Did you know? When rehearsing indoors, a drum line can reach peak sound levels of 115 decibels. Those conditions can leave performers susceptible to hearing loss after only a few minutes of unprotected exposure. Drum Corps International had a special visit during its annual meetings this past weekend in Indianapolis from Dr. Mead Killion, founder and president of Etymotic Research, a company with a mission to improve and protect hearing. Killion made presentations to all World and Open Class directors and drum majors in attendance, stressing the importance of hearing loss prevention in the drum corps activity. Dan Potter, host of DCI's Field Pass podcast, was there to learn more from Dr. Killion.
In an effort to raise awareness among young musicians about hearing loss, Etymotic has established its Adopt-a-Band program. The initiative gives supporters of the marching arts the opportunity to make a donation of high-fidelity hearing protection and educational materials to an adopted group of their choice. Learn more at Etymotic.com/adoptaband.