On A Water Break

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

WGI 2026 + DCI 2026 updates for marching arts fans: open drum corps positions, WGI Silent Auction dates, and a community music story from Minneapolis.
Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

WGI season is coming fast — and the calendar is moving even faster than it feels. In this Water Break Weekly, Stephen McCarrick, Anne Turner, and Jeremy Denzer break down the biggest marching arts headlines you actually need right now: DCI’s “March Drum Corps” list of open 2026 positions, the official dates for the WGI Sponsor Silent Auction, and a feature on Brass Solidarity in Minneapolis that highlights how music can hold community together.

If you’re in color guard, indoor percussion, marching band, or drum corps (or you staff, judge, teach, or parent your way through the activity), this episode is a practical check-in for the stretch run toward Dayton: what’s happening, where to click, and what it means for performers and programs.

What this episode answers:

• Where can I find open drum corps positions for 2026 auditions right now?
• What is the “March Drum Corps” initiative and who is it meant to help?
• When is the 2026 WGI Sponsor Silent Auction (Mar 23–27) and where do I view the items?
• Why does WGI season feel compressed this year — and how are people adjusting?
• What does “taking a break” look like when the schedule never stops?
• How do you keep a show concept clear without writing a whole thesis?

Topics we hit (fast + searchable):

• WGI 2026 timing + regional momentum
• Drum corps recruiting + open positions for the 2026 summer season
• WGI fundraising + sponsor support (silent auction)
• Performing arts community support + music in public spaces
• Show design clarity: concept depth vs. audience connection
• Staff life + mental reset when “there’s always one more thing”

Featured links (from the show):
DCI — March Drum Corps open positions (Feb 11, 2026):
https://www.dci.org/news/annual-march-drum-corps-initiative-highlights-open-positions-in-corps-across-the-country-2026/WGI — 2026 Sponsor Silent Auction items + dates (Mar 23–27, 2026):
https://www.wgi.org/26silentauctionitems/
Brass Solidarity in Minneapolis (Guardian feature, Feb 14, 2026):
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/14/minneapolis-brass-solidarity-band-ice

Quote moments (from the episode):

• “I think that we’re just through the first two weeks of regionals and WGI is only six weeks away.” — Jeremy Denzer
• “What are we doing? Not taking a break for ourselves.” — Jeremy Denzer
• “If you need to write a five page essay to tell me what your show is about, it’s too deep.” — Jeremy Denzer

Featuring:Stephen McCarrick — @stephenmccarrick / @yeah_bassAnne Turner — @Anne.saberJeremy Denzer — @jeremydenzer

Sponsor / support:Guard Closet — @guardcloset

Find On A Water Break:
Website: https://www.onawaterbreak.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreakYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreakPodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wgaml1T115IsvvZd0XheTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-a-water-break/id1653637341
Email: [email protected]

Enjoying the show? Follow/subscribe, share this episode with your guard/percussion/band group chat, and leave a rating — it helps more marching arts people find us.

Search terms:
marching arts, winter guard international, WGI 2026, WGI season, WGI percussion, WGI color guard, indoor percussion, color guard, Dayton Ohio, drum corps, DCI 2026, Drum Corps International, drum corps auditions, open drum corps positions, marching band, pageantry arts, show design, band staff, judging, teaching, performing arts community

Marching band, drum corps, and DCI history—this Black History Month bonus is a “cookout-style” conversation about the African American Legacy Corps and the history it’s honoring.

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

Featuring:

Ricardo Robinson-Shinall

Nicole Younger

Errick Prince (@talldarkandfrozen)

Tony Lymon (@tony_lymon)

Wayne Harris

Highlights:

• Wayne Harris’ history focus on Black drum corps roots and how the activity shifted over time

• The “why” behind African American Legacy Corps and how the team talks about purpose and participation

• Water We Doing + Gush & Go to wrap with real talk and shoutouts

More info:

Instagram: @africanamericanlegacycorps 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1136665747980471/

DCI announcement: https://www.dci.org/news/african-american-legacy-corps-sets-sights-on-2027-world-championship-appearance/ 

Contact

Wayne Harris: https://www.wayneharris.net/ 

Find On A Water Break:

https://www.onawaterbreak.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreakPodcast

[email protected]

Guest Form: https://form.jotform.com/253235189587065

• How to find practice space in college (band rooms, gyms, parking garages, local businesses)
• A step-by-step approach to cleaning routines: break it down, rep it smart, build consistency
• A twirling-focused burnout conversation: too many routines, injury risk, and losing the joy
• The Broward/WGI update and why it mattered mid-season
• A judging feedback rant that applies across twirling, guard, and percussion

Marching band • drum corps • brass instruments • trumpet • trombone • instrument repair • music education

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

“Today’s guest is someone whose work you’ve probably heard long before you ever heard his name.”

“Known across the brass world as the Horn doctor…”

On this episode of

On A Water Break

Joey sits down with Mike Corrigan (“The Horn Doctor”) and Cameron Sipe from BAC Musical Instruments — with Ricardo Robinson-Shinall joining the conversation.

Transcript moments:

• “There’s the art of music is nothing but community.”• “Speak with your horn. Speak with your horn.”• “I think sometimes music is therapy, though.”• “I feel like my horn is a piece of art.”• “We are actually starting a repair shop in New Orleans, Louisiana…”

Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/oGzsvfecKV0

BAC links:

• Website: https://www.coolisbac.com/• Mission & History: https://www.coolisbac.com/mission-and-history• Store: https://www.coolisbac.com/store

Find On A Water Break:• Website: https://www.onawaterbreak.com/• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreak• Email: [email protected]

Marching arts news you’ll hear talked about at rehearsal — on a water break. This week, Grantis, Dalton, and Amari break down WGI 2026 updates (including the WGI Judges Summit) plus the newly announced Metallica Marching Band Competition collegiate winners.

You’ll also hear why the Music for All Advocacy in Action Awards matter for smaller programs, what the WGI Advisory Board does, and a Water We Doing?! that’s a must-listen for staff culture: “care about your kids… teach them and help them grow.”

This week’s panel

Grantis Peranda @grantisimo_p • Dalton Stout @SaltyDalti • Amari Lewis @amari.lewis 

Find On A Water Break

Website: OnAWaterBreak.com 

Linktree: linktr.ee/onawaterbreak 

Spotify: On A Water Break 

Apple Podcasts: On A Water Break 

Be a guest: forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9 

Email: [email protected] 

#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingArts #WGI #WGI2026 #WinterGuard #MarchingBand 

Marching arts consulting, marching band clinics, and color guard education — Matt & Susie Harloff share the big news: they’re stepping away from full-time teaching to focus on clinics, consulting, and helping more programs across the activity.

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes.

In this Quick Sip, Ricardo is joined by Matt & Susie to talk about why now is the right season for this shift, what they want to build next, and how directors/instructors can reach out to start working together.

Guests

• Matt Harloff — Avon HS Director of Bands; Carolina Crown Brass Caption Head (as mentioned in-episode)

  IG: @mattharloff

  Email (shared in-episode): [email protected]

• Susie Harloff — Movement specialist & color guard educator/clinician (as mentioned in-episode)

  IG: @1414sooze73

  Email (shared in-episode): [email protected]

On this episode

Host: Ricardo Robinson-Shinall — @ricardorrobinson

Panel: Joey Montes — @marchingbymontes

Find On A Water Break

Website: OnAWaterBreak.com

Linktree: linktr.ee/onawaterbreak

Watch on YouTube: @OnAWaterBreakPodcast