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OAWB Water Break Weekly - DCI Training Buzz, Corps Leaks & LEGENDARY Wisdom: Marc Whitlock on the Sidelines
133 Plays7 days ago
-Boston Crusaders & Crown check in, the Band Director Marching Band returns, and Marc Whitlock shares decades of creative insight from the field to the stands.
On this week’s episode of On A Water Break, the summer season is officially underway! Nicole Younger is joined by Christopher Rutt, Jackson Goudreau, and Joey Montes for five packed segments filled with drum corps updates, marching band nostalgia, and legendary design advice.
🎺 Special guest Marc Whitlock (Academy, Cavaliers, Cadets) kicks off the show with his 32 Count Life Story, and stays to share stories from the golden age of corps, lessons from Zingali & Sylvester, and advice for today’s designers.
📰 In the news:
- The Band Director Marching Band returns to the 2026 Rose Parade
- HBCU bands get spotlighted in Severance
- Jackson previews his trip to the Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo
- Joey breaks down DCI’s new campaign: “DCI to the Core”
🎤 DCI Correspondents Report In:
- Clara & Jack (Boston Crusaders): Short spring training, pit nerdery, and show secrets
- Omari Holaki (Carolina Crown): 47 pages of drill, “intentional leaks,” and ballad beauty
🛠️ 60-Second Tech Block:
Marc shares behind-the-scenes design chaos and urges modern writers: focus your audio layers!
🧠 Water We Doing?!
- Chris: Bring back traditional uniforms for retreat
- Jackson: Help members cover tuition
- Marc: Don’t overload your soundscape
- Joey: Build your teaching village
💬 Gush & Go:
- Jackson heads to Canada for the Tattoo
- Chris celebrates Palisades HS grads at the Hollywood Bowl
- Joey talks Eva’s return and his Jabbawockeez audition
- Marc reflects on the mentors, students, and moments that shaped him
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🎥 Watch full episodes & bonus segments
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🎙️ Sponsored by:
🌍 Peak Group Travel | IG: @peakgrouptravel
👕 Guard Closet | IG: @guardcloset
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Transcript
Introduction to 'On A Water Break' Podcast
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. On this week's episode, we have a special one
Special Episode Announcement
00:00:11
Speaker
for you this week. We are talking to some of our DCI 2025 correspondents and we'll also have a special guest here as well.
00:00:19
Speaker
And we'll find out what made Chris say.
Memorable Marching Band Quotes
00:00:21
Speaker
Mark Sylvester saying, you're gonna go from the 20 to the 20 and 16 counts make it happen. And why Joey said... And that's going to say I'm a music educator.
00:00:31
Speaker
That group's going to get really worse and bad, but at least I'll get to march the Rose Parade. All this and more on this week's episode of On a Water Break. um Adolph the Met and go. Welcome to On a Water Break.
00:00:52
Speaker
Everyone, bring it. It's time for water break. Hi everyone.
Nicole's Summer Updates and Contact Info
00:00:58
Speaker
It's Nicole. I just want to tell everybody, Hey, how are you? Summer's here. In some places it's hot and in some places it's really not. I have a sweatshirt on for two days.
00:01:08
Speaker
Anyway, have a great drill design drum core episode for you this week. But first, you have any questions or you want to be part of the podcast, just reach out to us.
00:01:19
Speaker
If you want to, go ahead and subscribe. You can listen on your favorite listening app. You can write us a review. Share this with a friend. If you have a question or a good topic you want to talk about, you can email us on a water break podcast at at gmail.com or you can find us on social media. um DM us if you want to be on the show.
00:01:38
Speaker
We haven't have a form you can fill out if you want to be a guest. right. If you check it out, the link is right in the bio. It just says join us. All right. We're going to find out who is on the sidelines this week, gushing and going having some water.
Chris and Jack's Recent Activities
00:01:49
Speaker
Chris. Hello. but What is up, man? How you guys doing? Good to see you guys again. i know. We haven't done an episode together. Well, the last episode I saw of you was talking to the Palisades high school.
00:02:05
Speaker
Yes. Yes. Oh, and I'm going to save my gush and go till about Palisades for until a little bit later. It's epic. Okay, great, great. We have a whole segment for it.
00:02:16
Speaker
and Also too, we have Jack. Jack, how are you?
Joey's Marching Band Tour Experience
00:02:20
Speaker
I'm doing so great. Now that summer's out here in Michigan, things are finally warming up. I know, Nicole, you're in Ohio. So, you know, we got to praise all the great weather we can get, especially coming after this winter. So I'm doing great. And also, ah you know, things are ramping up in the Scottish world for world championships coming around in August.
00:02:38
Speaker
And we have a lot of fun events leading up to that as well, too. So I'm excited to talk to about that today on this episode. So that's what we got going on here. So. Perfect. Perfect. Joey, you're on your own marching band tour.
00:02:52
Speaker
Yeah, a little bit. but Yeah. I got nine weeks this year. Super excited. No drum corps. which is, you know, there's, it's okay. I'm actually really enjoying the free time.
00:03:03
Speaker
I, uh, yeah, I'm in the middle band camp. I've been middle of week two and it's really fun because first week was husband. This week is wife. We'll find out what next week holds. You know what I mean? Nine weeks. That's a long time, but like, right. I think what else am going to do?
00:03:21
Speaker
You know, I just do this. Absolutely. All right. so okay, before we do go on to, I just want to talk or shout out some of the amazing episodes that we've got going on and some bonus content that we've got going on as well.
Podcast Episode Highlights
00:03:34
Speaker
Let's see Let's ah earlier this week, think ah we had the live with the main hosts that was with Jackie and Steven and I, and then we just had a plethora of people stop by. We've never had that before. So that was ah very interesting.
00:03:49
Speaker
We had Dylan that talked about the pride performance, Cynthia, who is now one of the new W is on the WGI advisory committee. Um, What's really awesome about that is she's Canadian. So like we really do get that international um representation.
00:04:08
Speaker
That's really, really good. um Also, we had the bonus episode of online equipment scammers that I did with ah Christine Reams. So that is very informative. Find out how to protect yourself, even if you're trying to save money, because that's really going to help you out later.
00:04:22
Speaker
And we also had episode 25 with Jacob Klein. He is our male twirler from Ohio State, who is now one of our new hosts on the twirling side of On
Mark Whitlock's Insights and Experiences
00:04:33
Speaker
A Water Break. So, you know, if y'all haven't said hello to him, make sure you do it in the chat.
00:04:39
Speaker
But today, we have a very special guest joining us on the sidelines this week. Please welcome ah Mark Whitlock. Welcome.
00:04:49
Speaker
Mark and I know each other from the Academy. He's our ensemble specialist. And wanted to bring Mark on so we could talk a little bit more about marching arts period, but just to get a little bit more insight from him. And I thought that with all of your backgrounds, this would be a great mind meld of sorts.
00:05:10
Speaker
So
Mark Whitlock's Career in Marching Arts
00:05:11
Speaker
let's talk. First thing is we have this little, I call it a game, Some people say it's anxiety, you know <unk> anxiety but it's called your 32 count life story.
00:05:21
Speaker
So what we do is we give you 32 counts on the Met. You tell us your whole life story from birth to today. And, you know, we all have fun with it. So what we'll do is you'll hear the Met, you'll have eight counts and you're in. Are you good, Mark?
00:05:37
Speaker
Okay. but All right. Eight counts off the Met, and then you're in. Okay. Started in middle school, high school, marching band. Started marching drum corps. A freshman in high school with the Golden Knights.
00:05:49
Speaker
Then went on the Star of Indiana. I marched the Garfield Cadets. I've taught so many corps since then. I've been blessed by great people bringing me on board. Santa Clara Cavaliers, Academy, Phantom Regiment.
00:06:01
Speaker
yeah cadets, all that kind of stuff. And now I'm working with Academy and the Cavaliers and really thrilled to be able to do this after 42 years. That pretty good.
00:06:13
Speaker
I don't know if that was 32 counts, it may have been 34. Well, that's okay. you Actually, think you got it right at it. Right at it. So I will say, knew that you were with I knew that you were with us, obviously with the Academy.
00:06:27
Speaker
And I also knew that you are working with the Cavaliers this summer as well. Is that with their drum, like with the overall, like an ensemble thing, or is that with the drum line?
00:06:38
Speaker
Actually, more specifically with the brass, ah helping out an ensemble when I can, of course. um I do more of an ensemble role at the Academy, um as you were part of that process of us really trying to create a great structure for young minds. And and so with the Cavaliers, I'm very...
00:06:59
Speaker
honored and I'm very grateful to Matt Stratton and Seth Murphy and the entire team to bring me on board. we've I've been blessed in my life to teach a lot of wonderful people like Chris and and ah Matt and some other people and now that I'm, ah I don't know,
00:07:18
Speaker
in the twilight of my, of my marching arts career, perhaps they're bringing me on board.
Teaching and Learning in Marching Arts
00:07:24
Speaker
And I love being able to help out those students who are now taking the reins and moving our activity in a phenomenal direction as, uh, you know, high school teachers, as professors in college and, and drum corps. And I'm happy to give back to the activity as much as I can. And those people who I love to work with and help out,
00:07:46
Speaker
You know, I was once their teacher and they were once my student. But the the point is, as we all know, that's not a one way street. And when you're a student, you think it is. They teach. I learn. That's my job.
00:07:58
Speaker
And students don't realize how much they teach us. And, and people like Chris and people like Matt Stratton and Seth Murphy and Matt Harloff and all these wonderful people out there doing incredible things.
00:08:12
Speaker
I've been blessed to learn from them and teach them way back in the day. So, Mark, you play so many roles in each one of these groups. I'm wondering, so how do you compartmentalize each different role when you go
Juggling Responsibilities and Collaboration
00:08:25
Speaker
from group to group? Can you talk about that? Because I know that's probably like a crazy juggling act that you have to do.
00:08:31
Speaker
You know, it kind of is. But it's also what I like about the groups I work with is we all have our main lane, of course. But none of us are defined by our title or role.
00:08:44
Speaker
You know, if I say, hey, you know, I'm here to help out with the brass, and there might be perhaps a design or an ensemble thing that needs a little tweaking, I know I can give my two cents to the people in charge of that caption, and they're going to check it out. I like that about our activity. It's it compared to the old days when I was in the 80s and 90s, it's very much a much more collaborative environment.
00:09:07
Speaker
But it's also, Jackson, to your question, it's like judging. I've been judging a long time, especially high school marching bands on national circuits, WGI, little bit of DCI. and And so you have to compartmentalize. So I'm on music analysis, or I am on general effect music, or you have to make sure that those other criteria don't creep in.
00:09:30
Speaker
So when you go from core to core or band to band, you know, as Joey's doing with bands, you know, and all that stuff, you go from band to band, you have a certain role or a certain reason they're bringing you in.
00:09:42
Speaker
And I think the judging has really helped me to be able to understand which hat I'm wearing at what time but with what group. So true. So true. That's terrific. I got a question.
Advice for Young Designers
00:09:53
Speaker
So you've, you've worked with all these groups. You've, you've had this, you know, we talk, about we're talking about your, your tenure within the activity and your, it, your, you know, your footprints that you've left maybe the impressions that you've left where we've got a lead a lot of young designers that kind of watch our podcast.
00:10:10
Speaker
Do you have any, any singular advice for somebody that's looking to make a life out of this, out of this activity? Sure. when you if you're a designer, I know when I was young and I was writing, so I got my...
00:10:24
Speaker
i I got my start writing and designing actually when I was the assistant bandwager at Marion Catholic High School back in the 90s up to early 2000s.
00:10:35
Speaker
And Greg Binn, who is a Hall of Famer in so many ways, he was one of those few, along with Ken Schnuck, who were writing the music and writing the drill.
00:10:47
Speaker
So when I went in there, had to learn a lot ah because after my, I don't know, was like my fourth or fifth year there, one of the percussion people were leaving and they were writing the book and he'd been there a while.
00:11:01
Speaker
And Craig's like, Hey, you're writing the book. I'm like, Oh, okay. Great. All right. So, you know, just dive in And so what I wanted to do, of course, I wanted to, I'm going to make a name for myself. I'm going to write all the choppiest stuff in the world and this and that.
00:11:18
Speaker
And I really, and I remember playing and they were They could handle it, but it was just terrible because but I threw all the music out the press box and I said, guys, you're on a break.
00:11:29
Speaker
So basically learned that don't write licks, don't write chops, write music and be part, whether you're brass, woodwinds, percussion, be part of the fabric of the musical landscape. There's times where you're going to be the focus, but the rest of it needs to be supportive and music.
00:11:47
Speaker
Tom Hannum was one of the best at that, without a doubt. You know, I learned from the Jim Casella, you know, people like that. Thank That's dope. Yeah. Mark, you and have known each other for a very long time.
00:12:00
Speaker
We had the great opportunity working together Plymouth Canton back in the day, which was a phenomenal opportunity for me being so young coming into the activity. But the one question that I have been wanting to ask you forever.
Iconic Moment in 1987 Garfield Cadets Show
00:12:12
Speaker
Now, most people may not know this, but if you watch the 1987 Garfield Cadets playing that famous Appalachian Spring in the closer, when they do the dissolving company front and then it comes back together, there's this lone tuba player, sorry, contra player that is going from the 20 yard line all the way over to the other 20 yard line. And that is of course the esteemed Mr. Whitlock.
00:12:39
Speaker
I want to know how that came about. Was that Mark Sylvester saying, you're going to go from the 20 to the 20 and 16 counts, make it happen. Sorry, sorry, Sully. That's a horrible, horrible. That was great. Are you kidding?
00:12:55
Speaker
want to know how that's going to talk. That is me. Now, I was a member. That was my age out here. And I wasn't privy to the exact conversations of design, obviously.
00:13:07
Speaker
But I remember we were basically at this school across from Teterboro Airport. And so we were there. And I just remember being back in those days, drum corps used to have like a They used to call it like, I don't know, like Death Week or something like that. You know, something totally politically incorrect, you know, where basically you took a break of tour and just relearned the show and rewrote drill and rewrote music and all that stuff.
00:13:28
Speaker
I just remember Mark Sylvester, as wonderful as he was and Zingali as incredible as he was, they were just trying to do something different, find something creative. And so we just experimented. So i started on the very end on side one.
00:13:43
Speaker
and scooted all back. And then I actually ended up on the yard line, like three from the end. And they got everybody there like eight or 10 counts early.
00:13:54
Speaker
So people could kind of fill in between that. And it was just a lot of experimentation because that's why a lot of drill work back in those days and try this, do this, try this. And we did it. And finally we settled on something. And it was like, I believe it was a great work of art and started the whole you know incorporating formal choreography and ballet into the drum corps arena, especially to our lead dancer, Wesley, who taught us all how to do that.
00:14:20
Speaker
Just stunning. Yeah, so for those listening on the podcast, go look up 87 Garfield and just go watch the closer. You'll see that lone tuba player going across the field.
00:14:31
Speaker
That's Mr. Whitlock. and we call that We call that like years ago, but I call it about agree i'm sleep I've watched that entire show. going you right I've watched whatever I can find on YouTube. I'm just always pin it up.
00:14:46
Speaker
I've seen that multiple times and now I have to go back and watch it and look for the Mark Whitlock. That's crazy.
00:14:54
Speaker
This has been great so far. We're not done yet. Also, we'll be back and everyone will actually see the ah different correspondence that we do have.
00:15:05
Speaker
And then we will be back in just a bit. We're going to go on a commercial break.
00:15:18
Speaker
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Speaker
Check us out at guardcloset.com or follow us on social media.
00:16:39
Speaker
And we are back.
Band Director's Marching Band at Rose Parade
00:16:41
Speaker
Now, let's see what's happening in the news this week.
00:17:01
Speaker
All right. So we've got a couple of juicy stories here, but we're going to go over to Chris first with this. Yes. So we all know past couple years that there's been the marching band, the the band director ah parade band. They've done the Rose Parade.
00:17:20
Speaker
They did the Macy's Parade. And they they are coming back ah for 2026 for the Rose Parade out here in SoCal. And... Super exciting. I know a bunch of colleagues out here, ah band directors out here that I judge with that have participated in the Band Director Rose Parade Band, including the great Josh Boyd out at an Orange Vista High School Moreno Valley.
00:17:46
Speaker
Hey, buddy. And this year they have a new director, the former director. and director of the the ohio state university marching band uh mr john waters uh he will be leading up this group it'll be 450 people uh 450 uh directors that'll be participating in this group and you know i i got to go see them rehearse when they were out here a couple years ago.
00:18:14
Speaker
And the quality of sound from all these directors was pretty, pretty fantastic because we all know the most band direct, most band directors don't really have a lot of chance to play all the time um because they're too busy doing all the management and teaching and all the other things that goes along with being the band director.
00:18:32
Speaker
But to see them practice and to see them doing their thing together, as the as the this article says too, take 450 type A personalities and put them in a band together.
00:18:46
Speaker
Pretty interesting, but they all come together. They all did their job. So really, really excited to see them march the 7.2 miles of the Rose Parade. Pretty impressive stuff.
00:18:57
Speaker
Can't wait to see them march down Colorado Boulevard on New Year's Day. Haven't any of you ever seen them?
00:19:04
Speaker
Have any of you ever seen the band director's marching band before? I've seen videos, yeah. It's really awesome. I mean, Chris is spot on. I mean, their sound is, like, outstanding. It's really cool.
00:19:15
Speaker
Is there an audition group?
Joining the Band Director Marching Band
00:19:17
Speaker
and And their feet are pretty good, too. Gotta say. I don't think... Let's put it this way at the Rose Parade. You know, you always see the bands coming down Colorado, but more importantly, it's that turn, the turn onto Colorado that can make or break your entire performance, whether they're good or bad.
00:19:35
Speaker
And they handled the turn quite well. but So yeah. Good job guys. Joey, would you say you said, would you ask? I was asking, does anybody know if it's like, is that an audition group? Like, do you have to audition to be part of that? How does that work? No, you just fill out, go to the website, fill an application and you're in.
00:19:53
Speaker
There you go. have to be a music educator. I'm a visual educator. i'm sorry yeah My bad. yeah I think that's great. If you are a band director out there and you want to march in this marching band, you need to fill out your form. fell And remember, at the end of the parade, you get free In-N-Out burgers.
00:20:12
Speaker
Always a plus.
00:20:16
Speaker
i'm going to teach I'm going to teach a brass block at some point this summer, and that's going to say that I'm a music educator. That group's going to get really worse and bad, but at least I'll get to march the Rose Parade.
Marching Band in TV Show Severance
00:20:25
Speaker
a basic So I have the next story, and this kind of plays more into like what I like outside of the marching arts, but I like those shows that kind of like make your mind melt a little bit, and then you have to go and like find a video on YouTube to like explain what you just watched.
00:20:42
Speaker
So Severance is that show for me. I don't know if any of you've ever watched it, but if you haven't, Severance is on Apple TV. Please go watch it. But there are a couple of different places within the show where marching band has been strategically placed.
00:20:59
Speaker
If you haven't watched it, go watch it. If you have, you know what I'm talking about. So I just found out some stuff. So one, they had a scene where there was a whole marching band that was shoved into one of the floors of the office building.
00:21:14
Speaker
Turns out, I think that was Jackson State. And but just to go a little bit further into that, but Mr. Melchick, Melchick, I think that's how they say that name. He actually used to be in an HBCU style marching band.
00:21:30
Speaker
And I think it was, I can't really find it right now, but he used to be in one. And that makes sense because of the way he stood up and the way he was able to use the mace and everything in front of them. yeah taxform family and So I was like, you can't just learn that. He doesn't watch a video and just says, okay, I can do, you gotta know.
00:21:48
Speaker
And then Helly R, who actually plays one of the other ah ah characters in the show, she was a trumpet player in marching band, went on Jimmy Fallon and played the Severance ah theme show music on her little pocket cornet.
00:22:02
Speaker
So ah just a couple of things. I like to bring i like to cross medias anytime that you're on an episode of mine. I like to cross medias as much as I possibly can. Do you all any of you watch Severance?
00:22:14
Speaker
Oh yeah. I watched the whole thing. absolutely loved it. I think there's a Blue Devil alumni. I think it's Chris Drummer but was i playing snare drum and in that episode too. I think they strapped a camera to his drum and you got like a closeup of him. I think it's Chris Drummer. I could be wrong, but it is a Blue Devil alumni for show that's in it.
00:22:35
Speaker
And that marching band killed it. It was so good. Also, just shout out to the HBCU drum majors because every time I see them perform, I mean, it's a freaking workout.
00:22:46
Speaker
It is a freaking workout and they sell it every time. Jeff's kiss on that. but yeah and that's but it's part it's It's totally part of the workout. So anyway, it's cool to see that representation too. I mean, I love that they decided to have that be front and center in the show too. So I mean, it's just awesome.
00:23:05
Speaker
Yeah. Well, who's got our next story? All right. I do.
Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo Performances
00:23:11
Speaker
Awesome. So now that summer tattoo season is jumping up here in the Scottish band world, the pipe band world, we're getting some really cool sites popping up for our summer performances. And one in particular that's just a few weeks away is the Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo.
00:23:29
Speaker
That's happening on June 27th through July 1st. I have the privilege of joining the Force Drum Major Display Team. So it's a flourishing drum major display team that will be going out from the United Kingdom over to Nova Scotia to perform at this event.
00:23:43
Speaker
There's also been some really awesome international ensembles coming in to perform for the event as well, too, such as the Royal Norwegian Navy Band. the band of the Royal Netherland Marines, and then the drum corps of Hanover from Germany.
00:23:58
Speaker
So it's going to be really fun. And I'm really excited to represent this coach's type again. I'm going to ask them great tour tattoo season. So it's be a fun one. So ah you're part of a group that's going to be performing there?
00:24:10
Speaker
Yeah. So funny enough that we have like two or three world champions that are going to be in this flourishing display team. So it's going to be really awesome just from an educational standpoint to be able to interact and have face-to-face time with these previous champions. So, you know, it's going to be awesome. And we have actually a really...
00:24:28
Speaker
really fun set lined up for music. I don't want to give too much away, but I'll, I'll make sure to, I'll make sure to share the, some videos with the on a water break podcast. We can get that out there as well too. But I mean, it's just the tattoo experience is just so good because you go in there, you know, no one, and then you walk away with lifelong friends and close to family really. So it's just going to be an awesome experience. So yeah.
00:24:51
Speaker
Oh, on a water break and a tattoo. Yes. but Yes. Yes. yes
00:24:59
Speaker
Joey. What's up, man?
DCI Marketing Initiative 'DCI to the Core'
00:25:01
Speaker
ah Mine's from the DCI space. They're coming out with essentially it's like a new motto or a slogan for the organization. So as the countdown the 2025 drum corps international summer tour begins, DCI today announced the launch of a new marketing and storytelling initiative, DCI i to the core.
00:25:22
Speaker
um More than just a slogan, DCI to the core will serve as the unifying theme for the 2025 season, highlighting the people and passion that fuel the marching music activity. This campaign will spotlight the performers, designers, educators, tour staff, volunteers, medical teams, food crews, fans, and others who bring drum corps to life each summer.
00:25:43
Speaker
think this is really neat. It seems like... um chair I mean, within the activity, there's tons of things that need to be fixed and, you know, they we're constantly innovating and constantly evolving.
00:25:54
Speaker
I think this is just a really cool way to start highlighting the work that so many people do to keep this activity alive and flourishing. And I think that's just great to just highlight when people do a great job. And I mean, when you, I think when you invest in your people, your people invest in you. And I think with everything that's going on, not just in the marching arts, but the world, it's it's great to,
00:26:15
Speaker
to feel a sense of community right now. So I think this is pretty dope. I do too. I wonder how they will get into finding all of those other things. Cause we all know usually a lot of times it's always a certain names that you would hear over and over and over again.
00:26:34
Speaker
would love to hear new names and what they do for their respective drum cores, because, you know, it takes a village and maybe even a small state to, ah to, to,
00:26:47
Speaker
you know, help a drum corps out through the season. So I'd like to know more about those folks and how they get through. And yeah, so bring it on. Let's, let's see those people.
00:26:59
Speaker
DCI to the core, baby. Right on. um All right. So Jeremy, can we pause for a second? All right. Well, speaking of DCI, what's everybody excited to see?
00:27:10
Speaker
You know, what are you excited to i basically experience this summer? We'll start with you,
Excitement for Boston Crusaders and Announcing Debut
00:27:16
Speaker
Chris. Well, I'm super excited again, being in SoCal to have the great Boston Crusaders coming out West for the first time.
00:27:27
Speaker
And I'm even more excited that Boston's coming out because I'm going to be announcing my first drum corps show on July 11th at the Walnut Show.
00:27:39
Speaker
So at the my my good friends over at Riverside City College, I've been working with them for a couple years now, doing some announcing for them. And when it came up that they're like, hey, we need an announcer. I'm like, yes, please. Let's go.
00:27:53
Speaker
So going to my first DCI gig with the great Boston Crusaders being there. So super excited to see that and to hear that and to hear what everyone's doing. i think Boston is on fire this year. Of course, the blue coats are going to be amazing as always.
00:28:08
Speaker
Can't wait to see the bright neon look of the Vanguard, whatever that's going to be. going to be crazy. We always know the Blue Devils going great. And you know I'm also looking forward to seeing this new revamped re re honed Cavaliers.
00:28:25
Speaker
Uh, and I, I'm hoping that, that the Whitlock here can talk a little bit about his time with that, with that, uh, in a little bit too, but yeah, let's I actually think that Academy is going to be at that show.
00:28:38
Speaker
Oh, really? Yeah. So I'll be at that show on a water break. I'm going to be like, but We're going to meet up. i'll be on I think I'm on the field announcing, so come find me. do What are we doing? really fun.
00:28:57
Speaker
Awesome. Jack, what are you excited about as far as DCI is concerned?
Blue Devils and Feeder Corps
00:29:03
Speaker
So I'm a simple man. I'm from Northern California. I'm blue devils through and through.
00:29:08
Speaker
So I'm excited to see them come out. Bring in as usual. In particular, I'm actually excited about their feeder core, the BDB. One of my friends, Marvin Reed, he's taken on that core now and he's done a lot of great work with them. And, you know, got to cheer on one of your good friends and one of the, uh,
00:29:27
Speaker
The drum major deities, he is he's an amazing ah field conductor. So I'm excited to see what BDB is going to be bringing out in their feeder programs because need to make sure that we cheer on those feeders as well, too. You know, really important.
00:29:39
Speaker
Nice. All right.
Experiencing DCI Anew
00:29:43
Speaker
Joey, what are you excited about or what are you excited to see I'm not sure. Honestly, I have been, um I've been pretty inattentive of it right now. I, you know, I think, I think not good knowing I'm not doing the summer.
00:29:56
Speaker
I'm kind of just excited to start just intake, like taking in media as it comes. And I experienced in experiencing this activity in a different way. i think this is like going to be a one-time summer thing. Cause I'm just, I'm kind of pulling my hair out right now being like, I want to know all the secrets. I want to be around, you know, I want to take pictures with Chris, you know, like, yeah,
00:30:15
Speaker
I'm going to miss a lot of friends this summer. So I think right now I'm excited to be able to just show up to a drum corps show and not have, you know, the two weeks before that, having listened to the same music over and over again.
00:30:29
Speaker
And my ears will actually get like a fresh, like read and like i experience of what, you know, the corps are presenting. And i think that's what I'm excited for. I think, I think there's something that,
00:30:41
Speaker
you know, your eyes kind of glaze over your ears kind of become in tune with these types of things. And so, you know, doing Mark doing like high school stuff all summer, think it's going to be really cool to go from that, you know, great bands, great sounds, all that stuff. I'm not saying all my, you know, but I'm saying like, that's just another level. And I'm excited just like hear that difference so quickly where it's usually like right, I'm gone. All right, I'm back. And like, you know, kind of just hear the groups, you know, throughout the summer grow better. I'm excited. I think the first drum corps show I'm going to see is in like the middle of July. yeah,
00:31:10
Speaker
at that point they're going to be, they're going be slaying. And then I'll be at, I'll be at finals week and, you know, get to hear everybody that, that did something this year. So yeah, I think I'm just excited to get a fresh read on drum core this summer.
00:31:24
Speaker
That's always good to come in with a clear, like a clean palette. You don't have to worry about any of that. That's awesome. All right, Mark, I don't know what you can say, but I'm still going to ask, what are you excited about for
Development of Academy and Cavaliers
00:31:38
Speaker
this summer? market Hey, so,
00:31:41
Speaker
On a personal level, I'm really excited about the um growth, development of the Academy and the Cavaliers. So with the Academy, feel like there's a, I think we have a, and Nicole, you'll know this firsthand. I think we have a better understanding and a a stronger approach uh to group rehearsal you know how we're gonna how we're gonna maximize the the get the most out of our time together and i think that's really exciting for whether that's ensemble or small groups and things like that and i'm really excited at jim ragsdale is the other ensemble specialist he's doing a fantastic job of breaking down the score and things of that nature the whole team you brian
00:32:25
Speaker
I'm really excited. Josh T, the director, is one of the kindest, nicest, and most dedicated individuals I think I've met in this activity. So getting to know them better, working with them on a personal level, and getting the core.
00:32:39
Speaker
All we can ever ask that we're better than the year before. That's what we always... I don't care if you're in a middle school band room or a top 12 core. All you can do is ask to be better than the year before.
00:32:49
Speaker
And that doesn't necessarily mean ranking. That just means quality for me. So... um So excited about that. For the Cavaliers, i'm I'm really excited about those students, those members, because their attitude is just ridiculously positive and awesome.
00:33:07
Speaker
They have brand new staff in so many areas. They have a new marching routine. They have new forms of musical instruction and brass instruction, especially.
00:33:19
Speaker
You know, and then you have consistent things too, where, where like Tom Unks is the ensemble coordinator and he is just a guru at all he does. He's in five halls of fame. People like him don't grow on trees, you know?
00:33:31
Speaker
so I'm excited not only work with him, but also learn from him still continuously and Matt and Seth. So, and I think the show without going into too much detail, I think the show is really intriguing.
00:33:44
Speaker
I think Rick Subal and Zvento and the entire design team have done an outstanding job. And i I am just looking forward to seeing that develop. I actually have been on a really bad ah recovery from leg surgery. That's kind of keep me on the sidelines a little bit, but I've been going in a little bit and I'm going in this week. So I'm looking forward to that.
00:34:03
Speaker
Now, as the fan of drum corps, the same guy who was 13 years old, what am I looking forward to seeing?
Excitement for Upcoming DCI Season
00:34:11
Speaker
can't wait to hear the first big chord from Carolina Crown.
00:34:17
Speaker
i can't wait to here I can't wait to hear like and c the a v coordination of groups like the Bluecoats and Boston Crusaders.
00:34:30
Speaker
I cannot wait to hear the literature of the Santa Clara Vanguard. That composer list is off the charts. I can't wait to see, like I did two years ago, one of the greatest things I've ever seen in drum corps on the field ever.
00:34:44
Speaker
Two years ago, Jackson, you're going to love this one. i'm I'm at a show in Atlanta and then at finals in Indy, and I'm hanging out with Todd Ryan, who is just the absolute master of visual teaching.
00:34:58
Speaker
And I'm watching the baritones of the Blue Devils jazz running across the field. playing long tone at piano and not a foot in the sound. I i mean, that to me is being more than the more volume on the amps and the speakers and more sounds and more banging and more this and louder.
00:35:21
Speaker
That's not it. That was just masterful. And the Blue Devils are just the most consistent core we've ever had. So I'm really excited to see them. I'm also looking forward to my mother's favorite core, the Troopers.
00:35:34
Speaker
They've been doing some really unique things, ah bringing out some like you know we're got new sounds and new palettes and new visual. And that's my mom's favorite. And I know why. And Tim Snyder and his team do a great job there.
00:35:47
Speaker
So the fan in me, nearly 60 years old is that same kid at 13 who was just about to go to his first winter camp. That's awesome.
00:35:58
Speaker
I love how you got so excited about there was a very earnest side when you were describing all the groups that you're working with. It's just like very matter of fact, but then there was this part of excitement that came out of you. And I completely get that because like, honestly, I i don't really care who it comes from.
00:36:14
Speaker
As long as I get that blow my face off moment, I'm good. Just give it, I just need it one good time. Give me goosebumps all up my forearms I will happily go eat a hot dog and, you know, be on the road for the rest of the summer.
00:36:29
Speaker
just want it one time. And, uh, yeah, everything that you have just said, Cynthia is actually one of our correspondents, uh, is part of the troopers staff.
00:36:41
Speaker
Uh, and this is year two for her. So we are hopefully going to be getting some, you know, some good tea or cereal or soup or whatever from her more, this more on this. So that's great. Oh,
00:36:53
Speaker
Well, we're all, you know, everyone goes on tour. Every drum corps is traveling from here to there. but We do have some travel tips from Peak Travel. It's time to get some of those tips for this week.
Cultural Experiences in Performance Tours
00:37:05
Speaker
Brought to you by our sponsor at Peak Travel, helping you navigate your next adventure, whether it's across the country or just to your next competition. Hi everyone, it's time for your travel tip of the week with me.
00:37:17
Speaker
I'm Beth with Peak Group Travel. Performance tours are a great way to showcase your ensemble in new cities and for new audiences. But be sure to also include local attractions and sightseeing tours or cruises to give your group a full cultural experience while they're on the road.
00:37:36
Speaker
Don't forget to like and follow Peak Group Travel on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And be sure to email info at peakgrouptravel.com when you're ready to start planning your next performance tour.
00:37:47
Speaker
This is your travel tip of the week with me, Beth, from Peak Group Travel.
00:38:05
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, Peak Group Travel handles it all so you can focus on making memories.
00:38:23
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.
00:38:36
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.
00:38:49
Speaker
That's the Peak Group travel difference. And if you choose to partner with Peak on your next tour, and you mentioned that you heard about us on the On a Water Break podcast, you'll earn a $100 trip credit. Discover why groups everywhere trust Pete Group Travel.
00:39:02
Speaker
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and be sure to visit PeteGroupTravel.com today. You pick the date, and we'll make it great.
00:39:19
Speaker
Hey guys, I am joined here with Clara and Jack, two of our DCI correspondents over at Boston Crusaders. Hi guys!
Boston Crusaders' Show Updates
00:39:29
Speaker
Hey! How are you doing? I know it's been crazy, like, the first couple of weeks of being with the Boston Crusaders. um It's been really good. We've been working so fast and so much because our spring training is so short this year since we're going to Colorado, like, right when we would be, like, finishing.
00:39:49
Speaker
Spring training, we're just like cutting it off and going to finish our spring training in Colorado. So it's like been quite a overwhelming process to push the show out as fast as we are. but Every day is a sprint. Yeah, it's it's like it it's not, I want to say it's not a sprint, it's a marathon, but it's kind of just a really long sprint. Yes.
00:40:12
Speaker
That's perfect analogy for it. How are things going in, in like your separate sections and like versus that versus ensemble? Honestly, the front ensemble never with the guard ever.
00:40:23
Speaker
We've had like a couple ensembles together, but in pit world, it's so fun. Everyone's so nice and the music is so fun to play. It's been busy. And there's a lot of like really long pushes.
00:40:34
Speaker
The first like week we were on the other side of campus from where like the rest the floor was. we had to push like super, super far. But don't know. It's been fun. It's been good.
00:40:46
Speaker
We don't really get to rehearse together very much. And we don't really get to like talk because we just see each other in passing and like in rehearsal. But ah Guard has been great. We love like our staff so much and they they push us so hard, which is exactly why we're here.
00:41:00
Speaker
But They've been pushing us as as hard as we can go, and and not it's not necessarily something I've experienced before the level that they're taking us to, but I'm really, really excited for it because it's why it's working.
00:41:14
Speaker
It's going well, and we're learning really fast and filling in the whole show. I don't know. Everybody's so nice and supportive, and even though it's hot or it's windy, it was very windy yesterday for our community performance.
00:41:27
Speaker
But even when it's hot and windy, we're all pushing each other to do our best. don't know. I love it. So you guys have the community performance under your belts and your first big show is coming up. So what should people look for when they come to see
Visual Effects and Pit Arrangements
00:41:41
Speaker
you live? What's like a favorite part of the show or just something that is going to be like a surprise or a highlight for you?
00:41:50
Speaker
That's a good question. Okay, so... In Fur Ensemble World, we have a whole lot of different instruments in the pit. And there have kind of been a few spoilers. um Colin McNutt posts stuff on his Instagram that he's not really supposed to be posting on his Instagram. um So if you want some secrets, you can go look there because they're public. Poor Shane.
00:42:12
Speaker
I'm a former pit kid, actually. So the pit writing and the arrangement and the instruments has really made me nerd out while I've been here. Every time I see it and hear it, I'm just like, oh my god. right But in Guard World, of course, we can't say anything super specific because it's all hasn't really been revealed yet. But we have some, I can't say. We have some interesting things to look out for.
00:42:38
Speaker
Keep your eyes peeled for some, you know, cool visual effects. I can't say it exactly. They so good. They are so talented. Every single time i watch I'm just freaking out. ah The Pit is too.
00:42:50
Speaker
That's going to be awesome. I cannot wait to see it. It's going to be great. So thank you guys so much for checking in. And yeah, I can't wait to get some more of your videos up on Instagram and YouTube and all of our social medias and just keep the great content coming. Thank you. julie Thank you so much. I'm really glad we got pop on for a second yeah because it's a busy day. Another busy day.
00:43:12
Speaker
Yep. Yep. Enjoy it though. Enjoy it. Soak up every second, especially for those of us who are done. Hey, Omari, we're checking in with our DCI correspondents
Carolina Crown's Spring Training Progress
00:43:23
Speaker
today. And Omari, how are things going over at Carolina Crown? Things are going really, really, really well.
00:43:29
Speaker
ah We're a lot stronger than last year, which is really, really satisfying. And we've got parts one through four without the metronome.
00:43:40
Speaker
We got a run of that already on day 18. So that's, yeah, it's really, really we're The show is really tiring. Lots of moving and playing, you know, as we do. Are there any secrets you can let us in on?
00:43:52
Speaker
No, not yet. it will It'll all come out, but I've tried to think of something, but I feel like one secret will lead to another and then... That does snowball pretty quickly.
00:44:05
Speaker
So are you guys done with training yet? Are you going on the road yet? oh No, we still have another... I think two weeks and then we have our preview show, bachelor training.
00:44:18
Speaker
And then we go to another place to go and learn like the rest of our show, which is part five. And then, yeah, and then we go on the road after that. So you still have quite a bit of work ahead of you before you get all the fun stuff.
00:44:32
Speaker
Yeah, but it's honestly worth it. I've already lost so much weight from it. It's actually kind of funny to see. Well, you look great. You look like you're enjoying yourself.
00:44:44
Speaker
Thank you. Thank you. Everything's good on your end. Good. Good. I'm just excited to be checking in with everybody today because like seriously, I get to watch all of your content videos you guys are sending me. and Yeah, it's been fun putting everything up.
Challenges Faced by Carolina Crown
00:44:59
Speaker
So one question I asked some of the other correspondents that was a good one was that, is there anything, you know, with your first show, just a couple weeks away, is there anything that viewers should be watching out for? Is there anything you could be like, hey, this is like my favorite part. Make sure you hit that. Make sure you check that out in your show.
00:45:23
Speaker
Is there anything in my show? I mean... I really, really like our ballad. It's beautiful piece of music. I'm going to move my camera real quick. yeah i got Very beautiful piece of music. um I don't know if there's anything public that I can share that they can watch out for.
00:45:40
Speaker
but secrets. yeah I think the end of part three also is but one of my favorite parts of the show. Of anything, I've actually marched. Yeah.
00:45:54
Speaker
The end of part three is really good. Okay. So watch for the ballad and the end of part three. I'm so excited. I can't wait to see what you guys put out there. you Y'all have been working so hard. Is there anything that like has happened that just like blew your mind or, or like, you know, completely different from last year?
00:46:13
Speaker
Yeah. Just how strong we are. That's not like we were a weak last year at all, but This group's like, we've been kind of getting a lot, like we've been getting a lot from the staff and like in a good way.
00:46:26
Speaker
But like there was one day we learned 47 pages of drill and like did it in a full run that night. And we're like, my gosh this group has some really good grit, you know? But, um, oh my goodness, something unexpected that has nothing to do with like spring training.
00:46:41
Speaker
Okay. We got leaked like three times. Yeah, we got leaked like three times. One of them was on purpose. One of them was like, you know, people see the flow marching recordings.
00:46:54
Speaker
Right. And they're like, yeah, to just like build some hype about it. And yeah, that was funny because we got the public thought we were actually getting leaked. But our core director said, yeah, go ahead and post those. Okay.
00:47:06
Speaker
And it's a little bit of our show music. But then there's like, You know, them keyboard warriors that just get a hold of one thing and then spread stuff out. So that happened. We're quick on it.
00:47:17
Speaker
Those things don't exist anymore. Dang it. Yeah. I don't know if you happened to catch a look, but that is something that caught us off guard for a little bit.
00:47:27
Speaker
I did not, but I'm sure some of our listeners are going to be like, oh, I saw that. I saw that. And I'm sure this will clear up some of the some of the rumors, whether it was a whether it was a purposeful leak or not, because that's just... yeah So you guys have a free day today?
00:47:41
Speaker
Yeah, actually, um I'm delaying my friends for breakfast on purpose. And they actually don't even know what they want to do. But yeah, they woke me up kind of in a rude way by turning on the lights. But distress we are, we're we're making it. It's honestly, after doing parts one through four last night in a full run, I'm just like, yeah, this free day.
00:48:04
Speaker
Necessary. Yeah. Yeah. Well, that's awesome. Omari, good luck with learning the rest of your show. but You're going to be awesome. You don't even need the luck. You've got all the training behind you. So thank you very much. Yeah.
00:48:19
Speaker
It's good to check in with you as well, Jackie.
'60 Second Tech Clock' Segment
00:48:33
Speaker
Okay, everyone, we are back. And it's time for the 60 Second Tech Clock. 60 Second Tech Clock.
00:48:49
Speaker
Every time. Every time. It gets me. Never gets old. Never gets old. Mark Ricardo, who's actually the, yeah, the captioner.
00:49:00
Speaker
So, okay. So this segment, and this is where our host or our guest clinician is put on the spot to deliver a 60 second nonstop text session. And it's got to be on something that needs some serious attention from the last run that we just did.
00:49:15
Speaker
So our special tech this week has to be prepared with three different topics that they think they can talk about for a full 60 seconds straight. No hesitation, no pauses, just pure technical gold.
00:49:27
Speaker
And this week, let's see. um I think we'll throw it over to yeah Mark. So Mark said, So listen, y'all, these are the three topics that they want to do.
00:49:39
Speaker
So one is how to deal with the drill experiments of Mark Sylvester when you had no idea what to do. Fun. Two, simultaneous responsibilities now and then.
00:49:52
Speaker
Or three, really coordinating all the music and audio elements. right. So what topic do we think Mark should do? Let's hear it, guys. Tell me.
00:50:04
Speaker
As somebody that got to watch Mark Sylvester do some work over at the Colts, what was that, 2015? Number one, i want to know what it's like to have him as an educator when he was younger.
00:50:17
Speaker
feel like he was the same in 14 as he probably was in the 90s. Am I wrong? He's much sweeter now or something? Maybe. Well, you'll have to wait to find out, depending on if that's what the group picks.
00:50:29
Speaker
Dang it. i vote number one I'm here for one. One. Yeah. I mean, as someone who lived through the creation of Mark Sylvester, I mean, I want to hear, I want to hear it too. So dang it y'all.
00:50:42
Speaker
I have had the same. Yeah. want to hear it yeah Number three is great. I mean, honestly, like number three would be great for designers that want listen and whatever. But number one just sounds like a lot of fun.
00:50:56
Speaker
and what made number two Number two is really good too. Just saying like, that's an important topic, but you know. I do think that number two is important because like we said earlier, we have a lot of new designers and younger folks that are stepping up into that. And so you got to know your history.
00:51:14
Speaker
And I think it would be good to know the difference between now and then. um me know i might be able to intersect a little too in this topic. One, if Maybe a 70 second segment.
00:51:29
Speaker
He's like, I will give you a twofer. 60 seconds with a long retard. There we go. All right. all right So what are we thinking?
00:51:40
Speaker
What do we think guys? Tell me. Number one with a little bit of hint of two. All right. Are we thinking that? Yes. All right. one please One and a two.
00:51:51
Speaker
One and a two. So we're going to do those. so All right, Mark, are you ready? Joey, can you pull up 60 seconds timer on your phone? But wait 10 seconds to start it.
00:52:03
Speaker
All right. i were here Here, Mark, you are on. Go.
Drill Design with Mark Sylvester
00:52:09
Speaker
Okay. So a lot of what happened back in the day, Mark Sylvester, for the young people listening, is a very creative, artistic mind.
00:52:19
Speaker
And they him and George Zingali did a lot of their visual designs based on brushstroke patterns rather than grid and math and geometry. So, that being said, there was a lot of experimentation back in the day of how to make certain things happen. So, when I, my time at the cadets back in the Garfield years, I, I would, I marched Zagali's drill, but Mark had to make it work.
00:52:41
Speaker
Mark was the genius that really made all that work. And so, a lot of times we just had experiment, we'd take a block, just experiment on how to get to certain things. And eventually what you see at the end is really fantastic, but you know, that's like draft number 48, you know? So it was really, and of course, Mark is a living cartoon character.
00:53:03
Speaker
is like Yosemite Sam and you know, some modern day cartoon guy, right? You know, there he is lively and fantastic and brilliant.
00:53:15
Speaker
two And that's it it. It was wonderful being under his tutelage. Wow. 50 seconds there was really fast. die It does. I think there's a huge, there's a lot to be said about that whole like, oh, what you saw was like the 48th rendition because that's so true.
00:53:35
Speaker
And obviously I didn't spend that much time as what you and Chris probably spent with him, but yes, he did come in and work with my winter guard when I was in world class. Yeah.
00:53:46
Speaker
Yeah. yeah Number three years. Lively and absolutely unpredictable in the best of ways. Yes. 1998 when and he was working with the cadets and he wrote the drill for part three of the show, which is basically the percussion feature.
00:54:06
Speaker
And on the finals video, it's multicam. You don't get to see what the horn line is doing. But we are running our patooties off with all these different reshaped drills and and reshaped forms. And it literally took up until finals week for us to figure it out. Because that was the hardest drill that I've ever ah performed just because of the constant change in direction and ah your checkpoints and all that stuff.
00:54:39
Speaker
And basically, I think Mark sat down and with pad and paper back then. And he just drew a squiggle, next page. Another squiggle, all right, figure it out.
00:54:50
Speaker
And it worked, it was great, it was so much fun. Go find, go actually go find the Allentown 1998 video, and you'll get to see that insane drill. And you'll get to see Mark and the rest of the staff losing their collective minds, because that was a really, really good show that night.
00:55:06
Speaker
Yeah, it was. And I will say, just as a quick capper to this, you know, back in those days, there was a lot of reshapes, Chris referenced. And, you know, unless something's changed, there was a time when PyWare couldn't do reshapes because you literally had to take four to five paths in one move to make it really have the drill come alive.
00:55:28
Speaker
And so, but, you know, I'm really, his influence is more ripples than we can all count. But, you know, I look at people like, not just myself or Chris, but I look at John Vanderkoff of the Blue Coats.
00:55:43
Speaker
I look at Leon May at Boston. I look at Jeff Saktik at Carolina Crown. We all marched under Mark, and they've gone from that style to now being leaders of today's modern style of visual design and staging. So it's really great to see Mark's ah initial influence still living on through those three drill writers and those three cores.
00:56:09
Speaker
Right on. Oh, so good. All right.
Tradition of Corps Uniforms at Retreat
00:56:13
Speaker
So that was a great 60 second tech block. Thank you, Mark. We appreciate it. We will take that to heart and take it to the next run.
00:56:21
Speaker
But someone out there just got the tech advice they just needed. Now it is time for everyone's favorite. What are we doing? What are we doing?
00:56:37
Speaker
What are we doing? So this is the part of the show, which I really love that music. That's my favorite of the whole thing. Part of the, where we just let loose a bit, maybe not a lot.
00:56:48
Speaker
Well, maybe a lot, maybe, but we just ran about something in the marching arts. That's, you know, ah just doesn't make sense. So maybe it's a tradition that needs to go. Maybe it's a habit that performers can't seem to break.
00:57:00
Speaker
And maybe it's just something that makes you think, why are we doing this? Or why haven't we been doing this? So yeah. Whatever it is, this is the moment to call it out. And so who's got something they want to get off their chest?
00:57:12
Speaker
Chris, I will go with you. You look very pensive. I got it. um what What are we doing in this modern age of drum corps and pageantry arts that we are not wearing our traditional corps uniform at retreat?
00:57:31
Speaker
Oh, come on. I get it. We're all going to wear our fancy costumes. They all look great. But at retreat, when we all go out there on the field for retreat, can we just put on the traditional uniform so we all just can see who we look like and what we love?
00:57:48
Speaker
I think Cadets did it in 23. I think Cavaliers did it recently, last year or the year before. um I would love to see i would love to see the Vanguard come out with The traditional uniform. I would love to see Boston come out in a traditional uniform.
00:58:05
Speaker
I would love to see all the groups in a traditional uniform at retreat. Kind like with Blue Coats Drum Major wearing a the traditional their traditional uniform, but themed in the style of the of last year's program.
00:58:17
Speaker
I thought that was great. It bridges the gap between being progressive and moving forward versus the old school style. ah But I would love to see the groups wearing uniform at retreat. Please make that happen, please.
00:58:31
Speaker
yeah I will have to say i agree with that. I haven't heard anybody bring that up before. But I honestly, back in the day when, you know, when I was younger, and you could see every core come out, like, honestly, you just look at the uniform, and you knew exactly who they were.
00:58:45
Speaker
i don't know, that just made you felt more in touch with the actual marching community because you knew what core went with what uniform. So, yeah. Jack, what are we doing?
High Costs for DCI Members
00:58:57
Speaker
What are we doing to help out with performers going into DCI this summer to cover their expenses? Because that's something that... way I've seen all my friends, they're all doing the GoFundMes and just seeing how much money required even get on board now is just crazy.
00:59:16
Speaker
So I think all of our listeners should be really focusing in on what they can do to help support their friends and family members as they're going to really do this amazing activity because it does require that solid financial foundation. So If you know someone who's a he' going into the corpses for the summer, really put that $5 out there. Put that $10 out there.
00:59:37
Speaker
It makes a difference in the long run. If 20 people did that, you're changing someone's experience for the summer. There is – I'm teaching alongside – yes. I'm teaching alongside someone who just staged out maybe in the last two years.
00:59:50
Speaker
And they said that they had um actually – gotten to use a school's gym and they put on like a clinic and the proceeds from the clinic went towards their dues.
01:00:02
Speaker
That's so smart. I love that. I think the more creative we can be to really take on this issue, I think that the better for them. I think that's an excellent idea. So, you know, if our listeners hear that, go figure out creative ways to fundraise for this, because I mean, again, it's a beast every summer and it just gets worse every summer, if I mean.
01:00:20
Speaker
Yeah. So correct. in Mark, what are we
Coordinating Music and Audio Elements
01:00:25
Speaker
doing? So this is for kind of the young designers out there, or even maybe experienced ones.
01:00:31
Speaker
When it shows, what are we doing by throwing every sound possible at you at once? And I'm going back to that coordination of the audio thing. So I have, and Chris knows this already. I have ah two children who are deaf.
01:00:45
Speaker
And so we we have, If we go to a theater, we go to a play or a musical, my child knows exactly what to focus on based on the spotlights and the lighting fixtures and things like that and that design. So the analogous point to the music is that make it obvious what you want us to listen to.
01:01:11
Speaker
It's not always based on staging of the visual, but sometimes we'll be like, okay, here's like this mellophone feature. And then all of a sudden there's this like bass drum going in behind. I'm like, why are we doing that?
01:01:24
Speaker
Like saying that, or, you know, it's a situation where, cause we don't have, we don't have a snare feature with the trumpets in the background playing, you know, or digital effects or something.
01:01:36
Speaker
It's just, Make sure it's obvious what you want us to listen to and make and then everything else out. So just be, just be careful about not throwing too much at us so we can really make sure we can appreciate your production from a musical landscape standpoint.
01:01:52
Speaker
Wait, Mark. I have a question. What is your take on, on sort of like sound bites and shows, you know, like, non-performance sound effect. I want to hear your perspective on that real quickly.
01:02:03
Speaker
So am person who loves the past, but I embrace the future. So I'm fine with it. I'm fine with it because to me, it's more of a connection to theater and other, and maybe multimedia productions or TV or whatever you want to call it.
01:02:21
Speaker
So I don't mind it, but it's not the what, it's the where and the when that bothers me sometimes. That's kind of where I'm at with that. Because sometimes people do it just to do it.
01:02:33
Speaker
It doesn't have, like, what's the motivation behind that moment from an audio standpoint? And sometimes it's just, they that's what they think it should be, but don't realize because they're so married to the product that it takes away from something else that's going on that should be the focus.
01:02:49
Speaker
So, Mark, what I think I'm gathering from this is that you're saying that drum corps should start to have lighting rigs in their shows, right? You know, anything we can do to add more cost to the members. yeah Exactly. cookingly I'm actually one of those firm believers, you know, we've talked about after COVID, like, let's just stay in our region, like old drum corps in the 70s and 80s, stay in our area until like late July, take money, and then bring it all together and knock it out, you know, competitively, definitely.
01:03:20
Speaker
No, yeah, I mean, no, we don't need all that. Obviously, we're joking around with that. But I do think it's important that the audience knows exactly what it should be listening to and watching. Granted, if you have multiple stages with multiple focus, and that's all coordinated audio visual, that's fine.
01:03:35
Speaker
But sometimes you got this is going on here. And something's distracting us over here from an audio standpoint. You know, whether it's, you know, it could be a horn, it could be a drum, it could be an effect. It could be digital. It could be acoustic.
01:03:49
Speaker
It just sometimes it's just, and so hopefully judges are really good about really pointing that out. So hopefully designers will take that to heart, not from the just, Oh, I better do this or so I can rank higher.
01:04:03
Speaker
No, do it because we're trying to bring a work of art to the field.
01:04:10
Speaker
I so badly just want that to be a soundbite. Find out like at the beginning of the show, how you're going to out why you know, why so-and-so so said this. I want it. I want straight to Mark being like, we want to add costs to the kit. Like I want, I want that happen so bad.
01:04:24
Speaker
What's your, what are we doing?
Finding the Right Community in Arts
01:04:26
Speaker
Oh my goodness. So I had the pleasure of working with so many teams this winter and designing for the fall. And so I've had tons of these conversations with all these groups and groups of people and my gusher, not my gushing girl, my goodness. All my, what are we doing is what are we doing? Not finding your village.
01:04:44
Speaker
You know, I think, I think I've worked with a couple of staffs and talk with these staffs and I, you know, started to pick out the personalities and you know, they, you know, they start talking to the program, then this new program coordinator and they're like, you know, well, so-and-so does blah, blah, blah, blah.
01:04:59
Speaker
Oh, the percussion guy does blah, blah, blah, blah. And it's like, okay, well, have we communicate? Like there seems to be beef and like, if you don't enjoy it here, like there's somewhere else to do band. Don't be miserable here. Go find your village.
01:05:11
Speaker
Or build your village here. Maybe you just aren't creating the right environment for your people to thrive in. So are you really even building something are you just sitting in something undeveloped? That's not fun.
01:05:23
Speaker
I want to buy the property. I want to set a foundation. I want to build a beautiful house. That takes a little bit of effort. And I feel like some of the teams, like I'm loving these last two weeks have been so fun. The band staff has been so collaborative and we've been so hype. And i mean, like the kids have ended every day with a big woohoo.
01:05:40
Speaker
The staff ends with a go team and oh my gosh, it's so fun. But when it's like the end of the day and it's like, so how did everybody's block go? And it was like, it was okay. We'll be back tomorrow.
01:05:50
Speaker
It's like, it's like, oh, but where's your why? You know what I mean? Remember your why. Yeah. Like, why are you here right now? Because the kids are going to get the same vibe. So my what are we doing is what we do not find our village.
01:06:03
Speaker
You know, if this isn't the place to find your place. If this is the place, let's let's, you know, create a safe place for more people of your village, you know. And it's fine. It doesn't mean that you're a bad educator. doesn't mean anything other than like, these just aren't your people.
01:06:17
Speaker
And that's okay. Go find your people and be happy. And let's all be happy because there's, there's room at the table for everybody. You know? And I think, I think we forget that like, it's only my table. No, it's our table. And there's room for you everywhere.
01:06:29
Speaker
That's where, that's my, what are we doing? and Great job, everyone. Set your equipment down. Touch and go.
01:06:37
Speaker
Okay. So this is the part or the segment that we just let things off our chest we just let some good news come
Life Highlights and Achievements
01:06:47
Speaker
out. And it doesn't have to be about marching arts. It can be about anything you want.
01:06:51
Speaker
This is your chance to be extremely braggadocious. So let's see. It could be a performance, school success, big life event, whatever you want. No negativity here, just pure, unfiltered hype.
01:07:04
Speaker
So who's got something to gush and go about? think I'm going to start with Jack this time. Okay. So I mentioned the the Nova Scotia tattoo, and I'm just super excited to be able to travel outside of the country again to ah to go on an international performance.
01:07:20
Speaker
I've never been to Canada before, and I know it's like and now that I'm in Michigan, it's like right there, right? It's only few hours away. Yeah. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my vacation week. So I'm in medical school for those of you that know. And so we have about a week off every five weeks or so. But this week we have two weeks off and magically just perfectly lined up with this. So everything kind of ah built towards that. So I'm really excited to just um experience something new and um also meet some amazing spinners from ah around the Commonwealth. So it'll be really fun.
01:07:51
Speaker
So that's awesome. And Nova Scotia is beautiful. i got it I was looking at their brochure thing and they have like this botanic garden. I'm like, I really want to do that on one of the days that I have off. So going to be really like Oh, yay.
01:08:06
Speaker
You have to give us, well, when you come back, we'll do a whole thing. You should just, you know what I mean? Call in. Call in. Yeah, we can do on a water break in Nova Scotia. Stay tuned.
01:08:24
Speaker
Stay tuned. and Oh, goodness. Let's see. Chris, what are you gushing and going about? All right. So my gushing go is, you know, we remember just back in January with the crazy wildfires in L.A.
01:08:40
Speaker
and a bunch of schools lost their equipment, including Palisades Charter charter High School. We were able to help them out, get some equipment out there. They put on a show. They put on a drumline show. Their color guard intermixed with another high school, Santa Monica High School, and they had a really good, like everyone had a really good time and they had some success.
01:08:59
Speaker
My gush and go, though, is that the graduating seniors at Palisades Charter High School got to graduate at the Hollywood Bowl. Yeah. Right? Right?
01:09:13
Speaker
absolutely insane and they had some Hollywood stars that were there the graduates of Pali that got to go Jennifer Coolidge i was a guest speaker because she went to Pali it was just awesome But they got to go graduate at the Bowl and it was such a cool experience. it was all over our local news. It was just really, really neat. So go Pali.
01:09:39
Speaker
Really proud of you guys and looking for, oh, and they're having school in an old mall. While their school being rebuilt, they're having the classes, you know, when school's in session at an old mall to like a Sears so and all that. That's interesting.
01:09:58
Speaker
I wonder if they served hot dogs at graduation. That would be great. Oh, I want a hot dog. who Oh, gosh. craal ah Joey, what you gushing and going
JabbaWockeeZ Audition Excitement
01:10:12
Speaker
about?
01:10:12
Speaker
A couple of things. Life is good. Life is happy. I'm not working all the time. Well, I am working all the time, but it's just a different vibe right now, and I don't know why. Eva Independent, my independent group out of Raleigh, North Carolina.
01:10:25
Speaker
We just announced that we are doing all three idioms this winter after taking a season off. We got a guard in the A-class. Oh, yeah. A class percussion group and we're bringing back the open class wins. And so but we got some good money. We've had tons of time to plan.
01:10:42
Speaker
Our staff is just incredible. And if you want to be a part of the team, I just say, come like, just send me an email inbox ever. And I mean, we'll take all people. I mean, we got people out in the California area that are going to be chiming in. i mean, like and I'm not ready to announce anything yet.
01:10:57
Speaker
because I need all their bios and stuff, but oh my God, like it's from all over the US and you know, I'm just excited for the Evo organization. We're also starting a community band, which will be something really neat here in the Johnson County area of North Carolina.
01:11:11
Speaker
That's going to be amazing. And then for myself, big thing for me, yeah for those of you that don't know, I was a competitive hip hop dancer for a ah huge part of my youth.
01:11:23
Speaker
Did a lot of World of Dance stuff, did a lot of huge intensives with big names and artists that are on the radio. And then I kind of left it because the performance space wasn't for me. Well, at the end of last month, the Jabbawockeez dance crew announced that they were doing open auditions in Vegas at the end of the month.
01:11:40
Speaker
And I went on a jump rope. I went and set up my dance floor in the garage. And I've been dancing for about four hours a day since the beginning of the month for the audition that happens on the 29th in Las Vegas.
01:11:52
Speaker
Yes, dude. Overdickie. I will tell you right now, and i'm not just saying this because you said it, but I love the Jabba Walkies. OG, I was like, you can make a career out of this? like They were the ones that motivated me to just go gung-ho about dancing.
01:12:10
Speaker
Yeah. haven't regretted it. Jeez. Joey, a billion years ago, i was singing with a barbershop chorus called the Westminster Chorus out here in SoCal. And we were on were on a competition show, America's Got Talent.
01:12:24
Speaker
And that was the same season the Jabberwockies were on there with us. And that was what launched their career. Those guys... were some of the nicest human beings on the planet.
01:12:35
Speaker
Damn, they were really, really impressive with their movement skills. so Oh, yeah. i they all It's a cool gig. I'm really excited. It's the first time they've had open auditions. It's always been they've pulled from Kinjas or somebody from within.
01:12:47
Speaker
I'm just I'm so excited. you You're right. They're so nice. I've danced with a a few of them. from the original team. And, uh, they're always, Oh yeah, your windmill does this. If you think of this trick, it goes fast. And I like, they're so willing to like, it's not a competition, it's community.
01:13:01
Speaker
And like, I take that's, that's what's really set up. How I really believe in this activity is, you know, just continuing to show the share the wealth because we don't get to keep it when we're gone. So yeah, I'm super excited ah to go back and make it all happen.
01:13:15
Speaker
We'll see. ah no Great. All right, Mark, being our guest tonight, you're last one to bring us home with this. What are you gushing and going about?
Gratitude and Invitation to Website
01:13:24
Speaker
Well, when you get my age, I'm a lot older than you guys, but I get very nostalgic, very, very reflective.
01:13:32
Speaker
And just want give a shout out to, i have a lot of joy in my life, especially with the marching arts. And I have to thank the students and the staff of Marian Catholic, Hebron,
01:13:48
Speaker
Plymouth Canton, and good old Discovery Middle School. Those students really taught more than they'll ever know. and i am very And I'm very close with a lot of them still. And of course, every drum corps member and staff member I've ever been with, I really appreciate all of them so much as I continue to learn and I still feel as passionate with this activity as I did when I was a kid.
Assistance for Bands and Coordinators
01:14:13
Speaker
And, you know, and then they I guess the other, the the the braggadocious part you talked about, I would love the opportunity if there's any bands or if there are performance coaches or program coordinators or things like that, then go to my website. and I'm happy to help out if I can.
01:14:30
Speaker
Nice.
01:14:32
Speaker
Perfect. Hey, it's called Gush and Go, not Gush and Stay. Let's go. hu Anytime that I can sit and talk with people like talk shop and everyone um can chime a good day. So I do want to thank everyone for a great rehearsal this week.
01:14:49
Speaker
A special thanks to Chris, Jack, Joey. know I don't get you all on at the same time and I'm in the color guard realm and you're all in different realms, but like, I like to mix my people as much as I possibly can. So thank you so much.
01:15:04
Speaker
Also, thank you so much, Mark. From the time I met you, I was like, you gotta come on. It's a week we can talk. But thank you for spending time with us today.
Mark's Social Media and Website
01:15:15
Speaker
Where can people find you on your socials?
01:15:17
Speaker
Oh, um on the mark.band or markwitlock.com.
01:15:24
Speaker
I'm also on Facebook, Mark Whitlock, um Instagram, OnTheMarkMusic, TikTok, OnTheMark underscore BOA.WGI.DC. So those are my social handles.
01:15:38
Speaker
Great.
Listener Engagement and Participation
01:15:39
Speaker
So if you got a question or a good topic, or you want to talk about anything, email us at on a water break podcast at gmail.com or find us on social media.
01:15:49
Speaker
You can DM us if you want to be on the show, even can have a form you can fill out. If you want to be a guest, we love having people on the show. So just check that out. The link is in the bio and just click on join us, or you can just send us a tape on your phone. Like if you just take out your phone and send a video.
01:16:06
Speaker
You could find yourself on the podcast soon.
Podcast YouTube Channel and Credits
01:16:09
Speaker
One more thing. Don't forget we have a YouTube channel. So now you can go and subscribe and you can see us all there and see all of our shenanigans.
01:16:17
Speaker
Also, before you close out of your podcast listening app, go subscribe, write us a review, and then share it with a friend. You can follow us on social media at on a water break, and we'll see you at the next rehearsal on a water break.
01:16:31
Speaker
Go practice.
01:16:34
Speaker
um 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.
01:16:46
Speaker
And until next time, thanks for tuning in.