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The One With WGI World Class 2025 Performers
134 Plays5 days ago
Nicole hosts, along with Alicia and guest Clinician, Paul Simondac (@paulscript), a group of WGI World Class 2025 Performers. Here what's going on at rehearsals and how the season is shaping up with some amazing performers.
Jacob Allison (@jacoballizon97) - AMP (@ampwinterguard)
Andrew SeeBaran (@iandrewmark) - Pride of Cincinnati (@prideofcincinnati)
Colby Tapp (@c0lbytapp)- Etude (@etudewinterguard)
Here what's going on at rehearsals and how the season is shaping up with some amazing performers.
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Transcript
Introduction and Episode Overview
00:00:00
Speaker
Hey, everyone, and welcome back to another episode of On a Water Break, the podcast where ah we talk about everything you and your friends are talking about um at rehearsal on a water break. This week, we're talking about all things WGI and with a special preview of what you can expect in the Color Guard world class this year. ah We'll find out what made Paul say, I don't want to do it. I'm tired. Just get up.
00:00:26
Speaker
and why Alicia said. Nicole, I have to call you out as a um alum of Etude. All this and more hey here on this week's episode of ah On a Water Break.
Meet the Hosts and Their Roles
00:00:39
Speaker
Eight off the Met and go. Welcome to On a Water Break. The where we talk
00:00:56
Speaker
Hi, everyone. It's Nicole, and we are here talking about all things WGI. Can you believe it, that the winner season is already here? I can't. But at the same time, I'm not performing. But that's OK, because I get to watch everybody. So on this week we're going on this week's episode, so we're going to check in with some awesome performers and um see what's going on at the start of their WGI seasons. But first, we're going to see who's on the sidelines this week. So Alicia, hi. How are you?
00:01:26
Speaker
Oh, I can't hear you, dear. It's because I always forget the mute button, Nicole. Always. I'm How are you? Good. So I'm loving. This is episode number two now with us.
00:01:40
Speaker
Yes, it is. And I'm back producing Wish Me Luck with Red in the Sound Board. Hey, girl.
Paul's Winter Schedule Insights
00:01:46
Speaker
Thank you, girl. It's bright. I'm just kidding. All right. Well, good. um I love all of that. And Paul, hello. Hey, how's it going? Good. Gosh, it's been ah a long time. Very long time.
00:02:02
Speaker
It's been a couple of seasons, like, well, through the year, but. like this year How are you? What's going on in your world? Good. I mean, winner, I was telling Jeremy, my winner is busy. I have four groups that I'm designing and choreographing this season, but thankfully they're in different circuits, so they don't line up. So like the UK show is already done. I'm in the middle of FFCC right now. I'll do a California circuit next month. So kind of like all over the place, but do
00:02:31
Speaker
Well, we're really glad that you took the time out to come and be with us to, you know, do this episode.
World Class Performers' Experiences
00:02:38
Speaker
Thanks. So we also have a few performers here from world class this year. So ah we have ah Andrew from Pride of Cincinnati. Hello, Andrew. Hello. I'm so glad to be with you guys today. Thanks. How's the start of your season been?
00:02:54
Speaker
It's been actually fantastic. um and Honestly, a dream come true. My last time performing was in 2017, so eight years later back in the in the ring. so It's been really fun and definitely something that I wasn't anticipating doing at the start, but I'm so glad that I'm there now. Oh my gosh. Why? Yes. I will tell you, and I'm serious like to the amount of years, the last year that I marched Patriots. I took eight years off and then marched O2 when they were in-world. So honestly, um I feel your pain and your excitement. For real. Okay. And let's see. We have Colby from E2. How are you? I'm doing well. How are you? I'm good. I'm good. So tell me about how ah the season's been treating you so far.
00:03:46
Speaker
It's been wonderful, of course. It's nice to be back dancing with Brian and just learning from everyone again and returning to the family that we created last year. It's been very great and already been so magical this year.
00:03:59
Speaker
Oh, I love it. I love it because it brings the magic. It does. and Nicole, I have to call you out as a um alum of Etude as well. You made the ah very, very common mistake that drives us all crazy. um We get announced, or used to get announced as Etude all the time. Is it Etude? Etude, yeah. Y'all correct, and girl. No shame. It happens so much. No. Oh, okay. Because literally, okay. Yes. All right. Sorry. Yes. We love you. You're fine. Everybody's going to be, well, everybody from Intuit's going to be like, uh, excuse me. Did y'all tell her? Were I going to say that? Etude. Etude.
Marching Band News and Updates
00:04:44
Speaker
All right. Cool. Well, great. Great. And then we have Jacob from AMP. Hi. Hi, Jacob. ah Jacob, how's AMP going for you so far? Uh, it's going really amazing. We're,
00:04:57
Speaker
pushing through, you know, getting as much of the show on the floor as possible, working hard. Yeah. Well, you all look like you're in one piece. So that's great. Yes, we are. Fantastic. So, um, where there's one thing that we always do here pat ah on a water break and it's called your 32 count life story. Now it is not your 32 count life story because we don't have time for that. But what we do have time for is to hear your 32 count color guard resume okay so what's gonna happen is i'll give you thirty two counts off the sorry eight counts off the mat and then you'll have thirty two counts to go through your resume and ah yeah it should be fun for all so we're gonna go backwards and we'll start with jacob okay got it alright so and here we go
00:05:47
Speaker
All right, I started indoor in high school. I did two seasons, and then I went up to college, did Color Guard in the marching band, and also did the indoor of Color Guard there, but I did Cadets II in 2017, then March Cadets in 18 and 19, and then I marched Caballeros 21, 22, and then I've been teaching at Arundel High School since 2017, taught at Raiders, taught at Riding Buccaneers, Madison Scouts, and have been marching amps since 2019.
00:06:13
Speaker
um You wrote all that down, didn't you? I sure did. Okay. I was about to say, I was like, he's prepared. I was like, that's a good memory. I can't remember what all I was doing. I was like, okay,
00:06:31
Speaker
get ahead okay so um let's go up next with Colby, all right? so but
00:06:40
Speaker
six seven All right, I started marching color guard in 2018 at Burns High School. I did the winters of 18, 19, and 20 there. I graduated, came to A2, did A2 to A the virtual season, marched a independent group called Takata for two years. I did a year of independent A there and a year of independent open. Came back to A2 last year to do 24 world and then back this year for 25 world.
00:07:11
Speaker
That's good. You did good. Was that right? straight like where This is what I did. Yes, I was pulling that from my brain. Y'all are so smart, young people today. ah Anyway. yeah All right, I love this. All right, Andrew, here we are. It is your turn.
00:07:35
Speaker
All right, so I started Color Guard in 2012 at Plano East High School. In 2014, I marched the Cavaliers, so 14 through 17, aged out in 17. In 2016, I did CGT Dallas when they were in open class, and then their first year in world class in 2017. And then now, 2025, I'm on the Pridecast. And then I taught at Cavaliers, taught at Oregon Crusaders, taught at Blue Knights, and now I'm currently teaching at Phantom Regiment.
00:08:07
Speaker
Uh, there's just so much talent on the screen. I can't stand it right now. Uh, dressed, but I love it.
00:08:17
Speaker
okay So it would not be the beginning of the season without some news. So let's go to the news.
00:08:39
Speaker
Yeah. Oh my gosh. The big story this week that everyone is talking about is that Avon World Guard is taking the season off, going inactive for the season. um The official word from ah Avon, I'm sure we all saw, was that they are exploring some other opportunities, giving their performers a chance to do some other things this winter. Some of them will be marching with the winds, some with the drumline.
00:09:05
Speaker
um Some might step into the Agard. Definitely after the the record breaking season they had last year, that's a a huge loss so for us this year, but we wish them the best of luck and hopefully they really do get to do some cool things this winter in lieu of being at Worlds.
00:09:24
Speaker
you know, coming right off of wallah, I think that was one of my biggest things to come back and see. I always like make little notes because we have them. And the other my the end of my notes at the wrap was I cannot wait to see what they do next year. And I think just as goes to show that some groups just need to take a minute. You know what I mean? Yeah, everybody does.
00:09:46
Speaker
And you know i i read I'm sorry that they had to do it now. like But you know it happens. And I love that they are opening it up to their other groups. Because every group that Avon has, I think, meddled. Am I right? Like, wins, percussion, and guard. Yeah. And they won BOA two years in a row. like Yeah, so put that ornament on the tree. Yeah, they're maxing out their sheet. They've got to figure out something else to do. So Hoover High School just received a $100,000 donation towards their band uniforms for the 2025 marching season.
00:10:29
Speaker
wow Yeah. And those are, we know, like marching band equipment in general are extremely expensive. um But to uniform and fit a band that big, it's about a $200,000 budget and cost. So that is so generous and honestly incredible for that even to be an option for them. So I'm super excited to see what they do. And I can't wait to see what they look like. Oh, that just bands cannot survive without those people that step up and do that.
00:11:02
Speaker
You know, they're going to be selling ah what is it candy bars and popcorn for a very long time. Oh my God, the fruit. Did do bands in your old area sell fruit? No, we do a lot of popcorn snacks and then like vertical fundraisers.
00:11:19
Speaker
Okay. but Yeah. For some reason in my state, fruit fundraisers are a huge thing. In like November, everyone sells like citrus. Yeah. I was going to say the orange fundraiser. yeah yeah it's i
Personal Experiences and Season Goals
00:11:33
Speaker
hey that mind no like nothing think It's crazy. But yeah, but honestly too, I honestly cannot wait to see what kind of uniforms they get with that because you know, depending on where you go,
00:11:49
Speaker
They could be walking out in a lot of sequins. I know. Listen, band uniforms have changed a lot. You want to know how I know? Because I work for Frouhough. Oh my God, true, right? I like that little plug right there for Nicole. Yeah, this is a Nicole's advertisement. If your band is um in the market, she can help you purchase some Frouhough band uniforms.
00:12:19
Speaker
Oh, cool. Jacob, what about you? Do you have a news story ready for us? Yes, I do. So um Music for All um announced on December 5th that Jeremy Earnhardt has resigned from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
00:12:39
Speaker
um And he has been with the company since 2018 and then was named president in 2020 and assumed the role in April of 2020 at the beginning of the lockdown. And now they are going to initiate a search for his successor. And until they are named, Debbie Asbill is currently executive vice president. Marketing and communications will serve as interim CEO.
00:13:07
Speaker
I guess we have to say thank you for bringing the program through the pandemic. like that was We saw a lot of things go away with the pandemic, so cool. and Good luck in the search. like you know What else do you say? Well, with that actual position, i mean like they got to be able to talk to and anybody and everybody. so Hopefully, they get someone in there that is um you know personal, smart, all the things that they need. Representative of the goals for the activity, right? Yeah. Cool. Awesome. Well, thank you everyone. We've got to get back out there in the flag block. We love a good flag block. I know I do. ah ah We'll be back with some more.
00:14:05
Speaker
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00:14:20
Speaker
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00:14:50
Speaker
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00:15:17
Speaker
All right. So, I guess my first going to be question is for Colby. So, Egypt's coming off their very first independent world medal. So, congratulations to that, by the way. ah How does it feel coming back after that huge success?
00:15:31
Speaker
Um, like I said earlier, it's just been very magical, I guess would be the feeling. Um, this has been something that all of us are new to, you know, like this was our first time doing it and we all got to do it together. So returning as medalists to the gym that we practice in at home is a new experience for all of us, but it's also really cool because We're in the same gym with the same people, and we have so many new members there with us, and we're getting pushed harder, and we're trying harder things. you know like It's definitely a step in the right direction to keep on the same upwards path for Etude, I think. Yeah. Oh, man. That's awesome. How was it coming into auditions and seeing like
00:16:21
Speaker
It was very, it was really cool. um I mean, obviously it's like a level of intimidation because it's like, yeah, you're on it last year, but you're never guaranteed anything. And it's like. There are these people that I recognize from so many cores around me that I am like, Oh my gosh, I'm like, I've seen you on Instagram and I'm a huge fan. Like you're so good. And I'm in the same room auditioning as them. And that was really cool to be like, Hey, I know who you are. Like I've seen you before and I've watched you perform like in DCI or in another world class group before. And I'm like, you're so talented and now I get to spend with this people. And it's really cool. That's awesome to be like around and spend with somebody because you never know. They'd be like,
00:17:01
Speaker
Oh my gosh, it's Colby. I'm sure. A little bit imposter syndrome that comes up. We all have it just a little bit, you know, but it's always nice to see people recognize you as well. But to see the other people recognizing, like recognizing them myself, I'm like, Hey, this is cool. Oh, good. Yeah, that's cool. So, uh, Andrew, this is your first year with pride. Yeah. Correct. Yes.
00:17:27
Speaker
So how's it been to, or how's it feel going in to a group program that's so powerful and like has a rich history in finals? Well, there's definitely a level of expectation that you just put on yourself naturally, just stepping into that that space with such an amazing star-studded cast and and c incredible leaders in the activity. um So there's definitely that like, I need to show up every weekend and do my best and make sure that I am catching my things and pointing my toes.
00:17:56
Speaker
um But with that, like the the staff there is basically family to me at this point. um Those are the people who taught me 10 years ago, my rookie year of drum corps. So in a weird way, it's like coming back to a home that I didn't know that I had, but I'm so grateful for this experience and to be taught by some of these people again. So it's pretty great. Oh, that's cool. And you come from so far away too.
00:18:22
Speaker
Yes. I'm living in Houston right now. So I'm commuting every weekend up to, um, we're actually rehearsing in Indiana this year. So yeah, the flying back and forth. Oh, from Houston to Indiana. Yes. It is. The game is changed. The game has changed.
00:18:39
Speaker
yeah what is that Sorry, Andrew. What does that cost like to have to do that? Well, I'm really fortunate to have a lot of like friends who have either done the same process or commuted or know the ins and out of airline travel. oh so But like really, if it comes down to like brass tacks, it's essentially like another payment of dues. um So I'm just trying to keep like on top of all of my flights, making sure I'm really proactive and booking everything just to keep those flights down. Although I did see that Spirit Airlines is bankrupt, so I'm really hoping that they don't like close off my flights.
00:19:17
Speaker
We are all crossing our fingers for you, Darren. Thank you. So Jacob, um you're with AMP, who has consistently done all these great shows to make UD Arena shake. How is it ah to be part of such entertaining shows? like What is that feeling like? It's honestly, it is like surreal. like When we walked into that arena in 2022 for our like Joker show. it like Literally, you could just feel the vibrations of everyone screaming. And honestly, it just never felt like anything like that before. It could almost felt like we were like,
00:19:56
Speaker
celebrities for seven minutes and it was just really cool. Yeah, you were. I was watching that because I was just like, I had went to go get something to drink and I'd come back, I was up in the boxes. And and when I came back, well, I didn't even come back because like I was getting my drink and then when I was you know there, I just heard the whole place start screaming. I was like, is something wrong? No, Nicole, it's wrong that you're not sitting in your seat. But Yeah, you're right. Yes. People and the kids go and you, I would say, um, not just you, but AMP goes that further like step to, you know, invite folks in through social media. So, uh, you know, seeing that and honestly how just, again, the game has changed, um, to invite other people into your show. It's like, Hey, learn this section. And it's just like a Tik TOK dance, you know? So the kids are, the kids are loving it. That's relevant.
00:20:51
Speaker
yeah I think it's cool. I didn't really realize it until you were talking, Jacob, but we have really good representation in this episode of um different parts of the activity represented through your programs. Like AMP is so accessible and so entertaining and everybody and their grandmother is going to understand what you're doing. Um, and I, I love that. Like AMP is one of the programs I will go to when I'm showing what Winter Guard is to somebody that maybe doesn't know. And then we've got like pride, I think represents kind of the, the envelope pushing of this
00:21:31
Speaker
activity and the just consistency and excellence that we see pride is you you you know you're gonna get an amazing product from them um and then attitude is like the emotion and beauty.
00:21:46
Speaker
that I mean you can always count on Brian's choreography to be incredibly stunning right Colby and I think I get emotional about Etude so like it's cool having all of you here and pulling these kind of different pieces of the activity and I love to see it.
00:22:02
Speaker
I was going to say it's no bias or anything, right? Definitely not. Listen, listen. say i I think of Pride's show with the, um, the phones on the chest and the giant light. yeah What year was, yes. Look up. Thank you. And how like cool the use of those props were and and everything they were doing and how much it like explored base and then I think about the um Bloom show from Etude and just how stunningly gorgeous it was. you know And yeah, i just they're very different programs to me. And then with Joker too. Oh my gosh. Yeah. um So with all three of these groups too, and I'm going to shut my mouth for a moment, but like there is a sense of like a
00:22:55
Speaker
ah Sense of self and like there is a obvious like sense of what you what each group is you know you are on a potted unapologetically yourselves and i think that's what sets.
00:23:08
Speaker
these groups apart and your performers are apart too because like you you've bought into it. like I'm not going to lie. like I had to buy into Patriots and we were the weird ones back then. you know and I loved that about us. and so like there is a certain sense of There's a certain sense of ah performance that comes in with that. so Yeah. I'll shut up now.
00:23:33
Speaker
All right, cool. So with all of that, so what are you guys most looking forward to this season? I know you can't talk about your shows yet because we'll wait for all the, you know, social media announcements, but whether it be something really small, like, you know, having a pre-show ritual with your best friend or, you know, performing at the GI finals, like what are you most excited for this season? Anybody can go. Anybody, jump in.
00:23:57
Speaker
um I guess first thing pops into my mind um hoping you know nothing is ever certain so hoping that we make it into finals again this year um just actually getting the chance to perform in finals because you know everything that happened last year um so that's actually a lot of the reason why most of the cast came back this year was just because like we can't end like that so that's what I'm looking forward to We'll forget all about that. Man, i'm I'm not kidding. I cried for you. ah air Bless your heart. Erica Pless is a good friend of mine. I love her. as As soon as we found out, like I called her and I said, what? And she was like, everybody's sick. And I was just like, no. And I was like, OK. But then she told me about what was happening. I was like, so like you all were sick performing semis.
00:24:52
Speaker
It actually happened like when we got back to the hotel room after semis and we were like getting ready to go to a-class finals and like it just started dumb ah dominoing and we were like, Oh God. and we They like made the call and like it was just the entire, everyone was just like sobbing because all that hard work all season we put in and we couldn't even perform at finals.
00:25:17
Speaker
As a performer, I couldn't imagine, but as a staff member, I couldn't imagine having to make that choice either. That sucks. Yeah. Yeah. Well, no matter where you go, everyone's going to be excited to see y'all. So yeah what about everybody else? What are you looking forward to? I'll go. Okay.
00:25:36
Speaker
Um, honestly, just being on the other side of the teaching environment, I've been a staff member now in the activity for so long. And to be a student again is so weird and so fun. And being able to learn from the people who taught me 10 years ago is such a blast from the past, but it's, it's so great. And you kind of as a staff member, you're like, well, I don't really know how much I can learn. And let me tell you, there's so much that I'm learning every single weekend. And I feel like I'm taking all that information home to my kiddos. So it's really fantastic.
00:26:07
Speaker
oh Do they look at you and be like, hey, you're okay? Oh, I'm limping to rehearsal every time. Yeah. It's really hard to write dance for you. You know what it is. Here's a video. I did it once. Reference that. Right? be like Can I just mark this, please?
00:26:27
Speaker
colby What are you looking forward to? Um, I'm honestly just ready to perform, you know, like, and especially like our local circuit shows. Cause a two, it's the only, we're the only independent world class, um, group in our circuit. So okay all the kids at the circuit.
00:26:45
Speaker
depending on what show we go to are like obviously immediately obsessed and it's just like how Jacob was saying earlier how like in finals for that seven minutes you feel like a celebrity we get that at like our little local circuit shows because they are like loud when we're performing and it's just so much fun and then people in the hallway it's like oh my gosh it's A2 you know it's adorable and those are the shows that are just like the home shows you know like yeah these are like this is our space we can we can have fun you know oh that's so awesome what and like what's your circuit what's your home circuit um the carolina winter ensemble association okay all right cool cool good question uh jacob and andrew same thing what are your like home circuits uh we do um maine which is the mid-atlantic indoor network correct okay
00:27:39
Speaker
And then like for Houston, I'm in TCGC. And then honestly, I just kind of show up where they tell me to show up for. I live in Cincinnati. OK, thank you. Please educate me.
00:27:56
Speaker
and i pride well Because we have a lot of circuits around here, so like, they're well, yeah, there's a bunch. I shouldn't, but OIPA, MEPA, Tri-State, and for Indiana, it's a huge acronym, but it's Indiana Indoor ABCDFG. Exactly. what yeah exactly
00:28:17
Speaker
yes Oh goodness. so um So does this season feel any different than in your previous seasons? And I'll go with Jacob to this one. um I feel like we have a big sense of unity this year.
00:28:34
Speaker
um I think after, you know, I don't want to keep bringing it up, but like, I just feel like we're ready to attack everything now. Like it could be our last rep.
00:28:45
Speaker
because you know after COVID and then after what happened that was past Dayton, like it literally could be our last rep. So like I feel like we're all ready to just jump in and do the thing. That is awesome. I love it. ah Andrew, what about you?
00:29:01
Speaker
Um, I think just the shift from previously like being the youngest in the room in 2017 at CGT to now being the second oldest member. It's just like the people who I was looking up to like I'm now having to build those shoes. And it's being it's crazy being on the floor with people that I'm currently teaching at Phantom and the people that I've taught at Cavaliers and it's like,
00:29:25
Speaker
I'm looking up to them now in a way that they used to look up to me and it's just so strange but it's so crazy and I'm just loving the shift and everything. It's just been really great. Aww. So good. And Colby.
00:29:39
Speaker
um I wouldn't really feel that the season is going any different like as far as approach. Obviously every year feels different no matter what you're doing, where you're at. But I feel like we're very much taking the same approach as last year. And I mean, it worked. So I think staying on the same track of like the way we've been progressing in our show and like the family that our cast has already become so early in the season. like It just feels really good and feels like we're on a good trajectory and I feel like it felt this way last year.
00:30:16
Speaker
If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? Right. Something worked. I would really like to hear about like personal goals that you guys might have set for yourself. I think our listeners would like to know like when you guys are looking at your season or looking at what you want to achieve personally, what what does that look like? and Anyone can go first.
00:30:36
Speaker
Um, for me personally, I just want to be able to let go of some of my performance anxiety. Like I feel like that's a very real thing that we all experience, especially like at a high level when things get hard.
00:30:51
Speaker
And I struggled with that quite a bit last year with it being my first year in world class. um And I want to let go of that this year and just be more confident. And I feel like this season I already am like returning as a vet. It just feels like.
00:31:07
Speaker
You're already a little bit more comfortable in the gym with the staff, with the members that you've been around. And I feel like I've already gotten into a better place there. And I feel like I'm way more excited to perform this year because of that than I was last year, a little bit scared to start performing.
00:31:26
Speaker
um and and ju yeah perfect go for um Well, for me, like the Cavalier to Pride pipeline is pretty strong. So I've had a lot of former friends who've marched tell me their experience. And what I've gathered is, like the twirls are going to come, the technique is going to come. But just making sure, especially someone who's commuting every weekend and isn't living in that area with them, like making sure that I'm absorbing all of these people and finding love and getting to know everyone in a space that like I'm so privileged to be in. um So my goal is to just like fall in love with the activity and fall in love with the cast and really absorb all of that. So that's kind of what has been motivating me every weekend, even when I have a 5am flight.
Leadership and Team Unity
00:32:10
Speaker
Oh my gosh, Andrew, I'm going to let you go, Jacob. But Andrew, I have to say on top of that, to any of our young listeners that are out there right now, whether you know high school or or whatever, that is the attitude. The twirls will come. The technique will come.
00:32:26
Speaker
approach it with gratitude because you like Jacob, you said, we have no idea when our last performance is going to be. you know I love that. Thank you for that. I also want to just piggyback off of that too because like when I used to teach, I would just tell people, hey, enjoy these people that are around you because you will never have this group of people again. wow you know Something will change up the next year. Maybe you won't have the same amount of people, but the the the energy that comes within that group will only be there for that season, so. Lindsey Kuzmer Zach said that to me my very first year of drum corps. She told us, this this guard will never be the same. You'll never march with these people again. And I think about it in every aspect of my life. Yeah, coming to tell their guard with gratitude and graciousness and and that appreciation matters a whole lot. Anyway, Jacob, what goals do you have for your season? um I guess just,
00:33:24
Speaker
having fun and you know having fun with my friends, having fun at rehearsal while still working hard and then having um the most fun at shows and just seeing everyone and getting to perform for people. This this was not a question I thought of until literally just now, but you're um you're one of the leaders, you're a captain at AMP, right? Yes. um What is shouldering that responsibility mean to you?
00:33:52
Speaker
um Just making sure that we are, you know, are bonding as a team and making sure that everything is taken care of. We're kind of, we're basically the main source of communication from like members of staff, staff to members. ah We help out a lot with running things outside of rehearsal too. It's not just like a lot of things. um So we deal, not deal with that. We, deal is not a good word. ah
00:34:24
Speaker
We help facilitate things of that nature. I just want to actually say too, the more that I talk to you all, your vibe is the guard. like I look at Jacob and like the vibe that you give off is, yeah.
00:34:45
Speaker
and And when Colby I talked to you, you're so laid back. And so I call it granola, and some people will call it like hippie or whatever. But like, it's so etude. And then Andrew, same thing, you know, you're so pride. And I just don't know what to you know what I mean? Like, it's almost like different sections in a marching band, you know who a trumpet player is.
00:35:08
Speaker
I mean, come on. i' Okay. And I'm sorry to all the trumpet players out there. You know, you get it. But you all are so, you're gone and I love it. And so you're representing very well. I appreciate you. and Guards definitely have a personality. Yeah. Paul, you want to wrap us up with our um yeah Our fun question. Well, first of all, I want to say good luck for you guys on all your goals I hope you achieve, you know, all those things that pop up especially throughout the season, you know things will pop up Maybe those random tosses that you didn't master before are mastered by the end. But um with that
00:35:47
Speaker
Um, last question, describe your 2025 show in three to five vague words. Um, so that our viewers can try to guess what you guys are doing this season and we're even more excited to see it. So you could just give us a little preview. You can be as vague as possible. We don't want to get you in trouble.
00:36:07
Speaker
And anyone can go. ah I'll go. I think Alicia said it best when she was talking about 2015. It was just like exploring space. And those are going to be my two words, exploring space. Interesting. OK. I'll give that a ding.
Sneak Peek into 2025 Shows
00:36:24
Speaker
yeah um For me, um on like a joke note, something they always tell us to say, if we don't know what to say, is thank you, we work hard. um especially on social media when people are hashing things out. um But on like a more serious note, I guess the best way to help describe a show is in the Cler, we all fam. Like it. I love this. I'm crying.
00:36:56
Speaker
Call me. I'm just going to say it's so etude. Y'all are...
00:37:07
Speaker
We'll take it. and how do I say feel like you've given us a ah lot to think about and to consider. Yeah, OK. Well, honestly, I want to thank everyone for coming in here. So um right now, we need to actually get back out onto the floor. Our guest clinicians need to get back into sectional. So let's see. Colby, I'll have you go with the rifles. Jacob, you can go with the dancers. and ah Andrew go ahead and be with the sabers. Okay, and then we'll just get everybody else together. All right. Awesome
00:37:58
Speaker
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00:38:19
Speaker
We now offer program coordination for ensembles throughout the U.S. and custom graphic design for all of your uniform, props, flags, and floor needs. In-person and virtual program consultation options are now available through Marchi by Montes.
00:38:37
Speaker
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Gush and Go: Excitement and Updates
00:39:06
Speaker
All right, so we are back and now we are going to do what I'd like to call, what are we doing? What are we doing? What are we doing? All right, so this is the section of the show when we just talk about kind of the stuff that You know, why are we doing this? All right. So let's do our first one. I'm going to kick it to Jacob. And then Jacob, after you're done, you kick it to somebody else. All right. I guess what water we doing bringing these little tiny baby water bottles to rehearsal, having to refill it every every water break. Oh, are they trying to get out of rehearsal? Are you really thirsty?
00:39:55
Speaker
It's an excuse to step outside. Like, I need to go search the school for 10 minutes and find a water fountain. Shady, we know. We know because we did it. Right? Like, I invented that trick. Ew, I'm not that old.
00:40:14
Speaker
oh That's a good one. Who's next? i'll go Okay. Show sites that can't accommodate a 60 by 90 or any tarp larger than that. I don't think if you can, if you can't fit the tarp, you shouldn't be a venue for a show. Period. Period. Yeah, I don't have anything to add. Yep, you're right.
00:40:39
Speaker
my bar I can't wait to see what our props and stuff look like with the new standards this year too with WGI. i I'm anxious to see how how some of these come out. When you said exploring space, Andrew, I was like, not above four feet.
00:40:59
Speaker
oh Oh my goodness, Paul. This is a personal gripe. What are we doing? Why are we doing floor work? I don't want to do it. I'm tired. Just get up. You can, the drill has to move anyways. You're not going to log off. Just be real.
00:41:19
Speaker
Get up. That should be the name of the show when you're all on the ground. Get up.
00:41:26
Speaker
Dude, I loved floor work. I'll clean that all day long if I get to sit on the ground. Girl, that's the only reason why I liked it.
00:41:36
Speaker
Golden. I don't have one. Not at all. I really don't. I'm trying to think and I'm like, I don't have anything. That's okay, I'll do mine. Mine is, I always have to clap with my what are we doing, hearing very unfortunate news about a well-known program and taking it and twisting it into negative rumors about that program. Just saying. I read some crappy things online this week and I don't like it. Keep it real, folks. Yeah. 100%.
00:42:16
Speaker
Great job, everyone. Set your equipment down. Gush and go. All right, so the next thing that we like to do with everyone, too, is ah what we call gush and goes. Now, this can be color guard related. It could be just you related. It's your time to do a humble brag, all right? So um we'll have you go first, Colby.
00:42:38
Speaker
Um, I'm just excited to show everyone what we have this year. I think personally that it is very good and I just can't wait for everyone to see it. Like it's just super, super cool and I'm ready to share it. Everyone's excited to see it too. Um, let's see, Jacob.
00:43:00
Speaker
Um, I guess my gushing go is seeing kind of the growth of drum core after the like DCI i posted the, like all the sound sport, open class, all age cores. I'm really excited about that. Andrew.
00:43:16
Speaker
ah andrew Mine is more of a trend that I'm seeing. I feel like Color Guard Instagram ditties are on a rise again, and I love that. And as someone who was a fan of a quarantine saber ditty, I love to see those coming back. Those make me so happy. For real, for real. Hey, Paul.
00:43:40
Speaker
What are you gushing and going on about? um I'm ready to learn all the choreography from you guys this year. I've been telling myself, I'm like, oh my gosh, like that AMP stuff looks too hard. I should try it. I should probably just try it. you know Just go outside. so Get out there and spend, you guys. Be backyard warriors. Andrew, if you like to see some ditties, you need to follow Paul.
00:44:03
Speaker
Okay, I will definitely. All the time and they're so good. Well, I'll have some ditties. That sounds dirty, but no it does't I know I've been late. I need to post more, but you i do Right. You're
Conclusion and Social Media Invitation
00:44:17
Speaker
working. You're booked and busy, okay? um Alicia? oh you know i My Gush and Go this week, I guess, is um one of my programs. We combined our high school and middle school for this winter just to have a growing year. and We have primarily middle schoolers in this guard. and and i'm super I'm just excited about them. They love Color Guard and they're just here for the twirls.
00:44:46
Speaker
We're getting it to Olmsted. I love hearing this because I've like been enmeshed in the shoes of all of you before, and now I'm like doing my own thing. But I will tell you, my gosh and go is um I am on top of ah judging and doing Frouhoff and Guard Closet. I am also the program coordinator for Lyta Music. And um Josh Lyta, who is a he writes a lot of music. I'm going to be putting together all of the people that are coming in and putting all the other parts ah to his shows. So um I'm looking forward to that. You're like the project manager. I am the project manager. Cool. So that'll be fun for me and I'm excited to see ah how that works out because I have a very
00:45:33
Speaker
type A brain and it's just in the activity I love. So I'm i'm happy to get going. That's awesome. Hey, it's called gush and go, not gush and stay. Let's go.
00:45:49
Speaker
All right. So I just want to say thank you to Paul and Alicia and a big thank you to Andrew Colby and Jacob, just for joining us here, laughing with us, just a little Kiki. Can you let our listeners know where we can find you on social media? Andrew. ah You can follow me on Instagram at I Andrew Mark. Fantastic. Colby.
00:46:14
Speaker
You can also follow me on Instagram. It's just at ColbyTap, but the O in the Colby is the number zero. Fantastic. And Jacob. And same here, Instagram, JacobAllison97. Perfect. And then while we've already had you on, but we're going to say it again, where can we find you? You can find me on Instagram at Paul Script, like writing. So that's me.
00:46:40
Speaker
One more thing yeah don't forget our YouTube channel now that we have um have all of the interviews there as full video edition So go and subscribe and don't miss any of that and before you close out of your podcast listening app Subscribe to us write us a review. Let us know who your favorite um Host is but share it with a friend as well um Go to your social media at on a water break and we'll see you at rehearsal on a water break
00:47:09
Speaker
The Ona Water Break podcast was produced by Jeremy Williams and Christine Reams. The intro and outro music was produced by Josh Lyda. To learn more, visit LydaMusic.com. And until next time, thanks for tuning in.