On A Water Break

🔥 This week on On A Water Break, we’re LIVE from the 2025 WGI World Championships floor with your recap dream team: Ricardo, Trish, Whitney, Dylan Watson, and Bryan Ayala!

💬 Segment 1:We break down the highlights from an unforgettable WGI weekend — rain, props, floor drama, tears, and triumphs! From scheduling madness to weather woes, we cover the real behind-the-scenes of Dayton. Plus, we celebrate the 2025 DCI Hall of Fame inductees: Jim Moore, Matt Harloff, and Jack Bevins.

🥇 Segment 2:We’re dishing out the medals and celebrating top-tier performances! Huge congrats to:

• The Woodlands HS (Scholastic World Gold, 98.000) — first Texas gold in SW!
• Pride of Cincinnati (Independent World Gold, 94.900)
• Little Elm HS (Scholastic Open Gold, 98.400)
• Third Legend (Independent Open Gold, 96.900)
• Pope HS (Scholastic A Gold, 96.555)
• Homage Independent (Independent A Gold, 95.985)

Texas DOMINATED in all classes — with six SA and six SO guards in finals and three Scholastic medals coming home to the Lone Star State!

🛠️ Segment 3: 60 Second Tech BlockDylan Watson breaks down how to nail multiple three-turns in one show. It’s technical gold — you’ll want to replay it again and again!

😤 What Are We Doing?!

• Trish calls out copy-paste scoring from Power Regionals to finals.
• Whitney blasts WGI proposal culture at retreat (it's giving Phoebe from Friends).
• Dylan questions post-show photos (makeup meltdown edition).
• Ricardo demands tents for rain logistics and questions A Class burnout with 2-shows-a-day finals format.
• Bryan asks WGI to up the wristband allotments for staff — can we get a little more help?

🎉 Gush & Go:

• The clipping trend is here and it's adorable.
• Texas celebrates a true glow-up year.
• Dylan gets personal about his choreography growth and starting year 3 at ASU.
• Bryan shows love to all the first-time finalists and the amazing young directors.
• Ricardo gushes over the power of WGI fellowship, The Cookout, and community.

🎧 Guests: Dylan M. Watson @that_dude_dylan18, Bryan Ayala @itsbadluckbryan / @ehsfriscocolorguards

🎧 Catch the full episode now and celebrate the season with us!

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEIZAjFybvq_AzpFUXvNJDQ
🌐 Brought to you by our sponsors:
Guard Closet — https://guardcloset.com | IG: @guardcloset
Peak Group Travel — https://www.peakgrouptravel.com | IG: @peakgrouptravel

📩 Want to be a guest? DM us or submit at the link in bio!
💌 Email: [email protected]
📲 Follow us everywhere: @onawaterbreak

#WGI2025 #ColorGuard #MarchingArts #OnAWaterBreak #PrideOfCincinnati #TheWoodlandsHS #LittleElmHS #TexasGuards #TechBlock #PageantryLife #WGIRecap #GuardLife

This week’s On A Water Break is coming to you LIVE for the first time ever! 🎉 Hosted by Jackie, Steven, and Nicole, this episode is packed with spontaneous moments, major marching arts news, heartfelt reflections, and all the chaos you expect from a live stream.

💬 What’s Inside:

• Nicole takes over the 60-Second Tech Block with a passionate pitch on Why You Should Go to The Cookout – a must-attend, inclusive WGI-week event
• Jackie shares a moving story about the Yukon Band’s fundraiser to support a neighboring school after a devastating fire (News 9 Oklahoma)
• Nicole follows up on our recent reporting with an update on the Palisades Charter High School Band returning to performance after California wildfires (Spectrum News)
• Stephen announces the newest WGI Hall of Fame Inductees for 2025 (WGI.org)
• Nicole brings us national coverage of a sweet surprise moment for a North Carolina high school band (ABC News/GMA)
• Upcoming appearances and live recaps from the Show Day booth at WGI
• Exciting info about The Cookout: Join us Saturday between Open and World Finals from 3–5 PM at Paw Paw Pavilion — $10 donation ($5 per performer if you're bringing your whole group), live music, scholarship awards, and community vibes! @thecookoutcg

🌎 Organizations & Partners Featured:

• @gonzako.projects
• @melaninmosaic
• @grantisimo_p
• @guardcloset – guardcloset.com
• @peakgrouptravel – peakgrouptravel.com
• @pflagdayton
• @miamivalleymeals

📣 Want to be a guest? Submit your story through our Link in Bio or email us at [email protected].

📲 Follow us @onawaterbreak for behind-the-scenes fun, bonus content, and livestream alerts.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Keep coming back each week for more laughs, lessons, and love from the On A Water Break crew.

🎯 #marchingband #drumcorps #colorguard #wgi #dci #marchingarts #winterguard #bandlife #gushandgo #waterwedoing #onawaterbreak #livepodcast #guardcloset #thecookout #wginationals #marchingartsnews

In this special bonus episode, Stephen McCarrick and Anne Turner sit down with Julie Davila, renowned percussion educator, composer, adjudicator, and newly appointed Judge Administrator for Drum Corps International (DCI). Julie shares her remarkable journey through the marching arts, from her early passion for percussion and transformative years at the University of North Texas to her extensive adjudicating career in both DCI and WGI.

✨ Highlights from this Episode:

• Julie's "32-Count Life Story": From her roots as a young drummer and water sports enthusiast to becoming a respected leader and advocate for women in percussion.
• Deep Dive into Arranging and Composition: Julie discusses her powerful piece, "Faith and Fortitude," inspired by personal experiences and resilience through her daughter’s medical challenges.
• Judging Insights: Julie provides an insider look at what defines a successful front ensemble, balancing innovation with tradition, and her experience across multiple judging captions.
• New Role at DCI: Julie shares her excitement about becoming the Judge Administrator for DCI, her goals for supporting diversity in adjudication, and nurturing future talent.
• "Water We Doing?": Julie, Stephen, and Anne address the pitfalls of comparing scores across competitions and advocate for a stronger musical foundation in young ensembles.
• "Gush and Go": Celebrating recent accomplishments, exciting future plans, and the continuous growth of women leaders in the marching arts.

🔗 Featured Organizations & Links:

• Drum Corps International: https://www.dci.org
• WGI: https://www.wgi.org
• University of North Texas Percussion: https://percussion.music.unt.edu
• Roloff Productions: https://www.roloff.com

🌟 Connect with Julie Davila:

• Instagram: @sisterjules9397
• Facebook: Julie Sutton Davila

📲 Stay Connected:

• Follow "On A Water Break" on Social Media: @onawaterbreak
• Questions or episode suggestions? Email us at [email protected]

🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, review, and share! Stay tuned to "On A Water Break" for more insightful conversations, innovative ideas, and exclusive content from the marching arts community!

#MarchingArts #DrumCorps #DCI #WGI #Percussion #JulieDavila #MusicEducation #BandLife #Colorguard #IndoorPercussion #Podcast #OnAWaterBreak

Join us this week on On A Water Break as we wrap up Women's History Month with an incredible panel of talented women from the marching arts! Hosts Stephen McCarrick, Trish O'Shea, Cynthia Bernard, Beth Beccone, and Anne Turner lead a dynamic conversation filled with insightful tips, exciting news, and passionate discussions.

• Beth Beccone from Peak Group Travel announces an exciting new podcast sponsorship and shares essential travel tips for ensembles.
• In our 60 Second Tech Block, Beth tackles bus travel logistics, crucial for smooth touring experiences.
• Spirit of Atlanta Alumni Corps celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special performance at DCI semifinals. spiritdrumcorps.org
• Big Parade News for July 4th 2026 - Marching.com
• Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps sets a new standard for financial transparency in Drum Corps. pacific-crest.org
• WGI announces a job opening for Digital Marketing Manager, a fantastic opportunity for marching arts enthusiasts. wgi.org
• University of South Alabama unveils plans for a state-of-the-art rehearsal facility opening in 2026.
• Hosts discuss recent design trends appearing simultaneously across WGI groups, prompting conversations on creativity and originality.
• Third Legend, Sonor Winterguard, and Pacificaires receive special shoutouts and detailed insights from Cynthia Bernard.
• Specter Percussion celebrates top rankings in preparation for WGI Championships. specterpercussion.org

• Instagram: @onawaterbreak
• YouTube: On A Water Break Channel

🎺 Sponsored by Peak Group Travel — your partner in unforgettable student adventures. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

🎭 Powered by Guard Closet — your one-stop shop for the marching arts. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

Subscribe, share, and stay connected with the latest in marching arts!

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!

This week, we're highlighting more powerhouse women in the marching arts as part of our Women’s History Month series.

This episode features hosts:🎤 Nicole Younger 🎤 Whitney Stone 🎤 Kim Webb 🎤 Haley Harrington 🎤 Roxy Lazar

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:

💬 Candid sideline chats, from surprise slaps in rehearsal to spring break shenanigans. 🌟 Guest introductions and our signature “32 Count Life Stories” with Roxy, Haley, and Kim—featuring their experiences as performers, educators, and leaders. 🎙️ Real talk about being women in marching arts, breaking barriers, and mentoring the next generation.

📰 Marching Arts News & Reflections

• Honoring the legacies of Doug Young (Sebastian St. Jacques) and Ramon Ruiz
• A discussion on hazing at Southern University
• DCI’s new “I Marched” alumni initiative
• WGI and UDB’s pilot program: Beam Music
• Performance safety, mental health, and community remembrance

⚙️ 60 Second Tech Block – Whitney drops rapid-fire knowledge on ensemble etiquette: show up, go full out, and don’t whisper during rehearsal!

🤔 Water We Doing?! – Rants and reflections on marching arts trends, like:

• Not watching performance videos with students
• Directors neglecting the color guard
• Is “marching” disappearing from marching band?
• Skipping technique blocks? What are we doing?!

💖 Gush and Go – Celebrating wins and joy across the activity:

• Vox A-Guard heads to WGI for the first time
• Kim’s band earns superior ratings and heads to state
• A Cincinnati art show raising money for DCA champ Cincinnati Tradition
• Nicole shares love for a junior guard with 50+ members

🏫 FEATURED PROGRAMS & ORGANIZATIONS

• Vox Artium – @voxartium
• The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps – arizonaacademy.org
• Cincinnati Tradition – cincinnatitradition.org
• Russell County HS – russellcoschools.com
• Greene County Tech HS – gctsd.k12.ar.us
• WGI Sport of the Arts – wgi.org
• Drum Corps International – dci.org
• Ultimate Drill Book – ultimatedrillbook.com
• FloMarching – flomarching.com

📲 CONNECT WITH US📧 Email: [email protected] 

📹 YouTube: Click Here to Subscribe

📱 Social: Follow us @OnAWaterBreak on all platforms 

💬 Want to be a guest? Use the link in our bio to submit your info!

🎧 BONUS EPISODE: On A Water Break with Gonzako 🥁✨

Dive into this special bonus edition of "On A Water Break" as host Stephen McCarrick chats with dynamic bass drum duo Adrian Gonzalez ("Gonzo") and Mako, known together as Gonzako. From their early days marching with RCC, Pacific Crest, Blue Stars, Blue Devils, and Mandarins, to their current creative adventures, this episode offers a vibrant glimpse into their artistic process.

Gonzo and Mako share the behind-the-scenes story of their latest high-energy music video, "More Bass In Da Club," produced alongside Lou from Fourth Block. Discover how a spontaneous idea evolved into an epic drumline party, complete with professional studio recordings, choreography, and even a live crowd. They discuss challenges, surprises, and their passion for redefining bass drumming beyond traditional competitive performances.

The episode also tackles the broader topic of visual training in marching programs, highlighting its impact and the importance of fostering independent artistic projects within the marching arts community.

🔗 Watch Gonzako's video, "More Bass In Da Club":
https://www.youtube.com/@gonzako.projects

📲 Connect with Gonzako:
Instagram & YouTube: @gonzako.projects

🎙 Stay connected with "On A Water Break":
Subscribe and follow us on social media to stay updated with all episodes, discussions, and more!

#MarchingArts #Drumline #IndoorPercussion #WGI #DCI #BassDrum #Gonzako #Drumline #IndoorPercussion #BandLife #MusicVideo #CreativeArts #MarchingBand

In this Women’s History Month special, we’re bringing you an episode full of inspiration, empowerment, and wisdom from some of the brightest and most powerful women in the marching arts world. Hosted by Alicia Sharp, with a dynamic group of rotating co-hosts including Ashlee Amos, Nicole Younger, and Whitney Stone, this episode dives deep into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs as they share their journeys in a traditionally male-dominated field.

This week’s episode is packed with incredible conversations about leadership, mentorship, and breaking barriers. The panel talks about gender issues in marching arts, the progress being made, and how they are shaping the future for the next generation of women in the activity. We also explore burnout, career transitions, and the power of building confidence and authenticity.

🌟 KEY SEGMENTS INCLUDE:

⏱ 32-Count Life StoriesEach guest shares their journey in the marching arts, from early musical experiences to their current roles as leaders, educators, and performers. Get to know Holly Connell, Cecilia Clark, Katie Zheng, and Jenna N. Foley as they open up about their personal paths.

🎧 60 Second Tech BlockOne of the rotating hosts takes the challenge and delivers a rapid-fire technical session on twirling techniques, including tips for catching under stadium lights, offering an exclusive glimpse into the world of twirling and color guard.

💬 Water We DoingThe hosts reflect on their experiences and share insights about navigating the hurdles of being women in the marching arts world. They discuss the pressures of being perfect and overcoming gender biases, while uplifting one another.

🔥 Gush and GoCelebrate wins with the hosts as they share exciting announcements and updates! From Katie Zheng's recent WGI victory with Fishers High School to Holly Connell's inspiring path forward in her career, there’s a lot to celebrate in this heartfelt segment.

Featured Guests Social Media Links:

• Katie Zheng: Instagram: @katiezheng99
• Holly Connell: Instagram: @hollyrebecca61 | Facebook: Holly Rebecca
• Cecilia Clark: Instagram: @ceciliavclark
• Jenna N. Foley: Instagram: @jennafoleymusic | Facebook: Jenna N. Foley
• Courtney Allyson Mills: Instagram: @camills_cr8tive | Bluesky: @lovecam.bsky.social | Website: camillscreative.com

🔗 Follow Us On Social Media:

• Instagram: @on_a_water_break
• Facebook: On A Water Break Podcast
• YouTube: On A Water Break YouTube Channel

Welcome back to On A Water Break! This week, Jackie is hosting and we’re kicking off Women’s History Month with a special episode featuring incredible voices from across the marching arts world.

Joining us are:

• Trish
• Alicia
• Whitney

We also have a truly inspiring guest this week: Denise Bonfiglio, a pioneering force in the marching arts with over 50 years of experience. From her early days with the 27th Lancers to her work with Santa Clara Vanguard, Denise has not only redefined performance but mentored countless artists.

Additionally, we’re joined by Kristi Hebert (aka @Supermomma on TikTok), who’s taking her group to Dayton for the first time. Kristi shares her fears, hopes, and questions about the big step, and our panel of experts helps guide her through the process.

This episode is packed with incredible stories and advice, and we’ll also take a deep dive into Kristi’s 32 Count Life Story, plus discuss current news in the marching arts.

Don’t forget to:

• Subscribe and hit notifications on your favorite podcast app
• Write us a review and share with a friend
• Send us your questions or topics via email at [email protected]
• Follow us on social media @OnAWaterBreak for updates and more
• Interested in being on the show? Fill out the guest form linked in our bio on social media

Links:

• March Forth on March Fourth - DCI
• WGI Advisory Board Meetings
• Randall Standridge's Post on Mental Health

Follow Us:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook @OnAWaterBreak

Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you at the next rehearsal… on a water break!

This version summarizes the episode with all the important details while keeping it within a concise format!

🎙️ Hey everyone, and welcome back to On A Water Break! The podcast where we talk about everything you and your friends are discussing at rehearsal—on a water break. This week, we have a powerful lineup of Black female musicians, each representing Black women band directors across all levels of education!

🔊 Listen in as we welcome:✅ Delisa Rufus – Band Director at Margate Middle School (Broward County, FL)✅ Jacqueline Hairston – Band Director at Franklin High School & TikTok’s @ThatBandTeacherLady✅ Dr. Devan Moore – Assistant Athletic Band Director at Florida State University Instagram: @dlm12_3

🎶 This week, we’re diving deep into: ✔️ The impact and mission of the Association of Black Women Band Directors (ABWBD)✔️ The journey of our guests – their inspirations, challenges, and victories✔️ Navigating the marching arts as Black women✔️ How to foster inclusion and mentorship in music education

📢 Special Segments!🎵 60-Second Tech Block – Trevor breaks down keeping your pep band in time, emotional drill writing, and how to survive the Midwest Clinic!💧 Water We Doing? – A rapid-fire round where our guests reflect on their experiences and what’s next in their journey.

📩 Join the conversation!📧 Have a question or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected]🔗 Fill out our guest form (Find it in our link in bio on social media!) 📲 Follow us on Social Media: On A Water Break Podcast📺 Watch us on YouTube: Full video editions of our best interviews!

🚀 Support and Follow Our Guests!🎼 Delisa Rufus – Instagram: @derricious5890🎺 Jacqueline Hairston – TikTok: @ThatBandTeacherLady🥁 Dr. Devan Moore – Instagram: @dlm12_3

🎶 Association of Black Women Band Directors (ABWBD) – Website | Instagram | Facebook

🔊 Subscribe, rate, and share! If you love the podcast, leave us a review and share it with a friend! 🎧

🔥 Let’s close out Black History Month with a bang and lead into Women’s History Month with inspiration!

📅 New Episodes Weekly! See you at the next rehearsal – On A Water Break!