Before the world knew Latrice Royale from RuPaul’s Drag Race, she was spinning with Alliance of Miami Winter Guard, performing in the legendary Hotel California show and learning what it means to put her heart on the floor.

In this special edition of On A Water Break With…, Latrice sits down with Ricardo Robinson-Shinall and Jeremy Williams to share how her marching-arts roots shaped everything that came after — the discipline, the storytelling, and the confidence that fueled her rise as a performer and drag icon.

From unforgettable Alliance memories and the hilarious “1900s” moment to finding belonging, artistry, and self-expression through color guard, this conversation celebrates how the activity continues to inspire lives far beyond the gym floor.

Latrice also talks about returning to WGI with AMP Winter Guard, connecting with a new generation of performers, and how those early lessons still drive her work on stages around the world.

💼 Presented by Guard Closet — Pre-Loved & Custom Marching Arts Gear
guardcloset.com [https://www.guardcloset.com/] | IG @guardcloset [https://www.instagram.com/guardcloset]

👑 Guest
Latrice Royale | IG @latriceroyale [https://www.instagram.com/latriceroyale] | latriceroyale.com

🎙 Hosts
Ricardo Robinson-Shinall – IG @ricardorrobinson [https://www.instagram.com/ricardorrobinson]
Jeremy Williams – Executive Producer, On A Water Break Podcast

📢 Find On A Water Break
🌐 onawaterbreakpodcast.com
🎧 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube
📩 onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com
📱 IG/FB/TikTok @onawaterbreak [https://www.instagram.com/onawaterbreak]

Latrice Royale: On A Water Break with

This week, Stephen McCarrick is joined by Neil, Art Grossman, and guest Megan Cooney, Associate Director of Bands & Director of Athletic Bands at Rowan University, to talk about the rapid rise of the Pride of the Profs Marching Band and the realities of surviving Bandtober.

🎺 Discover how Rowan’s program expanded from 130 to 180 members in just three years, what it takes to build a college band culture from scratch, and how joy, trust, and community keep musicians coming back through the busiest month of the season.

🗞️ NEWS

• Wisconsin State Championships – Baldwin-Woodville, Greendale, River Falls & Oak Creek take top honors.
• HBCU Red Lobster Band of the Year – Florida A&M’s Marching 100 lands #1.
• Minnesota Youth & Music Championships – Rosemont High School wins gold.
Plus, big shoutouts to every band wrapping up state finals weekend!

💼 Peak Group Travel Tip – @peak.group.travel [https://instagram.com/peak.group.travel] | Lock in your early-bird fares before finals season hits full stride.

⚙️ 60-Second Tech Block

Neil fires up the field with a pep talk on staying motivated — from Halloween rehearsals to senior night celebrations.

💦 Water We Doing?!

Stephen questions why “bad” college bass lines still exist,
Megan vents about practice-room noise complaints,
Art calls out Bandtober burnout,
and Neil just wants one Saturday for pumpkin patch season.

🌟 Gush & Go

Neil’s band heads to the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade,
Megan’s students earn a 2026 Philly Thanksgiving Parade invite,
Stephen performs with the Eagles Drumline Kelly Green Game,
and Art celebrates how the marching arts are thriving nationwide.

👥 This Week’s Panel

Stephen McCarrick – @yeah_bass [https://instagram.com/yeah_bass]
Neil – @neildrums1 [https://instagram.com/neildrums1]
Art Grossman – @arthurjuhl [https://instagram.com/arthurjuhl]
Guest Megan Cooney – @prideoftheprofs [https://instagram.com/prideoftheprofs] | Rowan University

💧 Find On A Water Break

🌐 onawaterbreakpodcast.com
🔗 linktr.ee/onawaterbreak
📧 onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & more.

🏆 Sponsors

🥇 Peak Group Travel – @peak.group.travel [https://instagram.com/peak.group.travel] | peakgrouptravel.com
🛍 Guard Closet – @guardcloset [https://instagram.com/guardcloset] | guardcloset.com [https://guardcloset.com/]

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

How Rowan University Built a College Marching Band (and Survived Bandtober)

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 [https://www.instagram.com/guardcloset] and Peak Group Travel [https://www.instagram.com/peak.group.travel]

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

Bandtober Breakdown: Texas Bands, Drill Science & Marching Accountability

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: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com
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.

The Perfect Tuba: Sam Quinones on Purpose, Band Culture & the Sound That Holds It All Together

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: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com
Guest Sign-Up Form: https://forms.gle/LgtmWZ4oFEHibi3F7
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreakPodcast
Website: https://onawaterbreakpodcast.com [https://onawaterbreakpodcast.com/]
Follow us everywhere: @onawaterbreak

On A Water Break Weekly: Collegiate Marching Band Festival 2025 with Kelly Gumble

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.

🔥 Inside This Episode

 * 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.

🙌 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: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com
 * Guest Sign-Up Form: [Link in bio]
 * YouTube: Subscribe for episodes + clips
 * Follow us everywhere: @onawaterbreak

Cymbals, Costumes & Color Wheels: Marching Band Design Trends + BOA/DCI News 2025

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 [http://onawaterbreak.com]
• Linktree (all platforms): [http://linktr.ee/onawaterbreak]
• Be a Guest / Submit a Topic:
[http://forms.gle/LgtmWZ4oFEHibi3F7]• Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com

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.

Pride of the Southland EXPLAINED: Black Suits, Circle Drill & the Rocky Top “Woo” | Dr. Michael Stewart (UTK)

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)

2025 WGI Circuit Symposium Roundtable: Judge Pipeline, Safety & Boutique Circuits — OAWB With Circuit Leaders

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 [https://guardcloset.com/]
📣 Peak Group Travel – Plan your next band trip with the experts: https://peakgrouptravel.com [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

Remembering Eileen Cunningham, Portland Band Protests & Marching After 50 

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.

🧠 Episode Summary

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 [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL600p0k2IuT5c48Q_cvR1ATvbaQ1QGcN4&utm_source=chatgpt.com]

👥 Featured Guests

 * Bart Woodley — Director of Operations, WGI Sport of the Arts [https://www.wgi.org/]Instagram: @bartwoodley [https://www.instagram.com/bartwoodley]
 * Ricardo Robinson-Shinall — Host, On A Water Break PodcastInstagram: @ricardorrobinson [https://www.instagram.com/ricardorrobinson]

🔗 Quick Links

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

📢 Follow On A Water Break

📸 Instagram: @onawaterbreak [https://www.instagram.com/onawaterbreak]📘 Facebook: On A Water Break Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/onawaterbreakpodcast]🌐 Website: www.onawaterbreak.com [https://www.onawaterbreak.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]🎧 Listen on: Apple | Spotify | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@OnAWaterBreakPodcast]

🏷️ Hashtags

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

🚨 Quick Sip Alert: WGI Circuit Symposium Updates Straight from Bart Woodley | Bonus Episode

On a Water Break is a podcast for everyone in the marching arts.  If you’re talking about it, we’re probably planning to talk about it on an upcoming episode.  We want to entertain and inform you-the performer, instructor, designer, adjudicator and enthusiast.

We bring you the Marching Arts  news, interview, advice and so much more each week from amazing hosts

On A Water Break

On a Water Break's Show

This podcast discusses topics related to marching bands, drumlines, color guards and other performing arts groups. Each episode features interviews with people in the marching arts community as well as segments where the hosts and guests discuss recent news, events and projects.

The podcast has a lighthearted and conversational tone as the hosts and their guests, who are involved in the marching arts themselves, share stories and experiences. Segments include discussing recent performances, competitions and parades that groups have participated in. 

The target audience seems to be those involved in or interested in high school and college marching bands, drumlines, color guards and other marching arts programs. The level of detail and inside references suggest familiarity with terminology and events within the marching arts community. The podcast aims to inform and entertain listeners about what's happening in the world of marching bands, drumlines and color guards.

On a Water Break - A Podcast for the Marching Arts Enthusiast

All-access pass to drum corps, band, color guard & twirling. Insiders share news, stories & tips from the world of marching arts! MORE [https://linktr.ee/onawaterbreak?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabdzsMHl12bxJYJPp1_rxeEwVP8fRNNIHLukqzXSNsER3kUsPVgtZa6TCw_aem_Um-Nf4SaeGrHVwAoT6132w]

On a Water Break

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