Stronger Than Ever
An Alumni-Exclusive Organizational Update from Rhythm X
Since its founding in 2002, Rhythm X has continued to grow and adapt to the ever-changing marching arts world. As both the activity and the world evolved, Rhythm X met those changes while maintaining our core values and identity. During the 2023 season, the organization underwent its largest changes yet with the introduction of a brand new Board of Directors and Executive Director.
The new Board of Directors, chaired by Devon Bergman, has brought fresh perspectives and ideas to the organization, creating renewed drive to excel in more areas than just performance. Since its establishment, the Board has continued to strengthen the foundation and direction of Rhythm X. Current projects range from refining organizational structure and solidifying the future of Rhythm X to enhancing member health and safety, ensuring that every performer has the tools and support needed to thrive both on and off the floor.
Record Breaking
We are proud that Rhythm X achieved record breaking scores in the 2024 (98.40) and 2025 seasons (99.063), a recognition of our ensemble’s commitment to excellence. Our design team includes familiar Rhythm X names like Tim Jackson, Andrew Markworth, and Josh Brickey, but also some new faces in Ryan Ellis and Corrinne Millsap. These innovative designers, alongside our talented instructional staff, produce creative shows that our members love to perform, and audiences love to watch.
Under new Executive Director Abby Hermesch, a Rhythm X alumni, the organization has taken numerous strides toward the future. For the 2025 season, Rhythm X took a leap into the unknown by moving operations from Dayton, Ohio to Franklin, Indiana. This decision was driven by the need for more affordable and consistent rehearsal sites. While the transition came with its learning curves, Rhythm X is thriving in its new home through a strong partnership with Franklin Community Schools for rehearsal spaces and the Indiana Percussion Association for competitions. The move to Indiana allowed Rhythm X to invest money back into the group, such as providing a member charter bus for WGI Finals, increasing staff pay, hearing protection, and high quality meals on every show day.
A New Mission
Last year Rhythm X was proud to release a new mission statement, developed by a committee including staff, alumni, and board members
Rhythm X’s mission is to enrich the lives of young performers through the relentless pursuit of excellence, instilling dedication and teamwork, and consistently pushing the limits in the marching arts activity.
This statement now serves as the foundation for each decision and initiative within the organization, ensuring that future growth stays true to our purpose.
Rhythm X has also resumed its partnership with the Cincinnati Bengals through The Growl drum line. For select games throughout the season, Rhythm X alumni and friends come together to perform for NFL fans at Paycor Stadium.
Through it all, Rhythm X remains true to who we are, an organization that relentlessly pursues excellence and pushes the limits of the marching arts.
