STRYKE News
As we enter the season of giving, STRYKE (A Performing Arts Non-Profit organization) is excited to announce our participation in GivingTuesday 2023, a global day of generosity and community spirit. This year, our goal is ambitious yet close to our hearts – we aim to raise $40,000 to support and enrich the lives of our young performers.
From the time your Thanksgiving feast ends, the span of days consisting of Black Friday and Cyber Monday seem to take over. Instantly your time is focused on splurging, spending, and shopping. Instead of the hundreds or thousands of dollars spent on the hottest deals and newest products to hit the market this season, imagine that money being given to a greater cause.
What if we told you that there was a specific day dedicated to this?
Four weeks from now, it will be Giving Tuesday. This day follows just after Cyber Monday and exists to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness. #GivingTuesday holds the potential to show real change in communities and for organizations through social media. The best part is, you don’t have to be a billionaire or world leader to give back. #GivingTuesday is about ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things.
This Fall, STRYKE is participating in #GivingTuesday again and we want to invite you to join us in giving to the community this holiday season. To learn more about Giving Tuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org!
For four years now, former Cypress Bay HS student Jared Michelson and Grant Rittenberg have created and ran their own percussion program called Drum Miami. Thier goal was simple, to improve the lives of other students through the art of drumming. Since 2013, they have put together a team of students to volunteer at summer camps and help underprivileged students learn how to drum.
Jared began this idea when he wanted to share his passion for drumming with other students that never had the opportunity he had growing up. He contacted the County Parks and Recreation Department to offer his services. He later found out that the Park and Recs Dept. never offered such a service, and this would be the first experience for many students to learn how to drum and play music. He was very excited about the opportunity, and invited his schoolmates to volunteer with him. Now, what started off with just teaching one summer camp location, has grown to teaching over 60 students at three summer camp locations.
SP2 member, Alex Ramos, working with the students.
When STRYKE learned about Drum Miami, we wanted to help out in anyway possible. Since Drum Miami is a volunteer program with no budget to work with, we assisted them in getting drumsticks and practice pads for the students to work with at camps. We also had SP2 member, Alex Ramos, volunteer at the parks.
This is an inspiring service powered by students for students. STRYKE looks forward to continue to work with Drum Miami in future Summer Camps in hopes to help them expand their services in the community.
We would like to thank Vic Firth Inc. in their assistance and contribution for the camps. It wouldn't be possible without Vic.
On July 16th, STRYKE had their annual Summer Clinic. Over 150 students came to participate in their Percussion, Winds, and Wintergaurd Clinics taking place that day. It was an exciting event, and we want to thank all the students who participated.
Take a look at our Summer Clinic album to see the day's activities!
Another exciting WGI season has come and gone. The STRYKE organization had four ensembles hit the road to Dayton, OH to compete in the 2016 WGI World Championships!
SWG performing in Prelims at the Dayton Convention Center
STRYKE’s WGI Championships began with the newly formed STRYKE Winterguard competing at the WGI Championships for the first time ever. It's easy to say they had the time of their life as they performed their show "The Lonely Road" in the WGI Championship events and experienced the activity from a national/international level. Though they didn't qualify into Semifinals, the Directors and staff were extremely proud of what this group was able to accomplish in its inaugural season. The STRYKE and PAC organization is thrilled to have this ensemble represent them in the WGI Colorguard segment of the activity. The future looks bright for STRYKE Winterguard and the members can't wait for the next season to start!
SPW rehearsing at the Hara Arena on Tuesday night
As the Winterguard Championship week concluded, the Percussion and Winds Championship week was just getting started. STRYKE Percussion (SPW), STRYKE Percussion 2 (SP2) and STRYKE Wynds (SW) all hit the road to Dayton with focus and determination. STRYKE Percussion arrived to Dayton on Tuesday and went straight to work at the Hara Arena. They worked extremely hard as they prepared for their Prelims performance of their show “Only One” on Thursday at the University of Dayton Arena. SPW advanced in to Semifinals but did not qualify for the PIW Finals. The Ensemble Director, David Yunis, addressed the group that night following the news.
"We sometimes forget that the 'competition' is the medium of this activity but what we get out of this is more than a placement and a score. After the years go by, no one will remember your show or score, but the moments and memories you created with each other will personally last you a lifetime. Now, more than ever, you will know what it means to be part of the STRYKE Family."
SPW learned a valuable lesson on Friday. They held their chin up high and rallied behind their brothers and sisters actively helping and cheering on SP2 as they watched them perform in the PIA Finals and then Saturday doing the same with SW in their Winds Prelims.
SP2 taking photos after earning Gold and Fan Favorite in PIA.
STRYKE Percussion 2 entered the 2016 WGI season in its inaugural year with high hopes. They began their WGI Championships with a Prelim performance on Thursday afternoon in Millett Hall at Miami University. The energy ran high and the ensemble had a strong performance of their show "Red" which not only resulted in a first place finish, but qualified them for Finals. On Friday night they prepared for their final performance of the season in the University of Dayton arena. As the curtain pulled back, SP2 was greeted with howls and cheers from their brothers and sisters of SPW and SW. The 'wolf pack' put on their best performance of the season keeping them on top of the PIA classification and earned them a first place finish. SP2 is the first ensemble in the STRYKE organization to capture the gold; in addition to first place, they were also voted the 2016 Fan Favorite of the PIA division.
But wait….....it’s not over yet!
SW taking photos after earning Gold and Fan Favorite in WIO.
The week continued with STRYKE Wynds' Prelims performance on Saturday at the Nutter Center at Wright State University. The ensemble was calm and cool and took control of the floor with their performance of "DéjàVu". They took a commanding lead placing them in 1st place. The scenario was no different on Sunday at the UD Arena as they ended in 1st place in the WIO classification and also captured the 2016 Fan Favorite in the Independent Winds category. Some people can say that STRYKE experienced "Déjà vu" as both ensembles earned gold medal placements and their respective Fan Favorites. Get it?
Overall, we are extremely proud and humbled as all four of our ensembles represented the growth of the South Florida community in all three areas (Colorguard, Percussion and Winds). We can't wait to see what the future holds for these ensembles and the South Florida community!
STRYKE would like to thank and congratulate all the ensembles that performed in the WGI World Championships this year. The activity and community continues to grow stronger and we are proud to be a part of it! We would also like to thank WGI for putting together one of the best performance experiences possible.
Thank you to all our sponsors and partners that made this season incredible for all four of our groups. And a special thank you to all the parents, staff, volunteers and donors that contributed to the success of this organization. Without you, this season would not have been possible.
Now that the WGI season is over, be on the lookout for the MFC Drumline at the Miami FC games during their upcoming soccer season and also be on the lookout for our Annual STRYKE Summer Camp date(s) that will be announced soon!
Last Weekend, SFWGA held Championships at Jupiter HS. On Saturday, SWG took the floor with their strongest performance of the season receiving 2nd place. In addition to the Color-guard championship competition of Saturday night, some of our STRYKE Parents and Staff performed for the first time ever in exhibition with their newest group called "Origins" (a Senior Color-guard). This group of former color-guard performers joined together over the season and rehearsed on their own off time to put a production together. It was truly a special moment for the members of Origins as they performed to a sold-out crowd on Saturday night.
On Sunday night, Wynds, SP2 and SPW took the floor for championship competition, and all three ensembles received 1st place in their classification. Before SPW began their show, Adam Hatfield (Ensemble Leader for SPW) took a moment to speak about the most recent death of STRYKE's Family member, Dan Kohlmann. After a moment of silence, SPW dedicated their championship performance to Dan and the Kohlmann family. In addition, members wrote "DK" on their shoulder in honor of Dan Kohlmann.
"Dan was an amazing person and a dedicated father. He will be truly missed."
This week SWG will be traveling to Dayton, OH for WGI Championships! This will be an exciting moment as they represent STRYKE for the first time ever in the Color-guard circuit. The entire organization wishes them the best of luck!
Also happening this weekend will be the debut of the MFC Drumline (Miami FC's Official Drumline) on Saturday 8pm, at FIU Stadium. And on Sunday, SP2 and SPW will be hosting their F&F Send-Off Performance at Hollywood Hills HS at 3pm. Don't miss your last chance to see them perform in South Florida.
As WGI Championships is upon us, we ask you to show your support to these hard working ensembles with a contribution to their "Road to Dayton". The cost of fuel, transportation, hotel, and member accommodations are extremely expensive and continue to grow each year. So we ask for your support with a donation/contribution towards these members to have the experience they deserve on the road to Dayton. Click here to donate now.
This past Saturday (Jan. 30th) was the kickoff of the 2016 season for both percussion ensembles. It was an early performance (10:20am, and 10:30am) in South Dade Senior High School. Both ensembles performed extremely well, SP2 scored a 68.180 and SPW scored a 72.400. But on that morning, STRYKE did something more than just compete, they inspired.
This is a FB post Jullian Rives wrote of his experience with his godson at the SFWGA Premiere.
Adam Hatfield with Alexander after the show.
"Today, I took my god son, Alexander, to see Stryke Percussion at the SFWGA Premiere in Homestead, FL and something beautiful happened. This was the first time Alexander had ever seen a live percussion ensemble of this caliber in person, and I made sure to bring him up close and personal to witness the magic first hand. I'll never forget the moment when Alexander first saw Stryke play through their book as I watched his eyes lock on to them and light up with excitement, the same way I did when I saw my first DCI/WGI line in person; he began tapping his feet uncontrollably while smiling and said to me "the music is making my feet move!" LOL! Afterwards, I introduced him to two of my long time friends who perform in the Stryke World ensemble, Adam Hatfield, and Mike Roddis. To my surprise, Adam went out of his way and snagged a pair of sticks from the snare section for Alexander and he couldn't have been more excited! On the ride home, Alexander told me he wanted to learn how to play, and had me give him a lesson the moment we got back to his house. I can't even explain how powerful of a moment it was for me today to see that fire burning in his eyes, and how much it motivated me to be a better percussionist and person. I want to thank Adam, Mike, and everyone involved in Stryke Percussion personally for inspiring Alexander to become a drummer, and in general, for inspiring our newest generation of percussionists. What an honor it was to witness today unfold."
Stories and experiences like this are the many reason's we do, what we do. Our organization's objective and mission strive to make this kind of impact in our South Florida community.
Go to our Events page to find out when is STRYKE's next performance.
On #GivingTuesday STRYKE started an #UNselfie campaign to raise awareness and help collect donations. The result were incredible! The main purpose of the #UNselfie campaign was to encourage people to take a selfies with our custom made #UNselfie sign. They would then share it on their own social media page, showing their support towards STRYKE, as well as growing awareness of STRYKE's impact in the South Florida Community. As a result, we had countless members, past and present, write their own personal testimonies about the effect that STRYKE has had on their own lives. The stories were heartfelt as well as eye opening to truly see the impact STRYKE has made.
We here at STRYKE think that the testimonies given by our members are a true representation of of what STRYKE is. So we will be adding these testimonies on our website, under our Overview page for all to see. We hope that you enjoy reading them as much as we did.
We would also like to thank all the supporters that donated to us on #GivingTuesday. We greatly appreciate your contribution, and can't thank you enough for your support. We have put those donation dollars to work and were recently able to purchase some much needed equipment for our groups.
You too can support STRYKE continue it's growth and impact in the community! Find out how you can help here. No donation is too small and your support means the world to us.
Here are some of the STRYKE #Unselfies that were posted on #GivingTuesday. Read their testimonies here.
We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.
It’s a simple idea. Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something more. Then tell everyone you can about how you are giving. Join us and be a part of a global celebration of a new tradition of generosity. Learn more here: http://www.givingtuesday.org/
This Tuesday is #GivingTuesday, and STRYKE needs support. Show your support with your #Unselfie. An "Unselfie" is way to show your support for STRYKE on Giving Tuesday. Take a pic, and tag it #Unselfie, #GivingTuesday, and #GivingStryke. Then, upload it to FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter from now until December 2nd.
Use our sign (PDF available below) to share your #Unselfie and support for STRYKE. Some examples of what to put on your "Unselfie" could be....
Don't forget to use Hashtags #Unselfie, #GivingTuesday, and #GivingStryke. Every dollar counts, and your support means the world to us. Thank you!
David Yunis with his STRYKE Unselfie Sign.
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STRYKE Ensembles are affiliates of Pageantry Arts Concepts, Inc. - an IRSC 501(c)(3) non-profit youth organization
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