We’re back and LIVE again on YouTube with hosts Trish O’Shea (@trishdish1002), Jackie Brown (@spintronixguard), Jose Montes III (@marchingbymontes), and Joey Montes — joined this week by winter guard judge and educator Ashley D’Amore and our favorite sideline perspective, Sharon Boyd (@therealbandmom).

SEGMENT 1: THE SIDELINES & BONUS EPISODE PREVIEWSWe kick things off with a quick welcome and look ahead at what’s coming up:

• An international episode featuring the Color Guard Alliance of the Philippines
• A candid chat with Brandy Keeton (University of Alabama & Alta Marea)
• A WGI engagement recap with the couple from Tampa Independent
• A summer preview with siblings Piper & Avery Click heading to Blue Devils
• Alicia’s deep dive into body size and space in the marching arts

SEGMENT 2: MARCHING ARTS NEWS

• Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps sparks controversy with a $1700 “Field Set Crew” post targeting 18–22-year-olds. The backlash was immediate — and now they’re “reevaluating.” Sharon (The Band Mom) gives her honest thoughts.
• Jackie reports on Avon Band Director Jay Webb’s appearance in Travis Scott’s Coachella show
• Spartans announce their 2025 show “Mistica” but face heat for using AI-generated art before quietly swapping it out
• Michigan’s Reeths-Puffer HS Band is the focus of a new documentary
• WGI launches BEAM: a real-time performance feedback platform
• Ultimate Drill Book rolls out the “Listening Zones” feature to help students better understand ensemble timing
• Peak Group Travel shares their weekly travel tip

SEGMENT 3: 60-SECOND TECH BLOCK / WATER WE DOING / GUSH AND GOAshley D’Amore delivers a 60-Second Tech Block on Dynamic Efforts & Qualities — and the crew reacts in real time. In this week’s “Water We Doing?” segment:

• Sharon asks why indoor winds still don’t get as much attention
• Ashley begs groups to practice getting on and off the floor to avoid last-second chaos
• Trish wants drum corps to stop waiting until mid-season to announce their show themes
• Jose shares frustrations as a drill writer being asked for August-ready material in April

We wrap with “Gush and Go”:

• Jackie’s middle school mini guard is ready for their big debut
• Ashley shares her summer spinning with her 2-year-old to Chapel Roan
• Sharon celebrates her son graduating with a music ed degree and aging out with the Blue Devils
• Jose has a few open choreography spots and is finally relaxing after WGI

Want to be a guest on the pod? Fill out the form at the link in our bio or email us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to follow us @onawaterbreak, leave a review, and share the show.

We’ll see you at the next rehearsal — On A Water Break.