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The One Wrapping Up Women's History Month
82 Plays3 days ago
Join us this week on On A Water Break as we wrap up Women's History Month with an incredible panel of talented women from the marching arts! Hosts Stephen McCarrick, Trish O'Shea, Cynthia Bernard, Beth Beccone, and Anne Turner lead a dynamic conversation filled with insightful tips, exciting news, and passionate discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Beth Beccone from Peak Group Travel announces an exciting new podcast sponsorship and shares essential travel tips for ensembles.
- In our 60 Second Tech Block, Beth tackles bus travel logistics, crucial for smooth touring experiences.
- Spirit of Atlanta Alumni Corps celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special performance at DCI semifinals. spiritdrumcorps.org
- Big Parade News for July 4th 2026 - Marching.com
- Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps sets a new standard for financial transparency in Drum Corps. pacific-crest.org
- WGI announces a job opening for Digital Marketing Manager, a fantastic opportunity for marching arts enthusiasts. wgi.org
- University of South Alabama unveils plans for a state-of-the-art rehearsal facility opening in 2026.
- Hosts discuss recent design trends appearing simultaneously across WGI groups, prompting conversations on creativity and originality.
- Third Legend, Sonor Winterguard, and Pacificaires receive special shoutouts and detailed insights from Cynthia Bernard.
- Specter Percussion celebrates top rankings in preparation for WGI Championships. specterpercussion.org
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- Instagram: @onawaterbreak
- YouTube: On A Water Break Channel
🎺 Sponsored by Peak Group Travel — your partner in unforgettable student adventures. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
🎭 Powered by Guard Closet — your one-stop shop for the marching arts. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
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Transcript
Introduction and Women's History Month
00:00:00
Speaker
Hey everyone, and welcome back to On A Water Break, the podcast where we talk about everything you and your friends are talking about at rehearsal, on a water break. And in this week's episode, we have another special group of amazing females to wrap up Women's History Month.
00:00:13
Speaker
And this week, it's all family. We'll also find out what made Cynthia say, why Beth said, you don't get recognized as much as you should locally most of the time and why beth said Yeah, i mean, Tournament of Roses, yeah, but it might be longer mileage-wise, but this one I think is going to take a certain cake, so it's pretty cool.
00:00:34
Speaker
All this and more on this week's episode of On a Water Break.
00:00:39
Speaker
adolfph the met and go welcome to on a water
00:00:57
Speaker
Hey everyone, it's Steven and we have a great episode
Engagement and Guest Invitations
00:01:00
Speaker
this week. And I don't want anyone out there to get jealous, but I get to hang out with some amazing women who are from all over the marching arts activity and just talk about band.
00:01:09
Speaker
Before we see who's on the sideline this week, go subscribe on your favorite listening app, write us a review, share it with a friend. If you've got a good question or a good topic to talk about, shoot us an email at on a water break podcast at gmail.com or you can find us on social media and DM us if you want to be on the show.
00:01:26
Speaker
We've got a form now you could fill out if you want to be a guest. So check it out at the link in our
Return of Trish and Cynthia's Updates
00:01:30
Speaker
bio. So who is on the sidelines this week? We've got Trish. Been a minute.
00:01:36
Speaker
Yes, it has. Heard you felt a little... I'm doing great. um But I heard you felt a little called out by Jeremy in one of his social media posts this week. Dude, it's like... It's like the stereotype fits. It's like coming in with the Starbucks and the scarf. Although I don't really do the scarf thing that much anymore. It's kind of out, Jeremy.
00:01:58
Speaker
But um coming in with the Starbucks and the the commands from the state. Yeah. Yeah. I yeah i definitely felt attacked. Well, it's funny. I always am walking in late with Starbucks, so I felt a little attacked myself, I guess. But ah Cynthia, we've also got you on the sidelines this week, and I have not spoken to you in a very long time.
00:02:21
Speaker
Yes, it's been too long. i've I was looking yesterday, and I think it's like end of August. Wow. I know. Well, I'm really happy to have you back up on the show. How's Winter Guard going in Canada?
00:02:35
Speaker
It's going ah too fast, but it's going very well. um Yeah, I'm with the three same organizations, but mainly with Lord Legend this year.
00:02:46
Speaker
And um it's it's going well. We are karma catting big time in the rankings. but ah But yeah, things are going really, really well. Well, that's awesome. I'm glad to hear that. Maybe we'll get a chance to talk a little more later. But I totally,
Beth's Excitement and New Segment
00:03:00
Speaker
totally agree about the season going so quick. I don't know if Dayton's early this year or what it is, but I feel like it has been the fastest season I've been a part of, honestly. and I thought it was me.
00:03:10
Speaker
Like, I thought it was me. Because you know when you have those seasons that aren't going as well as you'd hoped, and you're like, oh, two more weeks, three more, you know, whatever. I don't want this season to end. I thought it was just me, but I guess it's not. I guess it's going fast for everyone.
00:03:26
Speaker
Yeah, I feel like it's flying by. Like, really, really wish I had more weeks, but I don't. I'm going to be in Dayton very soon. so that's rough. But we'll get more time to talk about that in a little bit. I can't wait one more second to say Beth.
00:03:42
Speaker
Beth, you're back. Hello. Yes, I know it has been, think, even longer than Cynthia, maybe. I have lost track. Entirely possible. I deserve the buzzer, for sure. I've heard that. ah Yeah, it's been a hot minute, and I am excited to be here.
Travel Tips and Peak Group Travel Commercial
00:04:00
Speaker
Very much excited because I have a little something that we get to talk about tonight. So I'm excited about that. And i don't know, I think people are excited to hear it. I'm excited to get into it. Always love when we got a new segment.
00:04:12
Speaker
Always love having an old familiar face on the call. It's nice to see you here. Thanks, Steven. But Anne Turner joining us again. ah How are you doing, Anne? Good. Thanks for having me back. ah It's always a fun time to join the On the Water Break crew.
00:04:27
Speaker
Yeah, we have a we did a performer spotlight, I think, back. Man, would that have been like in 2023? Yeah, I think it's probably been about two years, which is crazy. to Yeah, that is a while ago. The show's been going for a while now.
00:04:40
Speaker
But yeah, we did a performer spotlight back a while ago. Ann and I marched together ah my age-out summer of drum corps at Crown. So we're tight. I'm glad to have you on the show tonight.
00:04:51
Speaker
And yeah, thanks for joining. But yeah of course want to take a couple minutes here and just preview a couple of amazing episodes and bonus content we have going on. Really cool, fun call that I just got to do a couple days ago on a water break with Gonzaco.
00:05:04
Speaker
Super fierce bass drum duo from California. They put together a really fun video called More Bass Into Club. ah You should check it out. I've never seen anything like it. I've never seen like a more well-produced, independent bass drum video ever.
00:05:19
Speaker
Or really drumline in general. like it's It's its own kind of new thing. They're charting new territory, and you should go check it out. We've got a really special episode coming out soon. It's called On a Water Break in Crisis, where Alicia and a panel of hosts talk about recent tragic events that unfortunately have happened in our activity, including a shooting in Texas, fires in California, and how we as an activity can and should respond to these sorts of tragic events.
00:05:47
Speaker
ah They even got to talk to staff members that were effective from Palisades High School, where their school was devastated by one of the wildfires in California. So that's a real special episode. Definitely something ah new to us,
Travel Challenges and Listener Interaction
00:06:00
Speaker
unfortunately, but we're happy to make that one and we think you should check it out.
00:06:04
Speaker
And then finally, on a water break around the world, Granis Paranda is interviewing marching arts people from around the globe. Check out his recent episode with Kosin Suprastitrong, the president of the Marching Band Association of Thailand and everything else that he is doing globally. So that's huge. That's an awesome episode. You should definitely go check it out.
00:06:25
Speaker
Now, Beth has something to talk about, and we're super excited to share it. So Beth, take it away. So yes, I do have something super exciting to talk about.
00:06:36
Speaker
ah For those of you that don't know, I am the director of sales and marketing for Peak Group Travel. And but we primarily focus on performance tours for marching bands, concert bands, choirs, orchestras, ah indoor guard, winds, percussion, you name it, we'll get you where you want to go.
00:06:54
Speaker
And we are so excited be new sponsor for the On a Water Break podcast.
Power Regional Weekend and Guard Closet Anniversary
00:07:01
Speaker
Yes, it's super exciting. I feel so fortunate since I started with the podcast, right, like pretty much from its infancy.
00:07:08
Speaker
And to be able to give back now and to be a partner in this fashion is just super exciting. So we are going to be doing weekly tips about how to get your group on the road and things to do when you're on the road, how to handle certain maybe weird things that happen, because I think at this point, after doing this job for almost 10 years, I can tell you about very strange and unique situations that kids find themselves in when they're on tour with a variety of ensembles. So um what I'd love to do now, though, is introduce our first commercial.
00:07:42
Speaker
So here we go.
00:07:46
Speaker
Ready to elevate your travel game? Welcome to Peak Group Travel. the ultimate adventure creators. Whether you're planning an unforgettable class trip, a once in a lifetime parade experience for your marching band, or a choir tour full of memorable performance venues,
Interview with Julie Davila Preview
00:08:00
Speaker
Peak Group Travel handles it all so you can focus on making memories.
00:08:04
Speaker
From breathtaking international destinations to amazing adventures right here at home, Peak Group Travel customizes every journey to your vision. We're not just planners, we're your partners for the trip you want for your students.
00:08:17
Speaker
Our online registration portal makes managing your pre-trip experience smooth and convenient. We even collect your payments if you'd like. Picture it. Effortless planning, unmatched experiences, and smiles that last long after the journey ends.
00:08:30
Speaker
That's the Peak Group travel difference. And if you choose to partner with Peak on your next tour, and you mention that you heard about us on the On a Water Break podcast, you'll earn a $100 trip credit. Discover why groups everywhere trust Peak Group Travel.
00:08:43
Speaker
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and be sure to visit peakgrouptravel.com today. You pick the date, and we'll make it great. Wow, that is fantastic. I know we all here at On a Water Break are so excited about this partnership and
News Stories and Philadelphia Event Teaser
00:09:00
Speaker
we think it's going to be incredible.
00:09:02
Speaker
And man, I mean, what a great thing. I mean, I know my winter guard, this is their first trip to Dayton this year and I didn't really handle any of the logistics. The band director and the school kind of did all of that.
00:09:17
Speaker
But I wish would have, I mean, Maybe you can help us in the future. I think that would be amazing. So welcome to Apple. What a great, and I think this is going to be an incredible partnership.
00:09:28
Speaker
Well, thank you, Trish. Yeah, we're very excited because we can. We have a lot of resources, both domestic and international. so You know, maybe maybe this year it's Dayton and maybe next year it's Vienna. You never know where you're going to toss or catch, you know, wherever you want to go.
00:09:41
Speaker
Yeah, we're very excited. We have a lot of lot of great ideas and a lot of great tips. And we're excited to get a broader audience and share more of what we know with everybody. that Because we all know we've been the front the band bus, the back of the band bus. We've loaded them. We've done all the stuff. So we know what it's it's like.
00:09:58
Speaker
And our team and our staff,
Spirit of Atlanta Anniversary
00:10:00
Speaker
we're all either... current or former band members in some fashion or another. otherwise It was high school, college, have community band people. We are definitely performers at heart in our own office. So we're really excited about this.
00:10:13
Speaker
So has anybody on here right now had any unfortunate travel experiences with their groups that, you know, maybe they could kind of troubleshoot with Beth a little bit? So my first time going to Dayton in 2017, brand indoor ensemble,
00:10:27
Speaker
brand new indoor ensemble Would have been great to have your services because let me tell you, I don't know how we found our housing site, but we were sleeping in like a warehouse for an interior design or like construction company. There was like zero and heating in this warehouse.
00:10:48
Speaker
And then we had to pack everything up every day and put it in this tiny little room because they were actively opening business in the morning. so like show people their flooring samples. Oh my, but we would try to
WGI Digital Marketing Manager Opportunity
00:11:00
Speaker
avoid that for you. with that You know, I mean, every situation is unique, but yeah, we would definitely, that's a, that's a unique one. I'm glad you recovered. I'm guessing you weren't very, it's tougher. It's easier with, with students who are a little more flexible about sleeping on floors. When you get to some of the grownups, they're not as, Oh yeah.
00:11:18
Speaker
Right. And we're not as willing and we don't have the joints we used to. So, you know, but i'm I'm glad, I'm glad you still were able to make it to the show and perform well.
00:11:29
Speaker
Yeah, like you said, it goes for international, and I would be very curious to see because... um i'm I mean, you're the specialist of this, but after COVID, every prices went up so much sure that our director Vincent, well, there are two directors, but Vincent and Kevin, they found a bus company that caught almost a good chunk off. I don't want the amount because I don't know anymore. not director, thank God.
00:11:55
Speaker
But we have to drive two hours away to get to Ontario
Pacific Crest Financial Transparency
00:12:00
Speaker
to pick the bus, but to get to the bus there because it's an Ontarian company and it wouldn't cross the province border to get to us.
00:12:08
Speaker
No kidding. We're right by Montreal, which usually is everything is more affordable when you go to Montreal because it's the center of everything. But yeah, so the kids are on top of the eight hour drive to go to Bethlehem this weekend. They have to do another two hour drive to get to the bus and it'll be the same for WGI. But I mean, it's, it's, you know,
00:12:31
Speaker
It is what you do. I mean, you know, and every group has a budget, right? You know, everybody has limited funds. nobody I don't think I know any ensembles that have just a bottomless pit of money that they can just draw from and travel with. So, you know, we are definitely aware of those challenges and we definitely try to figure out the most affordable option.
00:12:50
Speaker
That's also the most convenient because like you said, an additional two hours, that turns into four because it's two hours going, but then that's another two hours on the return. So, you know, everything
Tech Talk and Marching Arts Issues
00:13:00
Speaker
tacks on.
00:13:01
Speaker
So I'm sorry that that's going on for you. But yeah, it does. Sometimes it happens. Sometimes if we have a a unit or a group that's in a more remote section, it can be an extra challenge, but we're we're here to meet that challenge and rise to it and and help solve that problem for you. So we're excited.
00:13:17
Speaker
Okay everyone, well it's Power Regional weekend so we're going to get back out there and we're going to tech that flag feature. So we'll be back in a minute.
00:13:35
Speaker
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Guard Closet was founded as a consignment shop in 2000. Since then it has grown to become your one-stop shop for the marching arts. Do you need consignment uniforms and flags for your color guard, marching band, or drumline?
00:13:50
Speaker
We have thousands of sets of consignments in stock and ready to ship. Do you need show design and custom choreography? Our designers have years of experience in the marching arts. Do you need to sell your items and clear out your storage areas?
00:14:04
Speaker
We take in more than 600 sets of consignments each year and return hundreds of thousands of dollars to our consignors for their sales. Do you need to have your students order shoes, gloves, and other equipment?
00:14:16
Speaker
We can set up a microsite for easy student ordering of a wide variety of items. Do you need custom costumes or flags? We can help get you great designs from our team through top vendors like Show Day Designs.
00:14:28
Speaker
Have you listened to our podcast on a water break? Weekly episodes and bonus content keep you entertained and informed with what's going on in the marching arts. For over 25 years, Guard Closet has been here to help.
00:14:41
Speaker
Check us out at guardcloset.com or follow us on social media.
00:14:55
Speaker
All right, we are back. And before we get into the news real quick, I got to promote something I'm
Feedback and Rising Travel Costs
00:15:00
Speaker
super excited about. It's going to drop, I think the same day that this podcast episode is out. So if you're listening to this, you should be able to go find it right now.
00:15:08
Speaker
But Ann and I just got to interview Julie Davila, um, a really, really well experienced, uh, percussion judy adjudicator, uh, for DCI and WGI, who really is just stretching to do ah all types of things in the activity. Um,
00:15:25
Speaker
And what did you think ah of that interview? Yeah, it was a really awesome conversation to have. I mean, we got to talk what's next in the activity. We got to talk a little bit about judging, touched on the whole WGI scene that we have going on right now.
00:15:41
Speaker
yeah, I think it's super insightful, especially if there's anyone out there who might have um some interest in becoming a judge, you can get a little bit of insight in there.
00:15:53
Speaker
and We also got to talk bass drum just a little bit, which was super fun. Yeah, I was honestly, i don't know why I was shocked that I was going to get to talk to Julie Davila about bass drumming, but it was like, was like a totally warped my brain to talk to her about this all.
00:16:12
Speaker
um Well, it was awesome. You should definitely go check it out. If you're listening to this podcast, you'll probably love it. i think it's one of the best episodes that we've recorded, you know, in general. So yeah.
00:16:23
Speaker
Keep it a listen. You're going to like it. and
00:16:40
Speaker
And Beth, I think you've got our first news story for tonight, right? I do. Let's kick it off. i come back I come back and I'm right off the bat. I'm in. I feel like I'm being put to the test right off the bat.
00:16:52
Speaker
Back like you never left. It kind of feels that way, honestly. I'm not going to lie. But anyway, I don't know if anybody is good
Hive Mind Show Theme Phenomenon
00:17:00
Speaker
with math or what next year might be, but 2026 will be.
00:17:07
Speaker
and it's kind of a big deal, especially when you live in the Philadelphia region, because that's kind of where it all started. Now, New York will try to tell you it's them and D.C. will try to horn in and Boston, of course.
00:17:19
Speaker
But we all know, you know, Philadelphia is the home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where everything was signed. Yeah, again They're all posers. Continue. Yeah, kind of. real Beantown. Yeah, whatever. So anyway, here in the Philadelphia area, the Philadelphia parade that year will be on July third ah to honor the 250th birthday. And we are going to have international groups from around the world that are gonna be marching. We've got unique marching units coming from around the country, the United States.
00:17:49
Speaker
We've got not just bands, we've got all kinds of unique marching ensembles, and you're not going to want to miss it. So if you go to marching.com, you can read all about it. Todd Marcacci,
Travel Tips and Upcoming Excitement
00:18:00
Speaker
who was a guest on our show, we did a great interview with him about All Things Parades a few years ago.
00:18:04
Speaker
He is living his best life, best, best life, and because he started, if you remember the episode, he started with parades in his own backyard, and now he gets to 250th birthday in the United States, and it's such a full circle moment for him, for his production company.
00:18:21
Speaker
And for the country. And it's going to be pretty pretty massive and pretty impressive. um It's not a long parade. It's only about 2.4 miles, but it is definitely going to be significant to see it and be a part of it.
00:18:32
Speaker
And Peak Group Travel is proud to be a little part of it, too, helping to do some travel arrangements for the units that are coming, both international and domestic. So check it out on Marching.com.
00:18:44
Speaker
Yeah, that's awesome. That literally sounds like the biggest parade that I could think of. Yeah, I mean, Tournament of Roses, yeah, but it might be longer mileage-wise, but this one I think is going to take a certain kick, so it's pretty cool.
00:18:57
Speaker
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, once every 250 years, so I don't know if I'll be around. Right, some of us are enough remember the centennial in 1976. Some of us, not all of you, but some of us. but it's kind of a kind of a cool thing, because I grew up outside of Philly, and I Remember that there was Conestoga wagons that came through Valley Forge and was a big deal then, but that was from the eyes of a very young person. I will say that I was very young when it happened, but yeah. So next year is going pretty, but pretty big, pretty big deal. It's awesome.
00:19:31
Speaker
I'm excited to see that as a Philly native. Yes. All right, Cynthia, I think you got the next story for us. Yes. And I love those stories. That is like the most foreign thing ever in life because we don't have that. But the University of South Alabama just held a special ceremony on March 14th to celebrate their new space that they're going to have in January 2026.
Live Podcast Sessions and Conclusion
00:20:00
Speaker
But everyone knows that building something
00:20:02
Speaker
Hopefully it's going to be delivered on January for them. But I have to read this. So it's going to be a full house ensemble rehearsal hall with a drumline rehearsal studio, a color guard rehearsal studio, a dressing room office, a music library, storage for uniforms, instruments, props, gear, full-size lighted practice field.
00:20:23
Speaker
So like, this is massive. like Yeah, it sounds it. Well, damn.
00:20:30
Speaker
So yeah, so good for them. And for people that have gone to South Alabama, like ah those tour drum corps are going to look at that spot and try to get in because it seems fabulous. It seems box five space in South Alabama.
00:20:46
Speaker
Yeah, that's awesome. yeah Swamp Tour just got a whole lot better with that facility. Yep. Well, that's cool. I definitely am jealous of those kids or at least happy for them. That's a great, great facility for them to get.
00:20:59
Speaker
Okay, so for my first news article, you know how I love a good alumni core. was super fangirling over the Crossman last summer. Well, wait no more because here comes Spirit of Atlanta.
00:21:12
Speaker
And I know that this is going to be amazing. They are going to perform semifinals night, and it is the Corps' 50th anniversary. And they're all just really exciting. day up The Alumni Corps director, Brad Carraway, said it's a celebration of everything that Spirit of Atlanta has meant to many generations of members and fans. And he said ah that a lot of people are coming back but to recreate memories and to rekindle friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
00:21:43
Speaker
I mean, isn't that just what it's all about? And we're super excited to see them. I love you but the Alumni Corps. And also another shout out to my cousin, little cousin Ailey, who's marching with the competing corps this year. So I know it's going to double exciting. So...
00:21:59
Speaker
gonna be real It's going to be really fun. I'm looking forward to seeing that. I don't know how those alumni do it. know. Because some of them are not fresh out of the unit. Some of them are definitely little more, need a little more joint lubrication before they go out on the field. Or that.
00:22:19
Speaker
Or, yeah, you know, whatever. Or that. but So, yeah, it'll be exciting to see to see what they do and and how they do it. I mean, the ones I've seen in the past, like you said, Crossman and Bluecoats, you know, the alumni course they did were just, Even for somebody like me who never marched for it's pretty impressive.
00:22:33
Speaker
It's very impressive to watch. so Absolutely. Okay, Ann, what do you have for us tonight? So I know getting a job in the marching arts is something that a lot of people can get excited for. So if that's an opportunity that you've been looking out for, now's a good time to dust off the old resume and start freshening it up because we have an employment opportunity with WGI.
00:22:58
Speaker
for the digital marketing manager. So if you've ever thought graphic design is my passion, this was a great one for you. It's going to be full time in office out of Dayton, Ohio.
00:23:12
Speaker
So for all of my Ohio natives, You'd have to relocate if you're not currently in Dayton, Ohio, but you get to some great branding with them. You'll be designing engaging graphics.
00:23:25
Speaker
You'll be coordinating with social media personalities, managing the Facebook, Instagram, the TikTok. planning out all of those ads, doing merchandise design, promotion and sales, some qualifications that they're looking for, gotta be good at graphic design, have proficiency with the Adobe suite, a good understanding of design and marketing and social media management, and of course, being able to work independently while also having a team environment.
00:23:57
Speaker
I mean, if I applied for, if I got that job, I mean, think about it. I could be a regular at the spaghetti warehouse. There you go. Like i could just have dinner there like, and not have it be world championships.
00:24:12
Speaker
Also, Bippy Bop. If you've ever been to Bippy Bop for a Dubai Championships, it's like a Chipotle, but for Asian food, it's pretty fantastic. It's a staple. Okay, putting that on the list.
00:24:24
Speaker
So if you want eat in all those great establishments out there, people, apply for the job. Recently, we had Jennifer O'Leon, and she was talking about Drum Corps, and obviously, one of the main topics when people talk about DCI and summer tour is the cost, and There's a lot of people have kind of said that, well, what does the money go to?
00:24:46
Speaker
Is there a lack of transparency as far as how it actually breaks down? Well, Pacific Crest responded to that and they have link on their website that breaks down ah how much percentage goes to this and that. And it's really, really a good read.
00:25:05
Speaker
um If you're vet, you get a discount on your tuition. It's not much. It's $150, but it's something. um Volunteer credits. If you have family or friends that volunteer, but then it just tells you exactly what you get for your money. 70 days of intensive performing arts programming, the music choreography instruction and the use of the instruments and rehearsal gear and performance shoes and Above the dues, what you also owe um your own transportation home from championships. like
00:25:36
Speaker
And there's pie charts. and It really, really, really breaks it down. So for those who are questioning, well, I'm paying all this money. What does it go to? Check out Pacific Crest. They have it broken down almost to the penny. And it's it's a really, really good read.
00:25:51
Speaker
It's all on their website. You can check it out. Pacific Crest. Yeah. Good for Pacific Crest for getting that up. That's always something that I wondered about as a marching member. like, I'm paying all this money, but where is it going? Right. That's awesome to be able to see it broken down.
00:26:06
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No, it's really, so it's a really good read. I'm hoping more chords do that this summer as well. But what can we clean out? We worked on the flag feature already. I don't know. Maybe we need to have the movement person come in and work on the dance feature. So while we're doing that, we'll be back.
00:26:34
Speaker
Marching by Montez is a visual design business based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, but provides services to ensembles all across the country. Our services include custom drill and staging for marching bands, indoor winds, indoor percussion, and winter guards, as well as custom band and guard choreography for all three winter idioms and marching bands.
00:26:55
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.
00:27:08
Speaker
In-person and virtual program consultation options are now available through Marching by Montez, as well as custom sound design for your indoor winds backing tracks, winter guard soundtrack, and show soundscape needs.
00:27:21
Speaker
Visit us at marchingbymontez.com. Contact us at joey at marchingbymontez.com. And check us out on social media at marchingbymontez.
00:27:47
Speaker
Okay, everyone, we are back and it is time for our 60-second tech block. This is the segment when one of our hosts or guest clinicians but is put on the spot to deliver a nonstop 60-second tech section on a topic that needs some serious attention after that last run.
00:28:05
Speaker
Our special tech this week has come prepared with three topics that they think they can talk about for a full 60 seconds straight. No hesitation, no pauses, just pure technical gold.
00:28:17
Speaker
And this week, let's see, I think we'll throw it over to Beth. Beth, you said your best topics were... Number one, on and offs of bus travel.
00:28:31
Speaker
Number two, where should you go next and why may it surprise you? And number three, Orlando, other than the mouse. Okay, everyone, what topic you think Beth should do?
00:28:45
Speaker
and think it has to be on and offs for the bus travel. Yes, please. That's a pretty important one to make your day go smooth. Okay. Okay. everyone Okay, everyone.
00:28:55
Speaker
All right, Beth, are you ready? yeah On and off. Your timer. And can you pull up a 60 second timer on your phone for us? Why yes, I can. And I can see it. All right.
00:29:07
Speaker
60 seconds on the clock and go. So bus travel is obviously critical to most of our performance tours and most of the ones everybody experiences. Oh my God. So 60 seconds. So the the important thing about bus travel is you need to make sure that you are proactive before you even start your trip.
00:29:26
Speaker
You want to make sure you've got a dedicated crew for unloading the bus underneath. You want to make sure everybody understands how you're going to take attendance on the bus so that everybody understands, are you using the number method? Are you using the seat buddy method? Is there an app that you're checking in on?
00:29:40
Speaker
you always want to make sure that you have that. pretty You always want to make sure that you have that established beforehand, because that will make sure that once you get to your destination or once you get to the next part, you're already done. So whoever your bus captain is can just get on and start the count or say, OK, all of you that are designated passengers.
00:29:59
Speaker
The unloaders, time to get off the bus. They get off first. And then the next crew will get the attendance done. Everybody has a role. They already know it. And as long as you plan ahead before you do your bus trip, you should have no problem. And that's 60 seconds.
00:30:13
Speaker
Beautiful. Thank you. Under the wire. That was awesome. Yeah. Wow. I don't think I've ever felt that intense about bus travel.
00:30:26
Speaker
it's not the right um the sentences we could use But yeah, it is. And it it really, in all seriousness, being proactive about it, having a plan going in and not waiting until you're on the bus to be like, oh, I guess I got to take attendance.
00:30:38
Speaker
And it's much easier than using like a sheet of paper or you know, old school people. Absolutely. You know, if you, any kind of digital method you can take advantage of, whether you use the band app, remind app, we actually have an app for all of our tours that's complimentary with all of our tours. So if even if you don't already use one,
00:30:54
Speaker
We have one that you can use. So, you know, definitely it's it's critical to have a plan and then stick to the plan. Well, let me tell you guys, that was a solid 60 second tech block.
00:31:08
Speaker
Hopefully someone out there just got the tech advice that they didn't know they needed. But now it's time to switch it up. It's time for everyone's favorite. What are we doing?
00:31:19
Speaker
What are we doing?
00:31:28
Speaker
what are we doing so this is the part of the show where we let loose just a little bit or maybe a lot this is your chance to rant about something in the marching arts that just doesn't make sense maybe it's a tradition that needs to go maybe it's a habit that performers can't seem to break maybe it's something that makes you think why are we even doing this or why have we started haven't we started doing this yet Whatever it is, this is your moment to call it out.
00:31:56
Speaker
So who's got something that they need to get off their chest? Oh, I know. I'm first on the list. So I just heard recently, because you know I love a good hot hot cup of tea, and I've heard from several people that recently at a local show up here in the Northeast,
00:32:14
Speaker
There was a confrontation between very well-known director and an equipment judge. And what are we doing? i mean, listen, I'm as high strung.
00:32:25
Speaker
I'm as high strung as they get. And I've, you know, I've been kind of stern at times myself, but where it gets to people are like yelling at each other across tables and you know, content, you know, chief judges and stuff have to kind of interfere and, you know, kind of cool, it you know, cooler heads prevail.
00:32:47
Speaker
That's not okay. That's not we're about. That's not what we're doing here. So what are we doing going after the judges? There are people just like us and, you know, not cool. Well, right. They're not getting paid like a ton of money to do it. It's not like they're making, you know, that of, you know, so, Hey, let's, we're all in this trying to do better for the students. Right. Exactly. We're all in this for the performers.
00:33:06
Speaker
Exactly. Let's keep that in mind. Keep it in perspective. What we're doing. What are we doing? Exactly. So let's keep it, let's keep it right size folks. Exactly.
00:33:17
Speaker
And to be, uh, what are we doing? Can I just piggyback on that? Absolutely. And then go right into your, what are we doing? Yeah. Cause I don't want, um, But like going in critique is hard. Well, first of all, like, um how can I say this?
00:33:32
Speaker
And not, you know me, I need to find the right words. Sometimes judges can be harsh and you can disagree. And I, like there is, judge we all have that one or two judges that were like, like, why you know, and it's not like we're not, I was listening to Ellen ellenin Pompeo today podcast that she did. And we don't like everyone and not everyone likes us. And that's okay.
00:33:57
Speaker
here Now, being a good staff outside of your gym is to make sure that you're getting as much credit as you can for your team. And picking a fight with a judge that doesn't see what you want him to see doesn't help.
00:34:11
Speaker
in the sense In the simple sense that whether we don't want to prejudge as at educators, if you yelled at me a rehearsal, like a whenever, you're to be person.
00:34:22
Speaker
I'm not saying I'm going to judge you harshly, but you know. like it's do you really want to You need to be smart. about And then some people are going to call that politics. I don't think we should be friends with people just to have points, but...
00:34:36
Speaker
Yeah. It's yeah. like And I understand. agree with 110%. I do. Cause I've been there too. Like I have a couple of, you know, i'd like your saying, there's couple judges and you're like, Oh, okay. But I've heard this story from two different people.
00:34:51
Speaker
So obviously it's a thing and people are talking about it. If I heard it from two different people, people are talking about it. People are talking negatively and you just don't want that. I i wouldn't want that reputation.
00:35:03
Speaker
I wouldn't want that reputation. was like, Oh, here comes Northern Valley. You know, i just I wouldn't want that. So, you know, it's really unfortunate. Word travels so fast. If you're going yell at a judge, everybody's going to know within a week.
00:35:19
Speaker
Yeah, a thousand percent. And like I've been at a WGI, I was going to call it provincial. That's a French thing. But a regional where I walked out of a critique and being like, what just happened? Like I didn't agree with all this and stuff. And I would.
00:35:34
Speaker
And the caption heads, especially WGI level, like they have. they have a little special powers where they see the staff that are kind of unhappy, even though like I'm not a very like loud person.
00:35:47
Speaker
And he came up to me and was like, well, that's why there's review. That's why there's like, you can go see the cap the the chief judge.
00:35:58
Speaker
And I don't know now, but then WGI had like a full on survey that you can fill in being like, this is what happened. This is the tape. This is whatever. and Our local circuit has that in New Jersey. Our local circuit has that.
00:36:10
Speaker
And as a judge, like this is a way to protect them. and a way to represent us. And when you go the right path, everyone's going to learn out of this, the judge too, like right the educator too.
00:36:23
Speaker
Like i I, me starting my educator career, like I wish I had a survey every show so I can have a feedback of some sort. Obviously not like that, but yeah.
00:36:36
Speaker
Yeah. So Cynthia, while you got the hot mic there, what are we doing? yeah So we are in like the crunch cleaning time. or maybe you should have.
00:36:47
Speaker
but And you know, I'm a nerd. I'm a tech nerd. Big, big, big, big time. And what are we doing being scared of teching one-on-one? and And I'm trying to not use the word call out because i i understand that there's like a thing ah connotation to like calling out someone.
00:37:07
Speaker
But when you're at this part of the season, when we're cleaning, just giving counts and just saying like, make sure you're you' on eight or blah, blah, blah is not enough.
00:37:18
Speaker
No, and like it's too late for blanket statements. yeah Yes. So you like giving information is relevant always. Like I, whether it's one-on-one or whether it's general, but at this point of the season,
00:37:29
Speaker
The technicians, we need to get in there and go one-on-one and be like, hey, this is what's happening. Or let's let's figure it out why it's happening. You are late on one. You think, like, I'm thinking of of Third Legend because it's a group that i I'm working the most with. And I don't know if you've seen the program because you should have because it's amazing.
00:37:48
Speaker
But there's absolutely no tempo. Like, absolutely no tempo. And, like, it's not a regular tempo. There's a tempo. Yeah. But the designer recorded his voice counting on top of the music. So we rehearse with the music with the designer counting on top of it. Oh, interesting. Yeah.
00:38:07
Speaker
I've had done that before when there's like chaos moment or free moment whatever you want to call it. Right. But this year, like there's some of us that are musicians or some of us that are singers. And we were like,
00:38:19
Speaker
there's It's a 69-ish tempo because it's just a piano and Celine singing together. yeah So there's 20 kids. there's i don't know how many staff where there's so much of us. i was like A lot of us were saying like there's going to be so much interpretation, as many humans as there is.
00:38:36
Speaker
So we're rehearsing on with this. So tips, just a tip and trick. But um we we are now to the like getting to the kids. And I think that the earlier you go and talk one-on-one to the kids, the less they're going to feel attack when you do it later on.
00:38:53
Speaker
Does that make sense? Yes. Yeah. So I'm a big advocate of like even the first weekend when we're doing tech blocks, I'm going to say like, not just the, not just, oh my God, I'm venting a lot. Not just this is too high.
00:39:04
Speaker
This is not techie enough. Yeah. yeah The kids are not paying just to know it's too high. They need to know why it's too high and what they need to correct. And and when you start doing one-on-one like this, you as a tech become better. Your eyes become sharper. you you catch ah so much more stuff.
00:39:21
Speaker
So yeah. So if if I can throw something out there, so we have cleaner shows at the championship, start doing one-on-one and force yourself as a tech to get further into the helping why it's happening and not just what's happening.
00:39:36
Speaker
Agreed. I have to think that making it normal from the beginning of the season would normalize it. So then it doesn't, yeah you said, it doesn't feel quite as quite as intense for the individual. because like in And you know one calling out, so to speak, or having those one-on-ones can be positive too.
00:39:53
Speaker
You know, it could be, you know, OK, you did that. Oh, yeah. you did that. one you know so I think conversely, you know, it can be a huge benefit. I just remember, you know, back in my day, we would listen to the tapes, you know, the next the next Monday in the, you know, in the band room. And it was clear. It was like, oh, look at the you know, the judge would be like, oh, there's a big gap between, you know the tall clarinet player and the shorter flute player. And like everybody knew who that was. And, you know, it wasn't, wasn't really hard to figure out who it was, you know, at the time. And it is a, it it's a big put on the spot, but I think. Right. On some level though, it's, it's almost like, okay, but now I know I might get called out.
00:40:32
Speaker
So I'm going to be a little bit better, you know, even if, cause then it's kind of anonymous because the judge doesn't necessarily know who you are. It's your director saying, Beth, you did it wrong. It's more like, Hey, there was a problem. And now i'm like, Oh, I don't want to be the one on the tape.
00:40:45
Speaker
I'll make sure that gap gets closed next time. And absolutely. So, you know, I think it's, you know, a little, a little bit tough love isn't, isn't always bad. Yeah. and i think And like I, the kids, when I, the relationship that i have with the kids now, because I've been kind I'm not that I'm known, but everyone knows that I'm that type of technician.
00:41:06
Speaker
They know that I have their back. Like I'm there to support them. I'm there for them. I'm there to for them to be the best that they can be. And for me to get better, like I want to be a better tech. And for that, I have to go one-on-one and diagnosing and going deep into things.
00:41:21
Speaker
going doctor house into problems that you don't even understand what's going on. And further on, like when I worked at Cirque du Soleil, I'm calling, I'm dropping names. When I worked at Cirque du Soleil, like after a show or after a run, there was notes given to everyone, legit notes.
00:41:38
Speaker
And they were called in front of everyone. And at this point of the season, like I'm doing one-on-one tapes where I look at their shows and i'm I'm like tape, I'm doing a one-on-one tape for them to be like, be careful of this. You need to do this, blah, blah, blah.
00:41:50
Speaker
While it's the, I did it for Philly's regional. We're going to do it for Bethlehem. So they listened to this. They go to rehearsal with something like they know that I'm not just calling out. Like we're not just calling out. And I'm saying this, I'm not the only one in that gym doing it because it's now just one of the reason why this gym is so successful right now. It's because we're one. We're, we're just one. Everyone's one. Yeah.
00:42:13
Speaker
It's showing on the floor too. It really is. Do you like it? Yeah. love it. It's one of my favorites. I had forgotten that you were going to be in Philadelphia and I had seen it you know on Flow at Salem.
00:42:26
Speaker
And then when you guys were setting up, I was like, oh, I forgot their legend was here. Yes. So I did get to see it in person. was really excited. It was great. Yeah. and yeah i I mean, you talking about it, i have goosebumps. sites i'm We're all deeply, deeply in love with the program, the kids, the experience we're having.
00:42:45
Speaker
It's it's, it's very, a special, special and magic experience. And if you have the chance to see the program, like I'm going to always, root like, it's our job to toot our own horns. Yeah.
00:42:56
Speaker
And it's, But I think this program has something very special. The benches. i there's like In Salem, we walked into critique with a bench. And some people, could see side eyes from some people because it's intense. But the judges were in awe of understanding how... So we have a tipping bench. don't know how to say it. We have a bench that go back and forth.
00:43:19
Speaker
And a lot of people think it's just like, oh, it's a bench. Oh, it's it's kind of... an like Okay. But no, there's legit like about seven inches where you can stay still, like where the bench stays still.
00:43:31
Speaker
Anywhere else that you step outside of that, you need to have control. So it's not just tilting the bench at his heart. It's just sitting on it and it not moving. there They do like a quad where they step over the bench and they're like, oh, we've seen this. Like, yeah, i understand.
00:43:47
Speaker
Like people have seen people doing a toss, stepping over like whatever chair and going down, but no, like the the bench moves and it doesn't move. So like, it's all of this is, it's just, yeah, it's, it's just magical.
00:44:00
Speaker
Anyway. Enough about this. So Beth, what are we doing other than Cynthia bringing a bench to critique? Yeah, right. So, i mean, clearly I'm not, I'm not teching. I'm not teaching. i'm not spinning. I'm not merging. I'm not doing anything. So what am I doing or what are we doing? i'm going to just have to flip it to travel just because, and I think you'll all relate anyway, because what are we doing with these airline prices?
00:44:25
Speaker
oh Right? See, I didn't even, that's all I needed to say. And y'all reacted the same way. These airline prices are absolutely redonkulous. And I don't know what we're doing. What what are we doing with this? what We all know corporate profits for them are not hurting. So why?
00:44:45
Speaker
You know, what's going on? So it's really frustrating when I've got a group that wants to just do a trip, normally a trip from like the Northeast to Orlando, you know, used to be 200 bucks a person.
00:44:57
Speaker
We're saying prices at like 500 a person. Right. And when your budget's, through no, it's just a regular, you know, regular trip, you know, like what you would think, you know, like 75 people total, you know, including chaperones, including, you know,
00:45:12
Speaker
And it's still, it's astronomical. And it's really unfortunate because it really, it makes things inaccessible for some groups. you know, it's just all of a sudden their their tour has to change because they can't survive.
00:45:24
Speaker
And then that takes time. So then the time they spend at the destination has to be shorter because it's been day one and day four but on the road. You know, and it's, it just, it just makes me crazy because I know because and also to the variation of what the rates could be what the airfare could be like you could book a year out it could be one price you book two weeks later could be another you know it's really frustrating really frustrating it's for so what are we doing is what i would say yeah exactly
00:45:54
Speaker
oh Ann, what are we doing? So I've noticed specifically in WGI, there'll be like, nobody has ever done this idea or it's been years since this idea has been done. And then all of a sudden three groups at once come out doing the same thing.
00:46:13
Speaker
And like, what are we doing about the WGI i hive mind? I don't understand how that happens. Like specifically for indoor percussion this year. like we all know our normal marching percussion and then there's like rope drums which is what we use back in the colonial days they've started picking up traction to the point where at least in my recent history haven't been aware of any indoor group using a rope drum before and now three world-class finalists I've pulled the rope drums out of the closet and they're all trying to do some unique feature with it, which is now slightly less unique because there are three groups doing this a new idea all in one season. So i don't know if you guys see that in the color guard world at all, but I just think it's crazy that all of the sudden everybody has the same idea and you see it out on the floor.
00:47:04
Speaker
Oh yeah. We're seeing that in the color guard world. It's called hope. Yeah. Yeah, but I don't know how different it is because it this year, Hope, and now I'm geeky and Trish is going to understand, but Hope feels like the Hemajin Heap song. Yes! when and know sa yeah Where everyone was doing it and it was almost like the full, everyone was doing the full song.
00:47:27
Speaker
So yeah, the to to tell you, end there's like at least... three but four that are using the same song in the show it's i don't think it's in the same categories but even then and they're all like fairly well known designers of what i've known and and all respected like i i becca was like but we tried to do it too like it's the from a juxtaposition like they don't have a reason they don't have a way to to justify, but do you know, like, if those world-class designers and drum line know each other, like, could it be something that was in someone's back of mind and they were like, oh, they're doing it. So we have to do it now.
00:48:06
Speaker
I mean, they all kind of know each other, but knowing the groups that are doing it. So the three off the top of my head right now are like broken city pulse and George Mason. So two of them are over on the West coast.
00:48:17
Speaker
So maybe something was brought up there, but to my knowledge, the East coast designers and the West coast designers don't are not, as in cahoots with each other, and the different regions. So I just thought it was interesting that we got one group all the way over here and then two groups all the way over there. And I think there might be a high school as well um that's brought that out this season.
00:48:37
Speaker
I'd be afraid to do something that somebody else was doing. Yeah. Because like then I'd be like, oh, crap, they're doing it, too. Now we're going to be even if you're not in the same you know category or same, same, you know, section, like, I'd just be like, oh, God, what if they do it better?
00:48:52
Speaker
What if they figured out something better to do with it? Or. I would like try to avoid that. I tried so hard not to do that. Exactly. That actually happened 2022. My 2022 show. So this also comes down to like when you get your show reveal out.
00:49:08
Speaker
So when I was marching Mason, we dropped our show reveal first. And then there was another group in world class that kind of went... uh-oh, you guys normally place better than we do in WGI, and we're trying to go out with the same concept.
00:49:21
Speaker
So, like, in the beginning of the season, there was an ensemble that was going to go out with, like, a Kintsugi show, which is, like, the art of putting pottery back together with gold.
00:49:33
Speaker
um And then they just came out with ah whole other show. So I bet that design team was scrambling. I'd freak out. see I have so much respect for designers.
00:49:44
Speaker
you know, and because it's so creative and it's just, it's impressive to me, you know, that that people can do that. So my hat's off to anybody, especially those in that in this room in particular, who design, teach, it's a commitment and it's to be applauded.
00:49:59
Speaker
And it does not go unnoticed, even from novice observers like me. Absolutely. Okay. It is time. for your Peak Group Travel Tip of the Week, brought to you by our sponsors at Peak Group Travel, helping you navigate your next adventure, whether it's across country or just to your next competition.
00:50:21
Speaker
Take it away, Beth. Hello, and this is Beth with Peak Group Travel, and I'm here with your travel tip of the week. This week, I'm going to tell you that if you go on a trip, take advantage of a guided tour because you can...
00:50:36
Speaker
learn more than maybe you might get in ah in a history book or and in a travel brochure or online, you'll be able to get some firsthand experience from poor a tour manager in that city or in that destination.
00:50:49
Speaker
It can usually give you some like personal anecdotes or maybe some stories about the people that live where where you're visiting. And it's a really great, great way to just kind of zhuzh up your trip a little bit more and get a little more weight to it. And if you're trying to satisfy maybe school administrators or, you know, teachers back home that are mad that their kids are missing school because they're on a van trip, this is a great way to ti tie in some education too, to kind of give give your tour a little more weight and and help the teachers back home feel better about their students missing their class.
00:51:20
Speaker
And that is your travel tip of the week.
00:51:25
Speaker
Great job, everyone. Set your equipment down. du and go.
00:51:30
Speaker
It is time for our gush and goes and I have the best gush and go. I'm so super excited. Two weeks from tonight, we'll all be, or many of us will be in Dayton, Ohio for the color guard world championships.
00:51:44
Speaker
We had the best time last year. The honor water break crew. We had our, our station set up in conjunction with Shoday Designs. And we did so many on-scene interviews with people who were just walking by from other groups, other designers. And we did little recaps after every class.
00:52:06
Speaker
It was just the best time and it was incredible content. So don't miss out on our WGI color guard coverage. It is, it was such a good time last year. I can't wait to do it again this year. So it's going to be fantastic.
00:52:21
Speaker
Cynthia, what do you want to gush and go about? i felt like I did already. Yeah. Do it again. Do it again. Let's talk about Third Legend again. no but Let's talk about Third Legend. Well, I don't know. It's just... it's Well, I mean, Third Legend and then there's Sonor. Let's talk about the the Canadian internationals. that Pacific Airs, which I don't work with, are back.
00:52:44
Speaker
this this year so watch out for them because we always have to look for them because they're always amazing and everyone should be inspired by them because they are every time I talk about them i I say that but they're a dance school that have a color guard program within oh I didn't know that yeah so that's why they're so good and technically so strong and so young because Yeah, it's it's it's such a well smart business vision that they they're doing their thing. But yeah, so they're back.
00:53:16
Speaker
um Lazy Clips are going to do their prem premiere at Championship. Well, their premiere. they've weve We've been open class before, but they're going back to the open class this year.
00:53:28
Speaker
And Sonora is right now doing really well in the rankings. But you for people know me, you know that I don't like talking about rankings because I think especially in A-Class, it's just a good reason to have a good spot or not in in the shows. But the ranking itself, don't get attached to it um because it's it's just you need to perform. I prelims, but I can go on on this. But Sonora is doing really, really well.
00:53:54
Speaker
with uh michael wetzi as a designer and very new ah young technicians and older they're not the ladies are not gonna like me calling them the older technicians but i'm kind of on the older side too um i know i mean once upon a time michael wadier cynthia and i all marched on the same football field together so Shout out to you all.
00:54:16
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And I'm really, really happy that they Michael is so well deserving of where he's at with his with the girls this year. Absolutely. I'm so happy. He worked so hard building back up Sonora and that legacy to where it's at right now.
00:54:30
Speaker
and And I don't know if the same it's the same for everyone, but I think that you don't get recognized as much as you should locally most of the time. Yeah. Like, I don't know the thing, okay, so you're giggling, but I i remember hearing a very a well-known designer that has a group with mountains on it. But Rick Subal in one of our podcast said that he had to move outside of his local circuit to become who he is. Because locally we have a tendency to you know but over criticize ourselves.
00:55:04
Speaker
So I'm just really happy that he's getting recognition that maybe he doesn't hasn't gotten locally as much. And I'm not saying that we're mean, it's just I think then- No, I get it.
00:55:15
Speaker
So it's just the way it is locally. And of course, Third Legend that is like right now doing really, really well. And we want to not focus on the rankings because we all know that the rankings are not it.
00:55:28
Speaker
And but it's it's just been like a it's just I don't know how to say It's just like I and was thinking about it and I've been teaching for 24 now.
00:55:41
Speaker
I've been with organizations that have been ranked in the top three, four times. And personally, I have one medal. So like, it's not something that you get attached to at all.
00:55:54
Speaker
So it's, it's just that game of telling the kids like, enjoy what's happening. And of course, everyone wants to be in the top three. But the the we can only focus, we not only, but we we have to focus on what we can control and it's for them to have a good performance and to be part of their service. know that's like a tagline, but it's it's the real truth.
00:56:18
Speaker
And then when you're done performing and the the the ceremony happens, then you can care about placement type of thing. Yeah. But yeah. And what do you want to gush should go about?
00:56:32
Speaker
So I've been teaching at Spectre Percussion. We're also getting excited for our Dayton. um One week after you all, I couldn't imagine heading to Dayton in um only two weeks. So I'm glad that we have three, but it was, you know, it's,
00:56:47
Speaker
Not all about the scores. like I really love our program this year. I think the kids have made so much progress, but it's always exciting as an ensemble to see your name in first.
00:57:00
Speaker
um So after our regional two weekends ago, we had the highest score in the country. we had a brief moment in first, which was awesome to see. Very cool.
00:57:11
Speaker
But of course, with everyone being scattered all over the country, it really is anybody's game. And by the time you make it to finals, so crossing our fingers at the work we put in in the next three weeks is really going to show up.
00:57:25
Speaker
But... Finals is just so much fun. I love going every year. You get to see all of your friends that live everywhere across the country. All the staff meets up at a bar and you're just bumping into people all night.
00:57:36
Speaker
And it's so much fun. I look forward to it every year. And then personally, i just started playing in an orchestra again. So that's been really awesome. So if there are any Virginia natives that listen to the podcast, May 4th, the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra, we're going to have another concert. It's going to be super awesome. And they're all free because we're sponsored.
00:57:56
Speaker
Well done.
00:58:02
Speaker
Hey, wait a minute. I've got something that I want to gush and go on about, actually. The first a Monday of every month at noon Eastern Standard Time, we are going to go on a water break live.
00:58:15
Speaker
With me, Nicole, Jackie. We're going live. Wait, what are we doing? We're going live. Oh. Every Monday. The first month. Not every Monday. The first Monday of every month.
00:58:28
Speaker
Okay. At 12 p.m. Eastern, we're going live on a water break. We're going to talk about Marching Arts News. going to talk about what's new with the podcast. We're going to talk about all this types of new stuff that's coming out.
00:58:41
Speaker
And you're going to be there, Nicole. I am going to be there. I'm so excited because I've missed you guys so much. I know we haven't had calls together in so long. It's going to be great.
00:58:52
Speaker
Right. So now we have standing date every month on a Monday, every Monday, when up every month, every month, um one The first Monday.
00:59:05
Speaker
I can't even get it straight. But I think it's going to be fun. It's going to be a blast. Letting people know what's going on with the On Water Break and you know catching up with each other as well.
00:59:17
Speaker
And it's live. So you, the listener, you, the listener could pop in and you can ask us questions or you could talk about whatever you want. We'll be monitoring the chat too. So you can get in there. You can be engaged with it. You can go on a water break with me, Nicole and Jackie live every month, only on the first Monday at 12 PM Eastern standard time.
00:59:41
Speaker
Yes.
00:59:43
Speaker
Got it. i I'm so sorry. Like, she did not shut up for the whole thing. She wants to be live on Monday with She wants to be live on Monday. I was like, okay, I'll start talking to something as soon as she stops talking. And she did not stop talking the whole time.
01:00:01
Speaker
That's so funny. yeah We'll call her a quick sip. We'll get a quick sip. She's a very quick sip.
01:00:10
Speaker
All right. Well... Trish, you can take this one from here. Let's get back to that next Gush Excellent. All right, Beth, it's your turn. do you want to Gush and Go about? Oh my gosh. Okay, so I want to Gush and Go on.
01:00:24
Speaker
going to take, I've got two little things I want to talk about. One of them, i want to give it I want to give a shout out real quick to my alma mater, Downingtown West High School. Their indoor drum line was actually in ah in an accident, a bus accident on their way to a competition.
01:00:39
Speaker
Fortunately, i have a happy ending. So let's, I'll start there. So nobody freaks out, good but they overcame that. They weren't able to perform that day because they couldn't get the bus to the, to the competition. However, they came right back. They didn't let it deter them. And I'm just proud of them for their resilience and, you know, their, their wherewithal and they, they all, all the students stayed calm and and handled themselves very well.
01:01:00
Speaker
It could have been, it could have been a much worse situation, but fortunately everybody came out, you know, with non-life-threatening situations, which was great. So I want to give them a shout out. And I also want to give a shout out. I was kind of like, and I want to say that I'm on the board of trustees for a foundation that actually provides scholarships to students who want to travel.
01:01:20
Speaker
And that could be going to Dayton. It could mean going to their band trip. It could be anywhere they want to travel. And we are in the process of of reviewing some applications now.
01:01:31
Speaker
And it's an incredibly rewarding experience for me, for the Student Youth Travel Association Youth Foundation. And I'm really proud of that work and proud to be part of giving back to this community that has given me so much, both professionally and personally. So that's what I'm going to gush and go on about.
01:01:48
Speaker
I love it. love it. That's incredible. Hey, it's called Gush Go, not Gush and Stay. Let's go. Okay, well, thank you everyone for a great rehearsal this week and what a great way to show off more amazing women in band for Women's History Month.
01:02:06
Speaker
Thank you, Stephen. Maybe we'll let you be part of this rehearsal, even though you dipped out. Cynthia, Anne, Beth, let's make sure all the listeners go and follow Peak Travel. Where can they find you all?
01:02:20
Speaker
So we are on Facebook, Peak Group Travel. We are on Instagram at peak.group.travel. We are on LinkedIn. Uh, and now we're on the, on a water break podcast too. So you can check us out here as well.
01:02:34
Speaker
Uh, website is www.peakgrouptravel.com. And I also want to do a little bit of a tag for my colleague, Charlie, because he kind of really helped me get this thing going. And I just want to make sure he gets a nice nice little vision. I should have given him a shout out in touch and Dutch and go, but I'm going to just do it right here anyway.
01:02:52
Speaker
So he's my partner in crime and I just wanted to give that shout out. So. But look for us on the on the interwebs and we will we will respond in kind. Excellent. Well, if you've got a question or a good topic to talk about, email us at onawaterbakepodcast at gmail.com or find us on social media and DM us if you want to be on the show.
01:03:14
Speaker
We even have a form now to fill out if you want to be a guest. We love having people on the podcast. So check us out on our link in bio on our social media, or you could just take out your phone, make a video and send it to us. And maybe you'll see yourself on the podcast soon.
01:03:29
Speaker
One more thing. Don't forget. We have a YouTube channel now. So go into subscribe so that you can see us all there. Also. Before you close out of your podcast, listen to the app. Go subscribe, write us a review, and share this with a friend.
01:03:42
Speaker
Follow us on social media at On A Water Break, and we will see you at the next rehearsal on A Water Break.
01:03:54
Speaker
The On a Water Break podcast was produced by Jeremy Williams and Christine Ream. The intro and outro music was produced by Josh Lida. To learn more, visit LidaMusic.com.
01:04:05
Speaker
And until next time, thanks for tuning