looks like in Southeast Asia.

Host: Grantis Peranda (@grantisimo_p)

Guest: Patricia Real Barairo (@colorguardphilippines)

In this episode:
– what drum & lyre means in the Philippines
– how Patricia transitioned from percussion to pageantry
– founding CGAP and performing at WGI Asia
– traveling across 7,000 islands for competitions
– the rise of Camp Spin, Spin Fest, and color guard battles
– launching WMBO: the World Marching Band Organization
– how color guard is becoming part of Filipino festivals, TV, and weddings

CGAP turns 10 in 2025, and Patricia has big plans: concerts, workshops, competitions, an equipment expo, and international appearances in Thailand, Malaysia, and beyond.

💬 “Marching band is part of every celebration in the Philippines — even funerals. It’s tradition, it’s culture, it’s life.” – Patricia Real Barairo

—

📲 follow our guest:
@colorguardphilippines on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

📲 follow our host:
@grantisimo_p | grantisimoproductions.com

🎧 subscribe to on a water break on YouTube:
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or listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 want to be a guest?
https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9

—

✨ this episode is sponsored by:
Guard Closet – guardcloset.com | @guardcloset
Peak Group Travel – peakgrouptravel.com | @peakgrouptravel

—

#onawaterbreak #colorguardphilippines #CGAP #WGIAsia #WMBO #marchingarts #drumandlyre #campspin #spinfest #globalguard #filipinopride #aroundtheworld

🎙️ ON A WATER BREAK WITH... BRANDY KEETON
Hosted by Jackie Brown and Stephanie Click

This week, we’re heading to Tuscaloosa for a bonus episode featuring the powerhouse behind the University of Alabama Color Guard and Alta Marea—Brandy Keeton! From her early days as a shy baton twirler in Athens, Alabama, to leading one of the most visible and successful collegiate color guard programs in the country, Brandy’s story is full of heart, hustle, and high tide energy.

Join hosts Jackie Brown @spintronixguard and Stephanie Click @stephanieclick as they sit down with Brandy for her 32 Count Life Story, and unpack her journey from Crimsonette to co-director of a WGI medalist program. In this episode, we dive into:

• How Brandy balances SEC football, high school teaching, and directing a world-class winter guard
• The unique structure of Alta Marea—all members are Million Dollar Band students!
• What it’s like to juggle fall football performances on ESPN and prepare for WGI World Class debut in the same season
• University support for the guard—including athletic trainers and realistic fees
• How Alta Marea evolved from a fall training tool into a full-fledged competitive program

✨ In our Water We Doing segment, Brandy calls out the chaos of the UD Arena rain plan and shares the now-iconic “ShamWow moment” backstage in Dayton.
💖 And in Gush and Go, she celebrates Alta Marea’s incredible 2025 season and drops big news: record-breaking audition numbers and early plans for 2026!

💬 Want to be on the show?
Email us at: [email protected]
OR fill out our guest interest form here: https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9

📲 Follow Brandy and Her Teams:
TikTok: @theblondebobshell
Instagram: @altamarea_cg | @milliondollarband
Facebook: Alta Marea Winterguard | Million Dollar Band Color Guard

🎧 Follow & Subscribe:
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YouTube: On A Water Break
Listen anywhere you get your podcasts!

🧳 Sponsored by:
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Website: https://peakgrouptravel.com
Instagram: @peakgrouptravel

Guard Closet
Website: https://guardcloset.com
Instagram: @guardcloset

On this jam-packed On A Water Break episode, host Stephen McCarrick is joined live by Matt Walters (@surfingdrums), Austin Hall (@austin_hall10), Woody Woodward (@remoking100), Joey Montes (@marchingbymontes), and first-time guest Daniel Balls (@balls_boy) to break down all the action from WGI Championships 2025.

💥 From record-breaking scores to viral horse props, this live panel covers it all:

🧾 What’s inside this week’s episode:
🎉 Recaps of every finals class: PIW, PIO, PIA, Scholastic World, Open, and A
🥁 Joey's tabla prodigy & ICT’s surprise debut
🥇 George Mason’s fan favorite moment — and controversial video snub
🚨 Ayala & RCC setting new world records
🎭 Deep talk on effect, show design, and letting go of “I didn’t get the show”
🧠 60 Second Tech Block – Joey delivers the “3 C’s of Champ Week” like a pro
🧐 Water We Doing? – Crooked floors, cold lot setups, and missed applause
💖 Gush and Go – Shoutouts to students, staff, wins culture, bass drum culture, and a reminder: We’re all in this together

Plus:

• How a group literally brought horses to WGI
• Why Veritas and George Mason raised the bar
• Woody reveals his students found out he’s on the podcast 👀
• Joey takes on too many groups (again)
• Austin dreams of Winds getting its own weekend
• Matt gushes about bassline love and SoCal Base Camp
• Daniel reflects on member growth and family vibes at North Star

🎧 Whether you watched it live or are tuning in after the fact, this is the ultimate wrap-up of WGI 2025 Percussion & Winds.

—

📣 Want to be a guest on the show? Fill out the form:
👉 https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9

📺 Watch episodes & live streams on our YouTube Channel
📸 Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Threads → @OnAWaterBreak
🛍 Sponsored by: Guard Closet | @guardcloset
🚌 Powered by: Peak Group Travel | @peakgrouptravel
🎙️ Listen to all episodes: https://onawaterbreak.buzzsprout.com

—

🔎 TAGS
#OnAWaterBreak #WGI2025 #PercussionRecap #WindsRecap #PIW #WGIWorldClass #WaterWeDoing #GushAndGo #60SecondTechBlock #GeorgeMason #Ayala #BrokenCity #RhythmX #WGIResults #MarchingArtsPodcast #DrumlineCulture #BasslineLove #SoCalBaseCamp #GuardCloset #PeakGroupTravel #WGIWins #WGI2025Recap #IndependentWorld #ScholasticWorld

🎙️ QUICK SIP: A WGI Love Story — The Tampa Independent Proposal 💍

We’re kicking off our Quick Sip bonus series with a love story straight from retreat! Ricardo sits down with Tampa Independent’s very own Madison Nelson (@maddylynn22) and John Shirella (@drummerboymercy), whose surprise proposal at WGI Finals had the crowd (and their teammates) cheering and crying all at once. 💍💙

From their 32 Count Life Stories to their first days teaching at River Ridge High School, this episode spills all the tea — including how the whole thing went down, the behind-the-scenes nerves, and how press-on nails almost became the real emergency. 😂

We also chat about what it’s like being in a relationship where pageantry always comes first, why it actually works, and how they balance rehearsals, performances, and life together.

✨ Then we dive into Water We Doing?, where Maddie comes in hot about VE shoes that don’t let you point your feet (jazz shoe nation rise up), and John’s ready to cancel those booming metronome speakers in the lot. And yes, Ricardo might finally be convinced to stop complaining about percussion people in the lot… maybe.

💖 Finally, they wrap things up with a Gush and Go that celebrates the next chapter in their lives — together.

📲 Want to be on the podcast or have a Quick Sip-worthy story? Hit the form in our bio or DM us!
🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube and follow us @OnAWaterBreak.
💧 Subscribe. Rate. Share. And we’ll see you… on a water break

We’re wrapping up the WGI 2025 Color Guard season with three incredible returning guests who just took the floor by storm in Dayton:

🌟 Jacob Allison – performer with crowd-favorite AMP Winter Guard, who brought the club vibes all season long and left their mark as one of the most entertaining fan-favorite shows of the year.
🌟 Colby Tapp – from Etude Winter Guard, sharing insight into their emotionally moving production Wild Geese and what it felt like to fully settle into his second season in World Class.
🌟 Andrew SeeBaran – gold medalist with Pride of Cincinnati, reflecting on their stunning, intimate floor design and what it meant to lead such a deeply connected cast.

🏆 Hear how each of them tackled personal performance goals, navigated the emotional high of WGI Finals, and what advice they have for aspiring World Class performers. We dig into performance anxiety, disco ball mishaps, UD Arena goose sightings, and the power of trust, timing, and teamwork.

🎧 Plus:
• Why Etude’s poetic staging made such an impact
• The hidden storyline behind AMP’s nightlife-themed journey
• How Pride’s 65x65 circle pushed boundaries and forced focus
• The emotional toll (and ibuprofen count) of being a seasoned vet
• Why we need a Fan Favorite Award back – officially
• Who’s retiring, who’s still hungry, and what they all wish they knew before starting

🎤 HOSTED BY:
Nicole Younger (@thatsingerguardgirl)
Alicia Sharp (@aliciasharptoo)
Trish O’Shea (@trishoshea.design)

👑 GUEST PERFORMERS:
Jacob Allison (@jacoballizon97) – AMP Winter Guard (@ampwinterguard)
Andrew SeeBaran (@iandrewmark) – Pride of Cincinnati (@prideofcincinnati)
Colby Tapp (@c0lbytapp) – Etude Winter Guard (@etudewinterguard)

📸 Don’t forget to check out all the content from WGI 2025 on our Instagram @onawaterbreak and subscribe to the YouTube channel for even more behind-the-scenes and bonus footage:
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onawaterbreak
🌐 Website: https://www.guardcloset.com/on-a-water-break
📧 Want to be on the podcast? Fill out the guest form in our link in bio or email us at [email protected]

💬 TAGS:
#OnAWaterBreak #WGI2025 #ColorGuard #WinterGuard #Etude #AMPWinterGuard #PrideOfCincinnati #WGIWorldClass #GuardLife #MarchingArts #FanFavorite #SpillTheTea #WGIRecap #UDArena #ColorGuardGoals #MarchingArtsPodcast