Marching Arts News: ICE Detention, DCI Debate & Baton Nationals

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.A Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes.This week, Ashlee Amos leads Woody Woodward, Bobbey Biddle, Haley and guest educator Kim through the marching band, color guard, drum corps and baton twirling conversations everyone is having at rehearsal.The panel discusses the detention of a color guard director by ICE at Boston Logan International Airport after she traveled to attend a Noah Kahan concert. The conversation expands to performer safety, the fear experienced by students and families, and the responsibility educators and staff accept when traveling with young performers.Ashlee also takes us inside the busy world of competitive baton twirling as athletes compete at the U.S. National Baton Twirling Championships and America’s Youth on Parade. The panel examines national championship logistics, qualifying opportunities for the Nations Cup, World Championships and Inspiration Cup, and what the wider marching arts could learn from the twirling community.In this episode:A color guard director’s detention by ICE at Boston Logan AirportProtecting students and performers while travelingNational baton twirling championships and international qualificationWhy late California DCI broadcasts are difficult for East Coast fansBuilding one unified culture across band, percussion and color guardWhy marching arts educators need interests outside the activityThe harm caused by toxic social media criticism of young performers60-Second Tech Block:Kim explains how singing, humming and listening exercises can improve marching band intonation, phrasing and musical awareness. Her advice is simple: if performers cannot hear and sing the phrase, they are unlikely to play it correctly.Water We Doing?!The panel tackles late-night DCI streams, disconnected ensemble cultures, educators who never step away from marching arts, and adults who publicly criticize the bodies, costumes and performances of young drum corps members.Gush & Go:Woody celebrates completing his arranging work, Bobbey reflects on a successful Miss Pennsylvania week, Haley appreciates proper hydration, and Ashlee previews her new production, Joyride.News and resources:Color guard director detained by ICE after traveling to Boston2026 U.S. National Baton Twirling Championships2026 America’s Youth on Parade and international qualifying eventsPresented by Guard ClosetYour one-stop shop for color guard, marching band and the marching arts.Visit Guard ClosetFollow @guardclosetFind On A Water Break:WebsiteListen Everywhere and Find All LinksBe a GuestEmail: [email protected] @onawaterbreak on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.