Monarch Independent and the newly revamped Ludwig Marching Percussion division have announced an agreement to begin using Ludwig's new line of marching percussion equipment for the 2017 indoor season.

Monarch will be heading into its 3rd year of competitions and its first in the Independent World division.

FloMarching received the following statement from Monarch on the new partnership: 

Beginning in the 2016-2017 season, Monarch Independent will be premiering Ludwig Ultimate drums and Musser Ultimate keyboards. Monarch is thrilled to be associated with such a strong brand known for its quality products, and will be well equipped to create the quality of sound only Ludwig/Musser could provide. Monarch will operate as a field testing and feedback ensemble for the Ultimate marching equipment. This was a bonus to our ensemble when deciding what company we would partner with as we venture into world class expectations of design and performance. We believe this partnership, along with Sabian, Remo, Innovative Percussion, and On2, will help give us the edge we need to be competitively successful as we enter our third season, and our first season in world class competition.

While the foundation of Ludwig percussion dates all the way back to 1909 when William F. & Theobald Ludwig started the Ludwig & Ludwig Drum Company. The drum manufacturer just recently began to make marching percussion equipment again.

"We're elated about our new partnership with Monarch," Ryan Galasso of Conn-Selmer said. "The Houston area is full of great music programs and they are no exception. Monarch has a tremendous amount of talent in their organization. We are looking forward to growing together."