Rhythm X and Etymotic Research

StaffThe X StoreNews
Written By Mike Scott

Hearing protection is one of those things that all percussionists know they need to use but one of the first things we all forget about. Every drummer has gotten home after practice and found their ears ringing only to show up next week without hearing protection. Etymotic Research is making waves in the marching band and indoor drumline world by making it easier than ever to have high-fidelity hearing protection with you at a reasonable cost. 

Last year Rhythm X teamed up with Etymotic Research as a member of its Adopt-A-Band program. We provided all of our members with ETY•Plugs® and encouraged all members and staff to wear them at rehearsals and (for consistency) performance. Their great because they are an incredibly great earplug at a low cost. They last forever and they come with a case, key chain, and even a cord to hang around your neck. Pretty much any percussionist without the budget for a custom earplug or Etymotic's new Music•PRO® electronic earplugs should have a pair. 

ETY•Plugs® come with a Rhythm X case, a key chain, a neck cord and two high-fidelity earplugs.

ETY•Plugs® come with a Rhythm X case, a key chain, a neck cord and two high-fidelity earplugs.

This year we're selling ETY•Plugs® with a Rhythm X case on The X Store! Just like our Rhythm X branded snare sticks from Innovative Percussion, you can now have the best hearing protection available and sport Rhythm X gear at the same time! The $14 you spend on these plugs is sure to be one of the most important purchases you make! They go on sale today and come in two sizes: Standard Fit and Large Fit. I tried the large at first but it turns out that I, like most people, will find the Standard to create the deepest and most effective seal.

Etymotic also supplied Tim Fairbanks and I a pair of the new Music•PRO® high-fidelity electronic earplugs. Designed for musicians, they have amazing adaptive noise reduction technology that allows you to hear at normal levels until safe levels are exceeded. Look for a review on The X Blog after we've given them more field time. So far they're pretty awesome.

Mike Scott
Mike Scott is a clinician, consultant, and the CEO of Rhythm X, Inc., a non-profit music education company in Dayton, Ohio. Mike earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2012. There he studied percussion and conducting and completed the Farmer School of Business Summer Institute. Before beginning his career as an administrator and teacher, Mike was an active performer in the marching arts. In 2011 Mike was the conductor of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps of Canton, Ohio and was a performer in Rhythm X’s percussion ensemble from 2011-2012. Mike was also a member of the Miami University Marching Band for four years, serving as the drum major during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. In 2013 Mike began work at Rhythm X, Inc. as the Operations Director, managing the business development and logistics of the organization. He was also the Director of Instrumental Music at St. Ursula Academy in Toledo, Ohio. There he taught band, orchestra, and general music in grades 6-12. Prior to the 2015 competitive season, Mike became the first full-time employee at Rhythm X, Inc. as the company’s CEO. There he works with the organization’s President Tim Fairbanks to develop the future strategy of the company. During the summer months, Mike travels the country with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps as the group’s Tour Administrator. He has also served as the tour manager of The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Mike proudly endorses Innovative Percussion, Etymotic Research, and Fred J. Miller Inc.
http://mikewscott.com
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