Water Break Weekly: WGI Hall of Fame Inductees and Toss Technique

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.

Season 4 continues with a deep dive into the legacy and technique of the marching arts. This week, Ashley, Nicole, Steven, and Hayley celebrate the 2026 WGI Hall of Fame inductees and tackle the technical nuances of color guard tosses. From legendary directors to the granular details of "the dip," this episode covers the news and skills shaping the 2026 season.

On A Water Break — Water Break Weekly: WGI Hall of Fame & Toss Technique

Who’s On This Episode

  • Episode Type: Water Break Weekly
  • Hosts: Ashley, Nicole, Steven, Hayley
  • Guests: None

Watch the Episode

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Listen & Subscribe

Quick favor: Follow the show, and if you’ve got 30 seconds, leave a rating (Spotify) or a review (Apple Podcasts). It helps more marching arts folks find us.

Related Playlists

Segment Breakdown

Marching Arts News

WGI Hall of Fame 2026 Inductees Announced

Source: WGI.org

  • Frank Sullivan and Wayne Markworth have been named the 2026 inductees into the WGI Hall of Fame.
  • Frank Sullivan is recognized for his extensive work in sound design and as a judge for WGI, DCI, and MFA.
  • Wayne Markworth founded the WGI Winds division and is the author of "The Dynamic Marching Band."
"Congratulations to those Hall of Fame inductees for twenty twenty six. Fantastic. Fantastic, awesome."

The Dynamic Marching Band Resource

Source: Amazon

  • Author Wayne Markworth’s workbook is a staple resource for band directors.
  • It provides a roadmap for taking a program from basic foundations to show-ready performances.
"It's basically like a marching band resource workbook to, you know, get your band from beginning... it gets them from couch to show."

60-Second Tech Block

Topic: Toss Technique (The Dip)

  • The "dip" is the most critical part of a toss, providing the momentum needed for rotation and height.
  • Performers must ensure their hands are placed correctly on the equipment to maintain control throughout the release.
"What I would focus on would definitely be the dip... because without the dip, you're not getting any height, you're not getting any rotations, you're not getting anything."

Water We Doing?!

  • Nicole — Expressing frustration with performers who treat rehearsal time as social hour, especially when instructors are giving feedback.
  • Steven — Addressing the lack of preparation from staff members who show up to rehearsal without a clear plan or score knowledge.
"What are we doing talking when the instructors are talking? Rehearsal is for work, not for catching up on your weekend plans."

Gush & Go

  • Hayley — Gushing over the growth of her local percussion program and the students' dedication to learning new techniques.
  • Ashley — Celebrating the return of the panel and the excitement of starting a new season of content for the community.
"I just want to gush about my kids. They are working so hard and seeing them finally get those concepts we've been drilling is the best feeling."

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 are the 2026 WGI Hall of Fame inductees?

Answer: Frank Sullivan and Wayne Markworth are the two individuals being inducted into the WGI Hall of Fame for 2026.

"Frank Sullivan... and then also Wayne Markworth... congratulations to those Hall of Fame inductees for twenty twenty six."

What is "The Dynamic Marching Band"?

Answer: It is a resource workbook written by Wayne Markworth designed to help band directors build their programs from the ground up.

"he also wrote the Dynamic Marching Band... it's basically like a marching band resource workbook to, you know, get your band from beginning... to show."

What is the most important part of a color guard toss?

Answer: The dip is the most essential element because it generates the power and height for the toss.

"What I would focus on would definitely be the dip... because without the dip, you're not getting any height."

Which division did Wayne Markworth start in WGI?

Answer: Wayne Markworth started and fostered the WGI Winds division.

"Wayne started the women's group, uh, the wins division with WGI."

What should performers focus on during "The Dip"?

Answer: Hand placement and timing are key to ensuring the equipment rotates correctly during the release.

"making sure that our hands are in the right spot and our dip is at the right time."

Why is rehearsal etiquette important?

Answer: Talking during instruction wastes time and prevents the ensemble from achieving the goals of the rehearsal block.

"What are we doing talking when the instructors are talking?"

Find On A Water Break

Email: onawaterbreakpodcast@gmail.com

Back to blog

Leave a comment