Feb 9, 2026
Welcome to the first podcast of Season 4 and 2026! The panel dives into the massive headlines from the 2025 season, including the Boston Crusaders' historic DCI World Championship win and upcoming moves for the 2026 season. From technical conditioning tips to rants about costume design and performer safety, we are breaking down everything you are already talking about at rehearsal.
Who’s On This Episode
Episode Type: Water Break Weekly
Hosts: Christopher Rutt, Bobby Biddle, Dalton Stout, Grantis Peranda
Guests: Amari Lewis (Producer)
Marching Arts News
Boston Crusaders Win First DCI World Championship
Source: DCI.org
The Boston Crusaders secured their first gold medal in franchise history during the 2025 season.
The corps maintained record-setting scores throughout the summer, including a major performance in San Antonio.
"Them winning their first ever DCI World Championship. We are so happy for them. They are one of the oldest drum cores in the activity and they finally got to take gold."
Spartans Move to World Class
Source: DCI.org
The Spartans have officially announced their transition to the DCI World Class division for the 2026 season.
"The Spartans announcing their move to world class in 2026. This is a big deal not just for them but for the depth and energy of the activity moving forward."
WGI 2025 Recap and 2026 International Expansion
Source: WGI.org
WGI introduced "Regional Plus" events for 2026 and announced a new event in Costa Rica for May 2026.
The organization has implemented active shooter response training and new participation protection courses.
"WGI's 2025 season was full of exciting developments... including the launch of WGI Studio with new participation protection courses, the introduction of regional plus events for 2026 and the announcement of a May 2026 event in Costa Rica."
Rain at the 2026 Rose Parade
Source: Pasadena Star News
For the first time in nearly two decades, significant rain fell during the Rose Parade route.
Performers faced slick streets and wet equipment for the full seven-mile march.
"For the first time in nearly 20 years, rain fell on the parade route in Pasadena. And if you have ever marched in a parade, you know that everything changes."
60-Second Tech Block
Topic: Effective Conditioning
Conditioning should focus on specific muscle groups and stamina rather than just "going through the motions."
Instructors should identify weaknesses, such as cardiovascular endurance, and tailor workouts to support the show's demands.
"Your conditioning needs to be set up in a way that it's going to support and elevate your program. Far too many times I walk into a rehearsal and I watch the instructor hit play on a Zumba... and call that conditioning... these kids aren't sweating."
Water We Doing?!
Dalton Stout — Criticizing the lack of detailed rehearsal schedules for performers, which prevents them from arriving properly prepared.
Amari Lewis — Calling for more musical variety and original concepts instead of repeating the same "slow, sad, angry" show styles.
Amari & Dalton — Questioning why high school rehearsals lack dedicated medical staff or athletic trainers compared to sports teams.
Christopher Rutt — Addressing costume designs that don't account for diverse body shapes, making performers feel self-conscious.
"What are we doing not giving our performers a broken down rehearsal schedule? I think it's so important to tell your performers what they're going to be working on and focused on for that rehearsal so they can come prepared."
Gush & Go
Grantis Peranda — Gushing over life in San Francisco and his work as a choreographer and judge.
Bobby Biddle — Excited for the new year, directing a Miss America local competition, and working on Philly Pride.
Dalton Stout — Shouting out the students at St. Clairsville High School in Ohio for their commitment and upcoming WGI A-class debut.
Amari Lewis — Looking forward to the DCI January Summit and meeting with the DCI board to innovate the activity.
"I want to give a big shout out to my queens in St. Clair'sville, Ohio... these kids are putting smalltown Ohio on the map."
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)
Who won the DCI World Championship in 2025?
Answer: The Boston Crusaders won their first-ever DCI World Championship title.
"Them winning their first ever DCI World Championship... they finally got to take gold."
Are the Spartans moving to World Class?
Answer: Yes, the Spartans announced they are moving to World Class for the 2026 season.
"the Spartans announcing their move to world class in 2026."
When is the WGI event in Costa Rica?
Answer: WGI announced an event taking place in Costa Rica in May 2026.
"the announcement of a May 2026 event in Costa Rica. Pretty exciting."
What happened at the 2026 Rose Parade?
Answer: It rained during the Rose Parade for the first time in almost 20 years, creating challenging conditions for the bands.
"For the first time in nearly 20 years, rain fell on the parade route in Pasadena."
What is a common mistake in marching arts conditioning?
Answer: Many programs use generic workouts like Zumba that don't target the specific physical needs of the performers or the show.
"I watch the instructor hit play on a Zumba and these kids will do two, three Zumbas in a row and call that conditioning. At the end of it, these kids aren't sweating."
How can costume companies help with inclusive design?
Answer: Many companies will offer multiple styles or inclusive resources like flesh-tone panels to match diverse student populations.
"I'm so happy that we've gotten into the conversation about shoes and gloves and flesh tone panels that match a student's... skin tone."
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