From honoring a legend to surviving burnout in the band room — this week’s On A Water Break is a heart-forward deep dive into the realities of teaching, grieving, and slaying the glam game.

🎙 Hosted by Nicole Younger, with guests Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, Whitney Stone, Trish O’Shea, and doctoral candidate Ryan Bronner, this episode brings equal parts sparkle and soul.

💔 We begin with a tribute to Bruno Zuccala, a beloved figure in the color guard world whose recent passing has left a deep impact on our community. Panelists reflect on his legacy, share personal memories, and talk about the importance of showing up for each other in grief — especially in a performance culture that often pushes feelings aside.

💄 Then, we shift into guard glam, burnout, and all the realness of band camp season:

• 60-Second Tech Block with Whitney’s top-tier makeup tips for sweat-proof performances
• 32 Count Life Story with Ryan Bronner (Patriots, college teaching, LGBTQ+ mental health research)
• Water We Doing?! rants on toxic teaching culture, DCI staff drama, and performing in unsafe heat
• Gush & Go: From TikTok shopping fails to massive teaching wins, wardrobe swaps, and doctoral milestones

📺 Watch on YouTube → @OnAWaterBreakPodcast
📬 Email us → [email protected]
📱 Follow us → Instagram, TikTok, Threads
💻 Guest sign-up → onawaterbreak.com

🎧 Guest: Dr. Ryan Bronner
🔗 Facebook: Ryan Aeney | LinkedIn: Ryan Bronner

• Peak Group Travel | @peak.group.travel
• Guard Closet | @guardcloset

Bruno Zuccala tribute, Color Guard burnout, Guard makeup tips, LGBTQ+ mental health marching arts, Ryan Bronner, On A Water Break podcast, Band director burnout, TikTok fails, Band camp heat, DCI staff issues, Marching arts podcast, Guard Closet, Peak Group Travel, 60 Second Tech Block, Gush and Go

This week on On A Water Break, it’s all about nerves, leadership, representation, and celebrating unforgettable wins in the marching arts. Host Josh Smith is joined by new panelists Dalton Stout, Clara Bagwell, and Eric Levy — all making their podcast debut!

The team kicks things off with their 32 Count Life Stories and a fun icebreaker: “What part of the marching band are you?” Clara relives her gold-medal summer with the Boston Crusaders, Dalton shares his journey from Nebraska to Colorado and launching DVS Choreo, and Eric spotlights his 20+ years of teaching and his work with Drumline Network.

In the News Block, we cover:

• The retirement of Iowa’s legendary announcer Lou Crist after 44 years
• Miami budget cuts cutting $12.8M in arts funding
• A stolen band trailer in Colorado and tips for protecting your equipment
• PASIC 2025 announcements featuring RhythmX and George Mason

Dalton delivers the 60-Second Tech Block on choreography hacks, and in Water We Doing?! the crew takes on audition nerves, teaching leadership in a post-COVID generation, body shaming in DCI, and the importance of ensemble unity. The episode wraps with Gush & Go, highlighting Boston’s first DCI championship, new percussion challenges, and student success stories.

Panelists & Socials:

• Dalton Stout – IG/TikTok: @saltydalti | daltonvstout.com
• Clara Bagwell – IG: @_clara.01100010
• Eric Levy – IG: @worldoferic | Drumline Network & Percussion League
• Josh Smith – TikTok: @mr.smiths.band

Sponsors:

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

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this podcast with a friend.

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.
This week on On A Water Break, Alicia Sharp (@aliciaoninsta2), Nicole Younger (@o2bnpjs), and special guests Angela & Adam Miller from Meridian Independent Winter Guard take us from the earliest days of cadet guard training to the thrill of performing at WGI World Championships. We talk about how they’ve built a program where members start in 3rd grade, stick around for years, and grow into confident, high-level performers.

In the News, we dive into:
• Heat safety in marching band after 11 Mississippi students collapsed during extreme temperatures — and why policies for football don’t always apply to band.
• WGI’s new Regional Plus events launching in 2026 — double panels, more feedback, and what it means for performers and instructors.
• Rumblings about WGI’s new judges training platform and why mentorship matters for future adjudicators.

Angela also takes on our 60-Second Tech Block with rapid-fire tips for teaching cadet guard, we all vent in Water We Doing?! about swing flag rules, prop setup times, last-minute show orders, and the epidemic of open-mouth performing, and then we end with some big smiles in Gush & Go.

🎙️ Alicia Sharp — @aliciaoninsta2
🎙️ Nicole Younger — @o2bnpjs
🎙️ Angela & Adam Miller — @meridianwg (FB/IG/TikTok) | meridianwinterguard.com

🧳 Peak Group Travel – Helping you navigate your next adventure, from across the country to your next competition.
📍 peakgrouptravel.com | IG/FB: @peak.group.travel

👗 Guard Closet – Your one-stop shop for guard gear, consignment, and custom design.
📍 guardcloset.com | IG/FB/TikTok: @guardcloset

🔗 YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | onawaterbreak.com

#MarchingArts #ColorGuard #WGI #CadetGuard #MeridianWG #WinterGuard #MarchingBand #DrumCorps #GuardTeaching #HeatSafety #RegionalPlus #GuardCloset #PeakGroupTravel #OnAWaterBreak

– First-ever female Penn State drum major, Brass Band tribute at Ozzy Osbourne’s celebration, and DCA/DCI crossover in Williamsport.
On this week’s episode of On A Water Break, we’re gearing up for DCI Championships in Indianapolis, August 8–9, 2025! Stephen McCarrick (@stephenmccarrick) is joined by Nicole Younger (@o2bnpjs), Chris Green (@virtualassistantdirector), and Lori Winschel (@lori.winschel) for five packed segments filled with history-making news, live-from-the-field insights, tech tips, and candid “water break” rants.

🎺 32 Count Life Story & Interview:
Special guest Chris Green (National Sales Manager, @fruhaufuniforms & @virtualassistantdirector) kicks off the show with his 32 Count Life Story, then shares behind-the-scenes tales from the road and what makes DCI week so electric.

📰 In the news:

• Penn State Blue Band names Ellie Sheehan as its first-ever female drum major.
• Bostin Brass Band honors Ozzy Osbourne with a “War Pigs” tribute.
• Williamsport’s DCA/DCI crossover brings Bushwackers, Phantom Regiment & more together.
• Music For All appoints Dr. James Weaver as CEO & President.
• Cynthia Bernard becomes the first international steering-committee member for WGI.

🛠️ 60-Second Tech Block:
Lori Winschel (@lori.winschel) dives into slow-tempo training, showing why “if you can’t do it slow, you can’t do it fast”—and how subdividing every count can sharpen technique.

🧠 Water We Doing?!

• Chris Green (@virtualassistantdirector): Why judging bias needs a reset—evaluate each performance on its own merits.
• Lori Winschel (@lori.winschel): The case for teaching business & guard management in music-education programs.
• Neal Bright (@nealdrums1): How college band programs must prep new directors for rural & small-town teaching realities.

💬 Gush & Go:

• Nicole Younger (@o2bnpjs): Pumped for a three-week break before judging season begins.
• Stephen McCarrick (@stephenmccarrick): Celebrating a childhood friend’s wedding & an Eagles drumline reunion.
• Chris Green (@virtualassistantdirector): Thrilled to reconnect Drum Corps alumni at SoundSport & surprise an audience in full @fruhaufuniforms regalia.
• Lori Winschel (@lori.winschel): Check out StartingLineDesignCo on Etsy for custom guard accessories and follow my work at @virtualassistantdirector.

💬 Want to be featured? Submit your video or apply to join us:
📋 https://forms.gle/OnAWBJoinUs
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEIZAjFybvq_AzpFUXvNJDQ

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

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!