At this year's WGI World Championships, Roland introduced its new RMP-12 marching percussion instrument.

The RMP-12 is an electronic marching percussion instrument that utilizes Roland's multilayer mesh head technology, which helps percussionists play longer and with less fatigue. The unit has a 12-inch pad with rim triggering that connects to a module with 128 different sounds and effects, including a variety of marching, concert, and world percussion instruments.

It wouldn't be a marching instrument if it had to be plugged in, so for that reason, the RMP-12 is battery-powered. It's also lightweight and can attach to standard marching carriers or concert snare stands. It offers an audio output for a wired or wireless connection to any amplification system, a mix input, and a headphone output for practicing.

The instrument comes with the Rhythm Coach, a practice tool that helps drummers improve timing, accuracy, speed, and stamina through a series of drills and exercises.

More information about the RMP-12 will be announced at the Summer NAMM show in Nashville, Tennessee on June 20–22, 2008.