More than just a competition

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.

 

 

Stryke’s #UNselfie campaign was a Success!

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. 

WHAT IS #GIVINGTUESDAY?

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/

Support STRYKE with your #Unselfie!

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....

• "I gave to STRYKE because __________________."
• "On #GivingTuesday I gave back to STRYKE."
• "Join me in supporting STRYKE on #GivingTuesday."

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. 

Find out more on how you can help STRYKE

STRYKE Entertainment at the Best Buddies Gala

STRYKE Entertainment was called for duty this past Friday (Nov. 20th) to perform at the 19th Annual Best Buddies Gala Miami. Every year, Best Buddies invites more than 800 prominent local and international guests to gather in Miami and celebrate the Best Buddies Organization. Among the guests were, Former Miami Heat Player Alonso Morning, Actress Vivica A Fox, Former MLB Player Sammy Sosa, and Pop Artist Romero Britto.

Joey Coletto on Tenors 

This year's theme was “Back to School Night,” featuring college cheerleaders, mascots and of course, a DrumLine. STRYKE Entertainment produced a “Best Buddies Drum Line” specifically for this event. Our performers were fitted with traditional marching band uniforms and our drums with custom On2 Percussion slips featuring the Best Buddies logo.

The Best Buddies DrumLine began the night by greeting and dazzling guests with cadences and grooves as they arrived to the gala. As the night went on, the drum line moved into the Silent Auction Room and gave guests an elaborate and high-energy performance. Needless to say, they pumped up the crowd and got the party started. Other performances included acapella group reVoiced, and a special performance by Best Buddies Global Ambassador, Steve Aoki. The Best Buddies Gala was a huge success for a great cause.

STRYKE would like to thank Al Davis and Blooming Events International for having STRYKE Entertainment make their event unique and original. We would also like to give a special thank you to On2 Percussion for designing our custom slips and taking our production up another notch.

If you are interested in how STRYKE Entertainment can make your next event even bigger and louder, contact us today to find out how.

Follow Miss Florida USA 2016 Brie Gabrielle and Miss Florida Teen USA 2016 Gracie Smith as they walk you through the Best Buddies Gala. Watch out for the Best Buddies DrumLine!

Online Registration is Open!

Summer is over, and school is back in session. So you know what that means, STRYKE auditions are just around the corner! We are preparing for our 14th season and can't wait to get started. The dates are set and registration is open!  

STRYKE Percussion Audition/Clinics are open to ALL ages and skill levels. Its a great opportunity and will have something for everyone, so register today!