Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts!
This week, Whitney Stone, José “Joey” Montes III, Alicia Sharp, and first-time guest Amari Lewis dive into the chaos of Bandtober—from Texas showdowns and rehearsal rules to accountability and drill cleaning that actually works.

🎺 In Joey’s 60-Second Tech Block, he explains how to clean drill like a scientist—fix the source, not the symptom. Then the team lets loose in “Water We Doing?!”, calling out three-hour full-ensemble rehearsals, upside-down flag silks, and DCI members who treat the summer like a vacation instead of a responsibility.

💖 Finally, everyone takes a deep breath for Gush & Go—celebrating Monterey High’s first marching band in 38 years, Joey’s new BAC 8to5 Horns rep role, and the pure joy of Bandtober season.

Guest Spotlight: Amari Lewis, Michigan State University drum major and Mandarins alum, shares his 32-Count Life Story and talks about leadership work with Silent Command and DCI’s Drum Major Leadership Committee.

Sponsored by: Guard Closet and Peak Group Travel

📧 Want to be on the show? Email us at [email protected] or fill out the guest form via our Linktree.
🌐 Find us at onawaterbreakpodcast.com

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.
This week, journalist and award-winning author Sam Quinones (Dreamland, The Least of Us, The Perfect Tuba) joins the OAWB team to explore how the tuba—and the marching band itself—can teach us everything we need to know about purpose, community, and fulfillment.

Host Christopher Rutt leads the conversation alongside Nicole Younger and Trish O’Shea, diving into the meaning behind The Perfect Tuba and the resilience of the band world. From addiction recovery to the discipline of rehearsal, Sam shares how musicians, directors, and everyday band kids are quietly shaping stronger communities through focus, collaboration, and hard work.

NEWS SEGMENT

• Lois Rogge, a 58-year-old mellophone player, joins NC State’s Power Sound of the South—proof that it’s never too late to march.
• The Alabama State Honeybees receive national support after an offensive “Ozempic” comment from a rival announcer.
• Detroit’s Cody High School brings back its marching band after a 20-year hiatus, celebrating a new era of school pride.

Plus, the Peak Group Travel Tip of the Week helps you plan your next performance adventure with ease.

WATER WE DOING?!
The crew calls out habits that need to go:

• Nicole: “Stop hiding behind your shako—perform with your face.”
• Chris: “Directors, pick age-appropriate, culturally sensitive show concepts.”
• Sam: “Why are bands trying to be football? Remember, it’s about the sound, not the size of your props.”

GUSH & GO

• Sam celebrates his new book, The Perfect Tuba.
• Chris moves to Virginia and settles into East Coast life.
• Nicole launches her full-time coordination business.
• Trish honors her friend Mike Alicourt, remembering his incredible spirit in the marching arts community.

LISTEN & CONNECT
Find The Perfect Tuba wherever books are sold or visit samquinones.com.
Follow the full OAWB crew:
@spintronixguard | @o2bnpjs | @trishdish1002 | @onawaterbreak

Got a question or story idea?
Email: [email protected]
DM us or fill out our guest form—link in bio.

SPONSORS
Brought to you by Peak Group Travel (@peak.group.travel), helping you navigate your next adventure, whether it’s across the country or your next competition.
And supported by Guard Closet (@guardcloset), your one-stop shop for gear, consignment, and design.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your favorite band friend.
We’ll see you next rehearsal—On A Water Break.

This week we head to the Collegiate Marching Band Festival 2025 in Allentown, PA — where more than 3,000 performers from 20 college and university marching bands brought their traditions, styles, and energy to J. Birney Crum Stadium.

Nicole Younger and Bill “Woody” Woodward sit down with Kelly Gumble of Vivace Productions, who shares her 32 Count Life Story and takes us behind the scenes of how Collegiate has grown into one of the marching arts’ favorite annual traditions. Woody also takes us into the lot for exclusive interviews with bands and staff, and Stephen McCarrick stops by to show off his Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Ring.

We wrap things up the OAWB way — with Water We Doing?! rants and Gush & Go shoutouts straight from the Collegiate community.

🔥 Inside This Episode

• Guest Spotlight: Kelly Gumble on her 32 Count Life Story, the festival’s 30-year history, and the traditions that make Collegiate unique (including the sousaphone circle).
• Lot Coverage: Woody’s interviews with collegiate performers and staff capture the vibe from the sidelines.
• Special Visit: Stephen McCarrick shares the story of his Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Ring.
• Water We Doing?! Nicole, Woody, Kelly, and Collegiate voices sound off on equipment, heat, and band quirks.
• Gush & Go: Shoutouts from Kelly, Woody, and Collegiate guests celebrating wins, birthdays, and band pride.

🙌 Sponsors
Peak Group Travel (@peak.group.travel) – Lock in early-bird fares for your next trip or competition.
Guard Closet (@guardcloset | guardcloset.com) – Your one-stop shop for consignment gear, uniforms, and design services.

📲 Connect & Subscribe
Email: [email protected]
Guest Sign-Up Form: https://forms.gle/LgtmWZ4oFEHibi3F7
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreakPodcast
Website: https://onawaterbreakpodcast.com
Follow us everywhere: @onawaterbreak

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.This week’s panel brings together Jackie Brown, Grantis Peranda, Trish O’Shea, Emily Nee, and special guest Liam Reynolds (@bucketdip on TikTok | @liam.r.reynolds on IG). From cymbal line culture to uniform fabrics and color wheel chaos, we cover everything making waves in fall marching band design — plus the latest BOA and DCI headlines you need to know.

• Guest Spotlight: Liam Reynolds shares his 32 Count Life Story, cymbal TikTok journey, and hopes for world-class auditions.
• BOA/DCI News Roundup:• BOA Austin Regional — Vandegrift sweeps captions. • Spartans approved for World Class 2026. • Troopers announce Into the Darkness (2026). • Ohio State unveils first new uniforms since 2006. • Carolina Crown adds Keith Potter & Rosie Miller Queen to design team, plus updates from Genesis, Raiders, Vanguard, Blue Knights, and Impulse.
• Design Trends 2025: Judge blockers (front drops), smoother transitions, digitally printed fabrics, props vs. handhelds, and the danger of ignoring the color wheel.
• 60 Second Tech Block: Grantis on “Writing for Success” + Liam on “Visual Silence vs. Visual Sound.”
• Water We Doing?! Rants on critiques, winterguard mysteries, color choices, and cymbal lines being cut.
• Gush & Go: Emily debuts Gush & Go stickers, Grantis plugs Grantissimo Productions, Trish celebrates Northern Valley’s Blackbird and North Rockland’s win, Liam looks forward to Cap City auditions, and Jackie returns to judging.

• Peak Group Travel (@peak.group.travel) – Lock in early-bird fares for your next trip or competition.
• Guard Closet (@guardcloset | guardcloset.com) – Your one-stop shop for consignment gear, uniforms, and design services.

• Email: [email protected]
• Guest Sign-Up Form: [Link in bio]
• YouTube: Subscribe for episodes + clips
• Follow us everywhere: @onawaterbreak

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts. We head to Knoxville with the Pride of the Southland Marching Band (UTK). Director Dr. Michael Stewart breaks down the Black Suits leadership model, keeping the iconic Circle Drill fresh, audition growth and yearly re-auditions, tuning for power (why “in tune” = “sounds bigger”), and the eternal Rocky Top “Woo” debate. UT students Madelyn Bowman (guard) and Austin Kerr (tuba/Black Suit alum) jump in for Water We Doing?! and Gush & Go on band culture, travel, and show design.

Segments

• 32-Count Life Story — Dr. Stewart
• Interview Pt 1 — UT system, grad staff, Black Suits
• Interview Pt 2 — Circle Drill refresh, audition numbers, tuning philosophy, the “Woo”
• Water We Doing?! — Away-game guard travel, visiting-band courtesy, design clarity
• Gush & Go — Pride momentum, Tokyo Disney, guard growth, rest & self-care

Panel & Guests
Host: Nicole Younger (@o2bnpjs) • Panel: Alicia Sharp (@aliciaoninsta2)
Guest: Dr. Michael Stewart (Director, Pride of the Southland — UTK)
Band: Pride of the Southland Marching Band (UTK) — Website: utbands.utk.edu/marching-band/ • IG: @utbands • X: @POTSBand • FB: /utbands • YouTube: University of Tennessee Bands
Student Guests: Madelyn Bowman (@madstopbowman) • Austin Kerr (@austin_kerr)

Find On A Water Break
• Website: onawaterbreak.com
• Linktree (all platforms):
• Be a Guest / Submit a Topic:
• Email: [email protected]

Sponsors
Peak Group Travel (@peak.group.travel) • Guard Closet (@guardcloset)

Call to Action
Subscribe, rate & review, and share this episode with your band fam. Follow #OnAWaterBreak and watch more on our YouTube channel.

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.
Host Ricardo Robinson‑Shinall (IG @ricardorrobinson) sits down with leaders from WGASC, NTCA, Pacific Performing Arts, MWCGC, and MAIN to unpack takeaways from the WGI Circuit Symposium: judge recruiting & pipelines, safety (PPP), the strengths of boutique circuits, facility-access myths, and growing the next generation of educators.

Panel
Ricardo Robinson‑Shinall (host) • Brian Nunez (WGASC) • Arthur “Art” Grossman (NTCA) • Jonathan J. Brown (Pacific Performing Arts) • Kïrsten Miller (MWCGC) • Lauren Moffatt Burns (MAIN)

Segments
• 32‑Count Life Stories — meet Brian, Art, Jonathan, Kïrsten & Lauren
• 60‑Second Tech Block — What Boutique Circuits Do Better (Jonathan)
• Water We Doing?! — technique > tricks (no sickled feet), gym‑floor myths, educator pipeline
• Gush & Go — circuit wins + personal hype

Official Links
• WGI — Winter Guard International: https://www.wgi.org
• WGASC: https://wgasc.org
• NTCA (North Texas Colorguard Association): https://www.ntca-online.com
• MWCGC (Midwest Color Guard Circuit): https://midwestcolorguard.org
• MAIN — Mid‑Atlantic Indoor Network: https://mainguards.com
• Pacific Performing Arts: https://www.pacificperformingarts.org

Related
• Quick Sip with WGI’s Bart Woodley (playlist): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL600p0k2IuT408fWr_3N-lt6eq7MkWwnL

Sponsors
Peak Group Travel — @peak.group.travel
Guard Closet — @guardcloset

Listen Everywhere: Apple • Spotify • YouTube • Amazon Music (link in bio)

This week on On A Water Break, we honor the extraordinary life and legacy of WGI Hall of Fame member Eileen Cunningham — the powerhouse behind St. Anne’s Neponset and a beloved mentor across the New England color guard community. Jeremy Denzer (@jeremydenzer) joins us to share personal stories about Eileen’s unmatched impact, from leading St. Anne’s to five world championships to shaping generations of performers and instructors.

Plus, we dive into trending news, including:

• Portland, Oregon’s band directors refusing to perform at games in protest
• Viral videos of older adults making their return to college marching band
• Support for underfunded and overworked music educators across the country

🎺 60-Second Tech Block: Jeremy Denzer (@jeremydenzer) reminds us that true band culture means showing up for every section — from sideline percussion to clarinets to colorguard. Because respect isn't just for the front ensemble or brass line — it’s for everyone who sweats on that field with you.

🎙️ Hosted by Jose A. Montes III (@marchingbymontes), Whitney Stone (@dancerwhit), and special guest Jeremy Denzer (@jeremydenzer).

Sponsors:
📣 Guard Closet – One stop for consignment, costumes, design services & more: https://guardcloset.com
📣 Peak Group Travel – Plan your next band trip with the experts: https://peakgrouptravel.com
Follow @guardcloset and @peak.group.travel for updates!

Subscribe & Listen:
📲 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreak
🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-a-water-break/id1674241312
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HF3xHVnH2j2YCnugwtoKS

We’re back with a Quick Sip from the 2025 WGI Circuit Symposium! Ricardo Robinson-Shinall chats with WGI’s Director of Operations, Bart Woodley, about circuit safety, leadership, and how WGI is uniting the marching arts in 2025 and beyond.

We’re on the ground at the WGI Circuit Symposium, and Ricardo is bringing you a no-chairs-needed Quick Sip with the one and only Bart Woodley. In this short-form bonus episode, they dive into key takeaways from the symposium: from safety protocols and post-COVID updates to the launch of WGI’s Participant Protection Program.

Whether you’re a circuit director, instructor, or just a curious band kid — this episode gives a rare behind-the-scenes peek at how WGI is supporting over 150,000 performers across the country. It’s fast, focused, and full of insights.

💡 Want more from the Circuit Symposium? Our extended bonus conversation with circuit leaders drops soon! Until then, catch all our bonus content here: ▶️ OAWB Bonus Episodes Playlist

• Bart Woodley — Director of Operations, WGI Sport of the ArtsInstagram: @bartwoodley
• Ricardo Robinson-Shinall — Host, On A Water Break PodcastInstagram: @ricardorrobinson

• WGI Website: https://www.wgi.org
• Learn more about WGI’s Participant Protection Program (search “Participant Protection” at wgi.org)

📸 Instagram: @onawaterbreak📘 Facebook: On A Water Break Podcast🌐 Website: www.onawaterbreak.com🎧 Listen on: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

#OnAWaterBreak #WGI2025 #BartWoodley #RicardoRobinsonShinall #MarchingArts #Drumline #WinterGuard #WGISymposium #PageantryArts #BandLife #ColorGuard #Percussion #WGIHistory #QuickSip

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.
A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts—On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes.

Drum Corps International 2025 is in the books — and our correspondents are back to break it all down. From Boston Crusaders to Bluecoats to Carolina Crown, this bonus OAWB episode dives into finals week highs, Allentown ovations, Rose Bowl hype, and the tour stories that defined the summer.

💬 Guests & Correspondents:

• Clara Bagwell — Boston Crusaders Front Ensemble (@_clara.01100010)
• Jack Hawkins — Boston Crusaders Guard (@ispinweapon)
• Omari Holaki — Carolina Crown (@omarimholaki)
• Davis Jay — Bluecoats Battery (@davis.jay)

👤 Host: Jackie Brown — @spintronixguard

• Finals week reflections & returning home
• Boston vs. Bluecoats traditions + rivalries
• Allentown ovations & Crown prop challenges
• Jack’s unforgettable Heather Graham pep-talk story
• A rain-soaked Bluecoats standstill that turned magical

• YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreakPodcast
• Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1CXYbVfSR1AETb6cOt2RJk
• Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-a-water-break/id1660248050
• Amazon Music → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1eb151b5-8f3d-41a0-8d33-b17cc80e523b/on-a-water-break

• Guard Closet → https://www.guardcloset.com | IG: @guardcloset

📬 Want to be a guest or suggest a topic?
Email: [email protected]
Follow us on IG, TikTok & Facebook → @onawaterbreak

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

This week, we’re bringing the joy, the inspiration, and the sparkle 💫

We meet Finley — a 4-year-old obsessed with the Ohio State University Marching Band — whose “drum major energy” is already making waves. Then, author and LGBTQ+ advocate Jase Peeples joins the pod to talk about his children’s book Twirl — a heartwarming story about embracing your sparkle, building confidence, and redefining what it means to shine on your own terms.

Plus: co-host Jade Rhode shares a powerful 32-count life story, Josh Smith and Nicole Younger break down burnout in the band world, and we preview all-age excitement ahead of DCA Finals.

💡 This one’s about lifting up sideline stars, celebrating twirlers, and seeing the joy in every band kid’s journey.

Featuring:
Host: Nicole Younger [@o2bnpjs]
Panelists: Josh Smith [@mr.smiths.band], Jade Rhode
Guest: Jase Peeples [@jasepeeples]

Sponsored by:
🎒 @peak.group.travel | peakgrouptravel.com
💚 @guardcloset | guardcloset.com

🎧 Listen on all platforms: onawaterbreakpodcast.com/listen

📚 Twirl by Jase Peeples: Amazon Link

🥁 Finley (Toddler of the Year): Vote Here

#MarchingArts #OSUMarchingBand #BandKids #TwirlBook #ColorGuard #DrumMajor #OnAWaterBreak #DCI2025 #MarchingBand