On A Water Break

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

This week on On A Water Break, Trish O’Shea is joined by Whitney Stone, Justin, and first-time guest Sha’Tara Robinson for a live WGI 2026 conversation packed with late-season energy, controversy, and real talk.

The panel digs into the biggest story still hanging over the activity — the Paramount situation and Independent Open waitlist fallout — before shifting into who has real momentum right now in Independent World and Scholastic World. Fusion gets major love, Vox Artium gets praised for a bold design turn, and the crew talks through Fantasia, AMP, Juxtaposition, Arcadia, Avon, The Woodlands, Center Grove, and more.

Later in the episode, Justin delivers a timely 60 Second Tech Block on the mental side of preparing for WGI week, and Water We Doing?! turns into one of the strongest segments of the episode with rants on petal tosses at the tarp edge, low volume at contests, costume shipping chaos, rewriting shows at the last minute, and valuing flash over technique.

In this episode:

• Paramount fallout and waitlist frustration
• Fusion, Fantasia, Vox Artium, AMP, and Independent World buzz
• Arcadia, Avon, The Woodlands, and the Scholastic World race
• Scores vs momentum heading into Dayton
• 60 Second Tech Block: preparing mentally for WGI week
• Water We Doing?! late-season chaos, design choices, and logistics
• Gush and Go wins from teams and staff heading into championships

Panel
Trish O’Shea — @trishdish1102
Whitney Stone — @dancerwhit
Justin — @justin.vs.guard
Sha’Tara Robinson — TikTok @yourfavoriteplantauntie

Referenced links
WGI Color Guard World Championships:
https://www.wgi.org/color-guard/world-championships-cg/

WGI Championships Schedule:
https://www.wgi.org/color-guard/world-championships-cg/world-championships-schedules-cg/

Independent World Standings:
https://www.wgi.org/color-guard/independent-world-group-standings/

Scholastic World Standings:
https://www.wgi.org/color-guard/scholastic-world-group-standings/

Related OAWB episodes
Paramount WGI Promotion Controversy & Independent Open Waitlist Breakdown:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paramount-wgi-promotion-controversy-independent-open/id1653637341?i=1000756670385

2026 WGI World Class Performers: Juxtaposition, Alta Marea & AMP:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2026-wgi-world-class-performers-juxtaposition-alta/id1653637341?i=1000747924736

WGI Housing Policy + AI Show Design Debate:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wgi-housing-policy-ai-show-design-debate-water-break-weekly/id1653637341?i=1000746369564

Find On A Water Break
Listen everywhere: https://plinkhq.com/i/1653637341?to=page
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreak
Website: https://www.onawaterbreak.com
Weekly Episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL600p0k2IuT4vhEIgopl8XDO-pU3YOR77
Bonus Episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL600p0k2IuT5c48Q_cvR1ATvbaQ1QGcN4
More OAWB / Be a Guest: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreak

Sponsors
Guard Closet — https://www.guardcloset.com/

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

In this special On A Water Break Quick Sip, Trish O’Shea is joined by Jeff Ream to remember Gil Silva and the impact he had on Drum Corps Associates and the all-age drum corps activity.

Together, they reflect on Gil’s calm leadership, his humor, his years guiding DCA through change, and the way he helped create space for growth across the activity. From memorable rainy championship moments to larger conversations about DCA, Class A, and the future of all-age corps, this episode is a tribute to someone who left a lasting mark on drum corps.

In this episode:
- Remembering Gil Silva’s leadership and presence in DCA
- Personal memories from Trish O’Shea and Jeff Ream
- Reflections on Class A growth and the expansion of the all-age activity
- Thoughts on Gil’s role in the changing relationship between DCA and DCI
- A closing tribute and condolences to Gil’s family

Panel:
Trish O’Shea
Jeff Ream - @reamjeff

Listen everywhere:
https://plinkhq.com/i/1653637341?to=page

Watch On A Water Break on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreak

More OAWB:
https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreak

00:00 Quick Sip: Intro

00:20 Quick Sip: Jeff Ream Joins the Conversation

00:39 Quick Sip: Gil Silva’s DCA Leadership

02:43 Quick Sip: Rain Delay Memories and Gil Under Pressure

05:08 Quick Sip: Humor, Patience and Personality

06:19 Quick Sip: Growing DCA and Expanding Class A

09:07 Quick Sip: Gil Silva and the Future of DCI All-Age

10:33 Quick Sip: Final Tribute to Gil Silva

11:12 Quick Sip: Closing and Subscribe Call

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

In this Quick Sip, Jackie sits down with Devon Kugler of Spin Strong to talk about fitness for color guard performers, injury prevention, and why performers need more than just rehearsal to stay strong and healthy.

Spin Strong is creating free, accessible fitness resources built specifically for the marching arts community — focused on strength, recovery, and sustainability rather than diet culture.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Devon’s journey from performer to Spin Strong founder
• Why “weekend warrior” rehearsal habits aren’t enough
• What Spin Strong actually teaches performers
• A breakdown of the Guard Gains training program
• Why injury prevention is becoming a major conversation in WGI
• What’s next: clinics, website, and custom training support

Follow Spin Strong:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spinstrong_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpinStrong_Official

Listen to more episodes of On A Water Break:

https://plinkhq.com/i/1653637341?to=page

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

This week on On A Water Break, Ricardo Robinson is joined by Sadie Wallace, Miles Kellett, Kim Webb, and Jeremy Svoboda (@drumcorpstoday) for a full breakdown of the biggest conversations across marching band, drum corps, color guard, WGI, and DCI.

We cover major national moments and real-world challenges impacting performers and educators, including the 2027 Rose Parade marching band lineup, a historic FAMU Marching 100 Oscars performance, and new opportunities from DCI and WGI.

📰 News & Links:

• 🌹 Rose Parade 2027 Band Lineup
  Tournament of Roses
• 🏆 FAMU Oscars Performance
  FAMU News
• 🎺 DCI IN STEP Fellowship
  DCI
• 💃 WGI Movement Clinic
  WGI
• 🎼 Avon HS Director Announcement
  Avon Schools

⚙️ 60 Second Tech Block: Skipped this week

🎤 32 Count Life Story — Miles Kellett (@thatbandteacherwhospins)
Miles shares his journey through the marching arts—from performer to educator.

💧 Water We Doing?!

• Sadie Wallace (@m.sadiewallace): Independent contractor taxes
• Kim Webb (@kimpossible413): Respect volunteers
• Miles Kellett (@thatbandteacherwhospins): Travel demands in WGI
• Jeremy Svoboda (@drumcorpstoday): Heat safety awareness

💛 Gush and Go

• Sadie Wallace — Performance opportunities
• Kim Webb — Program success
• Miles Kellett — Student progress
• Jeremy Svoboda — Recruiting growth
• Ricardo Robinson — AALC development

🎙️ Panel:
Ricardo Robinson (@ricardorrobinson)
Sadie Wallace (@m.sadiewallace)
Miles Kellett (@thatbandteacherwhospins)
Kim Webb (@kimpossible413)
Jeremy Svoboda (@drumcorpstoday)

▶️ Watch More:
Weekly Episodes
Bonus Episodes

🛍️ Guard Closet:
guardcloset.com

🎧 Listen Everywhere:
Podcast Links

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

In this Quick Sip, Trish is joined by Andy Lecture to break down the ongoing situation involving Paramount’s second guard, an age eligibility issue, and their move from Independent A Class to Independent Open.

This episode dives into how the situation unfolded, what the WGI rulebook says, and how the decision is impacting multiple groups currently on the Independent Open waitlist for World Championships.

What’s inside this episode:

• Paramount’s age eligibility violation and disqualification
• The decision to self-promote instead of removing a member
• WGI rules and enforcement (Rule 1.5)
• Independent Open waitlist concerns
• Registration tiers and how teams qualify
• The balance between fairness and member experience

This conversation offers insight into the realities of running independent groups and navigating high-stakes decisions mid-season.

Listen everywhere:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreak
Website: https://www.onawaterbreak.com

Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onawaterbreak
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onawaterbreak

The OAWB crew dives into a massive week for the marching arts, from record-breaking facility investments to historic Hall of Fame inductions. We also get a masterclass in bass drum tech and tackle the "drama" of mid-season reclassifications.

Highlights:

• Details on the University of South Alabama’s new $13M ensemble hall and practice field.

• Celebrating Wayne Markworth as the first-ever WGI Winds Hall of Fame inductee.

• How to muffle bass drums to avoid the "trash can" sound in a gym.

• The logistical nightmare of being bumped a class two weeks before Dayton.

• Joey’s takeaway from the HBCU Southern Classic Battle of the Bands.

Panelists/Hosts:

• Joey @marchingbymontes

• Anne Sabre Turner @anne.saber

• Hayley @h_harrington14

Find On A Water Break:Website: OnAWaterBreak.comLinktree: linktr.ee/onawaterbreakEmail: [email protected]

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

This week on On A Water Break, main host Bobbey Biddle is joined by Hayley Harrington and Joseph Simons (Jo) for a Weekly episode packed with marching arts headlines, WGI updates, drum corps news, and a thoughtful conversation about AI in the arts.

Jo opens with his 32 Count Life Story and shares his path through UCF Pegasus World (2018–2022), Carolina Crown (2021), Mirage (2025), and Tampa Independent World (2026), along with teaching experience at Gaither High School and Bloomingdale High School.

In this episode:

• Homewood Patriot Marching Band becomes the first American marching band invited to perform in Corso Zundert, the world’s largest flower parade
• A story of inspiration featuring Sarah Ferguson
• 2026 WGI Virtual Solo ratings for color guard, percussion, and winds
• Darcie Aungst is announced as part of the 2026 WGI Hall of Fame class
• The panel reflects on March Fourth and the impact of the marching arts
• DCI’s 2026 livestream schedule begins with Drums Along the Rockies on June 27

60-Second Tech Block:
Jo talks about breathing, breathwork, and how it supports movement, stamina, performance quality, and storytelling.

Water We Doing?!
Why are we not bringing more guest clinicians into rehearsals? Why are people using AI in the production, promotion, and creation of marching arts programs? And why are artists criticizing other art forms?

Gush & Go:
Hayley gushes about concert festival season, a guest clinician visit, and Cincinnati Tradition. Jo shares excitement about Tampa Independent World and the energy of the season. Bobbey gushes about teaching, Philly Pride, and sunnier days ahead in Philadelphia.

Panel:
Bobbey Biddle — @bobbey107
Hayley Harrington — @h_harrington14
Joseph Simons (Jo) — @josephroman_

Sponsors:
Guard Closet — guardcloset.com
Peak Group Travel — peakgrouptravel.com

Story Links:
Homewood Patriot Band
Corso Zundert / Homewood announcement coverage
WGI 2026 Virtual Solo Color Guard Ratings
WGI 2026 Hall of Fame Recipients
DCI Drums Along the Rockies 2026

Find On A Water Break:
Website
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Linktree

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

In this At Step Off bonus episode of On A Water Break, Jack Goudreau talks with Paula Braiden about the world of Scottish and Northern Irish drum major competition — from adjudication and flourish design to dress inspection, musicality, leadership, and the international performance work of The Force.

Paula shares how a family tradition led her into the activity, what judges are really looking for, why presentation matters, and how drum majoring builds confidence, discipline, and leadership far beyond the competition circle.

In this episode:

• What Scottish drum major competition looks like
• How drum majors are judged in Scotland and Northern Ireland
• Why uniform, dress, and detail matter in scoring
• How flourish routines balance simplicity and effect
• Paula’s competition memories and teaching philosophy
• What The Force is and where it performs
• Why drum majoring teaches leadership from the front

Guest: Paula Braiden
Host: Jack Goudreau

Featured quote:
“The leadership of the drum major is essential.”

Find On A Water Break:
Website: https://www.onawaterbreak.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreak
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wgaml1T115IsvvZd0XheT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-a-water-break/id1653637341
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreakPodcast

Find The Force:
Website: https://theforce.events/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforce.events/

Follow:
OAWB: @onawaterbreak
Jack Goudreau: @goudreau_
The Force: @theforce.events

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

This week on On A Water Break, Nicole Younger is joined by Dalton Stout, Grantis Peranda, Amari Lewis, and featured guest Chris Green for a Weekly episode packed with DCI ticket news, WGI Hall of Fame recognition, indoor season reality checks, and one of the most memorable behind-the-scenes stories of the season.

Chris Green joins the show representing Virtual Assistant Director and Fruhauf Uniforms, where he shares new announcements from Fruhauf including the streamlined Gen5 uniform line and new Hyper Performance tops and bibs for marching band. He also announces that the popular Virtual Assistant Director live conversations will begin crossing over with On A Water Break, opening the door for more shared conversations, casual industry chats, and cross-promotion across the marching arts community.

This episode also covers new 2026 DCI ticket releases, the move of Open Class Championships to Dayton, WGI’s Hall of Fame honor for Darcie Aungst, Jackson State’s Sonic Boom being featured in the Michael campaign, and the African American Legacy Corps’ push toward 2027. Plus: Water We Doing?! takes on audience etiquette, helping indoor groups, and why some people still need to read Twirl.

Panel this week:
Nicole YoungerDalton StoutGrantis PerandaAmari Lewis
Featured Guest: Chris Green

Featured guest:Chris Green – @virtualassistantdirector & @fruhaufuniforms

Featured links:Virtual Assistant Director: https://virtualassistantdirector.comFruhauf Uniforms: https://fruhauf.com

Story links:
https://www.dci.org/news/new-2026-dci-tour-event-tickets-on-sale-soon
https://www.dci.org/news/open-class-world-championship-to-relocate-to-daytons-welcome-stadium
https://www.wgi.org/26hof-darcieaungst/
https://www.wlbt.com/2026/02/27/jsus-sonic-boom-promotes-release-michael-jackson-biopic/
https://www.dci.org/news/african-american-legacy-corps-sets-sights-on-2027-world-championship-appearance

Listen to more:
https://www.onawaterbreak.com
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL600p0k2IuT4vhEIgopl8XDO-pU3YOR77
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL600p0k2IuT5c48Q_cvR1ATvbaQ1QGcN4
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL600p0k2IuT408fWr_3N-lt6eq7MkWwnL

Send us your topics:
[email protected]

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

This week on On A Water Break, Whitney Stone, Sadie Wallace, and Jeremy Svoboda (Drum Corps Today) break down major marching arts updates—plus a Water We Doing?! debate that belongs on a medal podium: should color guard be an Olympic sport?

Panel
Whitney Stone — Instagram (@dancerwhit)
Sadie Wallace — Instagram (@m.sadiewallace)
Jeremy Svoboda (Drum Corps Today) — Instagram (@drumcorpstoday)

Links mentioned
WGI Terrace Suites (UD Arena): https://www.wgi.org/suiteexperience/
Disney Boo To You Parade Flag Corps info (audition listing coverage): https://blogmickey.com/2026/02/popular-entertainment-returning-for-2026-mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party-confirmed/

Guard Closet Shout-Out
Follow @guardcloset for gear tips and season-ready essentials.

Follow OAWB
Instagram •TikTok •YouTube

00:03 Marching Arts News

00:04 DCI x Conn-Selmer

00:06 WGI Terrace Suites (UD Arena)

00:09 Disney Flag Corps Auditions

00:11 60-Second Tech Block

00:17 Water We Doing?!

00:18 Guard in the Olympics?

00:22 Camp Info Posted Late

00:26 Audience Etiquette Reset

00:31 Gush & Go

00:37 Outro + Follow