Feb 13, 2026
Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.
This special edition of On A Water Break combines three powerful "Quick Sips" into one deep dive. We sit down with marching arts royalty Matt and Susie Harloff to discuss their transition into full-time consulting and education. Then, we pivot to a critical advocacy story in South Florida, speaking with Dean Broadbent and Evan Zubkov from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School about the travel restrictions impacting the legendary Broward County color guard community.
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What These Quick Sips Cover
Matt and Susie Harloff discuss stepping away from full-time band directing at Avon High School to focus on their family and national consulting.
An inside look at the 2025 DCI Hall of Fame induction for Matt Harloff.
Urgent advocacy news regarding the Broward County School Board's decision to restrict out-of-state travel for winter guards.
The massive community response and support for programs like Stoneman Douglas, Flanagan, and West Broward.
"It’s not just about the competition; it’s about the community coming together to support these kids and their right to perform on the national stage."
Key Moments
Matt & Susie Harloff: A New Chapter
Matt Harloff reflects on his 20+ years at Avon and his role with Carolina Crown, while Susie shares her passion for movement education from kindergarten to the world class level.
"We’re stepping into this exciting new chapter together... Matt Harloff, freshly minted 2025 DCI Hall of Fame inductee, has helped define excellence on fields across the country."
The 32 Count Life Story: Evan Zubkov
Evan shares his journey from Long Island to marching the Cadets and eventually becoming the caption head at Stoneman Douglas.
"Evan Zubkov... I've been doing color guard since 2001. Marched Alter Ego, Blessed Sacrament, the Cadets... and current caption head at Stoneman Douglas."
Broward County Travel Crisis
Dean Broadbent and Evan explain the sudden social media post that alerted the activity to travel bans in South Florida and the plan to fight for the students' season.
"The school board is going to be very surprised how big the community is... so many people we look up to in the activity have really come forward to say, 'We're here, we're going to help.'"
Guard Closet
This episode is presented on Guard Closet — your home for marching arts consignment, design help, microsites, gifts, and in-stock essentials.
FAQ (Quick Answers for Marching Arts People)
What is the new venture for Matt and Susie Harloff?
Answer: They are stepping into a new chapter of professional consulting and education within the marching arts community together.
"Matt and Susie Harloff are stepping into an exciting new chapter together... shaping championship culture, sound and movement for decades."
When was Matt Harloff inducted into the DCI Hall of Fame?
Answer: Matt Harloff is a freshly minted 2025 DCI Hall of Fame inductee.
"freshly minted twenty twenty five DCI Hall of Fame inductee."
What is happening in Broward County regarding color guard?
Answer: The school board issued travel restrictions that put out-of-state trips for nationally recognized winter guards at risk.
"So Evan put up a social media post Friday night... what’s going on in Broward County?"
Who is the Director of Color Guards at Stoneman Douglas?
Answer: Dean Broadbent serves as the Director of Color Guards at Stoneman Douglas High School.
"I'm Dean Broadbent. I'm the director of color guards at Stoneman Douglas High School."
How can the community help Broward County guards?
Answer: By showing the school board the scale and unity of the marching arts community through advocacy and support.
"Another thing that I think that the school board is going to be very surprised how big the community is as well."
Did Susie Harloff teach music in schools?
Answer: Yes, Susie Harloff has been a music educator for over 25 years, teaching students from kindergarten music class to the national stage.
"Suzy Harloff... shapes performers from kindergarten music class all the way to the national stage."
Find On A Water Break
Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com
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