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/

Meet Josh Brenneis, Visual Caption Head for STRYKE Wynds!

Josh Brenneis will be joining the STRYKE Education team this season as Visual Caption Head for STRYKE Wynds!

   Joshua Brenneis is a visual instructor, adjudicator and designer that works with numerous musical programs across the country.  These programs are associated with Florida Marching Band Coalition, Bands of America, Winter Guard International, and Drum Corps International.  He started in DCI as a performer with the Magic of Orlando Drum and Bugle Corps in 2004.  He later joined the ten time world champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps from 2006-2007 where he aged out in Pasadena California.

    Josh has been teaching several south Florida marching bands since 2007 that have been successful in the FMBC and BOA circuits.  He is currently the Visual Caption Head of Park Vista High School and Jupiter High School where both programs won FMBC State Championships in 2014. In 2013, Park Vista placed 6th in their first attempt at the Bands of America Super Regional in Atlanta Georgia.  Jupiter has made FMBC State Finals every year since 2008 when Josh first took over the visual program.

   Josh has continued his involvement in DCI (as well as WGI) as an instructor.  In 2011 he joined Teal Sound Drum and Bugle Corps out of Jacksonville Florida in their second season of world class competition.    In 2012 and 2013 he taught visual at STRYKE Percussion Ensemble as they transitioned into the world class division for WGI and will be returning back to the Stryke family working with both the indoor percussion and winds groups for 2016.  He was on the visual staff of the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps from San Antonio Texas in 2013 and 2014, where they returned to World Class Finals for the second time in 10 seasons.  In 2015 he joined the visual staff of The Cadets from Allentown Pennsylvania and is returning for 2016.

Meet Josh this Saturday at the Last Call-STRYKE Wynds Audition!

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!

Meet Paula, STRYKE Wynds Music Caption Head!

Born and raised in South Florida, Paula Monique is a musician and educator with a huge passion for the marching arts.

Paula marched lead mellophone with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps from 2002-2006, where she held the positions of Section leader ('04,'05) and Horn Sergeant ('06). In her 5 years with the corps, Paula was the recipient of multiple Distinguished Service awards, as well as the coveted "Cadet of the Year" award.
Upon aging out, Paula was selected to play trumpet in the prestigious Aimachi Marching Band from Nagoya, Japan.
Aimachi took 1st place at the All-Japan Marching Band Championships that season.

From 2007-2012, Paula was a cast member in the Emmy and Tony award-winning show "Blast!" where she played trumpet, piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn, mellophone, cornet, didgeridoo, and percussion.
Paula has done multiple tours with the company over the years throughout North America, Japan, and South Korea.
After her first "Blast!" tour, Paula joined the all-female cast of the stage production "Brass Angels - Odyssey", touring throughout Japan on trumpet and piccolo trumpet.
Paula's most recent tour was with the company of Fiddler on the Roof, as a pit orchestra musician.

Her drum corps teaching experience includes visual staff for the Teal Sound ('07) and The Cadets ('09). Brass Staff for the Boston Crusaders ('09-'11, '13) brass consultant for the Crossmen ('14) and the Bluecoats ('15)
Paula joined the Carolina Crown Brass Staff in 2015 and is returning for the 2016 season.

Paula was the mellophone instructor for the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band and is currently the visual caption head for the Stoneman Douglas High School Eagle Regiment Marching Band as well as a music/visual specialist for the Nova High School Titan Sound and WGI Winds Scholastic "A" World Champion, Nova Winds.
During the school day, Paula is a brass clinician for middle and high school programs throughout South Florida.
She also keeps a private lessons studio and is a Jupiter XO Brass Performing Artist.

Paula is very excited to be back at STRYKE Wynds for the 2016 season!

Meet Paula and the STRYKE Wynds Staff at the STRYKE Wynds Audition/Clinic on November 28th! 

Register Today!

Meet STRYKE Wynds Program Coordinator, Paco!

Jason “Paco” Nunes has been apart of the Florida community his entire life, and involved in the performance activities for the last two decades. Finishing his performing career with The Cadets Drum and Bugle corps, he went on to continue his designing and teaching career within the marching activity.  He has become an avid participant and advocate of the WGI, DCI, BOA circuits, as well as the local state FMBC, FFCC and SFWGA circuits.  The indoor percussion and winds circuits make up the majority of his work as he continues to build and grow ensembles through the state of Florida.

After recently relocating to South Florida, he began his STRYKE career with the percussion ensemble in 2009 as a visual designer. Since then, he has continued to work with STRYKE and various competitive ensembles throughout the country such as the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle corps, Boston Crusaders, Stoneman Douglas High School, West Broward High School and Nease Indoor Percussion.  

Jason is excited to work with the outstanding staff put together for STRYKE Wynds, and looks forward to a successful future with the team.

Meet Jason (aka "Paco") this Sunday at the STRYKE16 Audition/Clinic! Register today for the STRYKE Wynds Audition/Clinic!

Meet Paul Sauberer, STRYKE Winterguard's Co-Director

Paul Sauberer is a veteran of the pageantry arts activity, and has been involved in the marching band and color guard scene for over 10 years. He has been an integral component in the success of many band programs by designing flags, costumes, props, winter guard and percussion floors. He's creativity has also been an intrical part in guard soundtracks, marching band visual design, & winter guard staging.

Paul is currently on the color guard staff and design team of 2014 Class 5A State Champions, and BOA Super Regional Finalist Park Vista High School from Lake Worth, Florida. Paul has also designed and taught for programs such as Jupiter HS (Jupiter, FL), Castle HS (Newburgh, IN), East View HS (Apple Valley, MN), West Broward HS (Pembroke Pines, FL), and many other programs around the country. In addition, Paul is actively involved in the South Florida Winter Guard Association (SFWGA) circuit, serving on the classification committee and on the advisory board.

Paul’s creative mind and his proficiency in capturing those special “moments” make him a vital part of any program. With his experience in flag, costume, and set design, he elevates the visual and emotional aspect of each show he is a part of. He makes it his goal to break down the wall between performing members and the audience.

STRYKE and Paul are a perfect fit for this organization, and we can't wait to see him in action Co-Directing STRYKE Winterguard!

Meet Paul this Sunday as we kickoff the first STRYKE Winterguard Audition! 

Register online today!

Meet STRYKE Winterguard Choreographer, Jason Alexander Ciesla!

Jason Alexander Ciesla will be joining the STRYKE Winterguard Staff as a choreographer for the 2016 season.

Jason is originally from Port Jefferson, NY, but grew up in Orlando, FL. He has performed with various groups over a span of 7 years, such as The Knights World (Orlando, FL), the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps (Boston, MA), Northeast Independent World (St. Augustine, FL), Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps (Fort Mill, SC), and Braddock Independent World (Miami, FL).

Jason has also consulted, designed, and choreographed at schools and independent programs over the past 9 years. He has worked with Winter Park HS (Winter Park, FL), Lake Howell HS (Orlando, FL), West Broward HS (Pembroke Pines, FL), Park Vista HS (Lake Worth, FL), LUX Independent (St Paul, MN), Braddock Independent, the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps and the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps (Santa Clara, CA).

Jason has a strong passion for the marching arts and brings to the table years of experience, skill, and expertise. He is very excited to be working with STRYKE Winterguard this season! 

Meet Jason at the STRYKE Winterguard Clinic/Audition on October 11th!

Introducing the STRYKE Winterguard Staff!

STRYKE is proud to announce the 2016 Winterguard Staff

Nicole Darby-Ramirez, Director

Paul Sauberer, Director

Jason Ciesla, Choreographer

Matt Winans, Choreographer

Kristi Sexton, Technician

Clement Vassel, Technician

A Message From The Winterguard Staff

We are beyond excited for the inaugural season of STRYKE Winterguard. It has always been an dream of ours to have our own independent winterguard, and now that we are being given this opportunity we can't wait to see what we can accomplish. With a gifted and accomplished staff, and some of the best talent in the country down in South Florida, this is shaping up to be something special!

Please stay tuned for more information coming soon regarding dates for auditions!

STRYKE Wynds Audition/Clinic Dates are Up!

STRYKE is excited to announce the audition dates for STRYKE Wynd's 2016 season!

STRYKE Wynds was created just last year and joined in the first ever Winds Circuit of the 2015 WGI Season. They had an outstanding season in independent open class and captured the silver medal. Wynds will continue this 2016 season in providing students the opportunity to grow and receive a higher education in the performing arts. The 2016 is shaping up to be another exciting season. 

Stay tuned for more information about the Wynds 2016 season!

Go to www.strykewynds.org/auditions/ and register online for the 2016 STRYKE Wynds Audition.

Meet Nate, STRYKE's Front Ensemble Arranger

Meet Nathan Skinner, he was STRYKE's center marimba in 2012 and has been teaching and co-arranging for STRYKE since 2013. This season, Nate will be the Front Ensemble Arranger and Programing Associate.

Jazz Vibist, Nathan Skinner fell in love with jazz when he first heard Miles Davis play "So What" from the seminal album, "Kind of Blue" and when he heard Lionel Hampton play "Take the 'A' Train" he decided that the vibraphone was the perfect instrument for him. His major influences are Milt Jackson, Gary Burton, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon and Charlie Parker. He is currently a member of the Stephen Scott Quartet. He has performed with the Florida Wind Symphony and the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps (2009). He has won the Savarick Music Competition and is the 2010 Amelia Island Jazz Festival and Jazz Arts Music Society of Palm Beach Scholarship winner. He has performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Amelia Island jazz festival, and New Orleans Jazz Festival, and toured through the country.

Nathan regularly performs in Palm Beach, Miami Beach and throughout the South Florida area. He has also performed in concert with Dena DeRose, John Colianni, Marian Petrescu, Matt Wilson, Marty Morell, Jeff Rupert, Shelly Berg, Ken Peplowski, Karrin Allyson and Chuck Bergeron. Has  also recorded on the Grammy nominated album, "With Love". In addition, he graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor's in Studio Jazz Performance, and studied with Martin Bejerano, Shelly Berg, the legendary Gary Burton, and Terence Blanchard.

Nate is currently the Front Ensemble Arranger for Park Vista HS, and Music Writer/Show Designer for Seminole Ridge HS in West Palm Beach, FL.

Meet Nate at the STRYKE16 Audition/Clinic on September 27th.

Meet Battery Coordinator, Rudy Flores

Meet Rudy Flores, he has been involved with STRYKE since 2004 serving many roles, from snare tech to battery arranger. This year, he will be taking on the role as STRYKE’s Battery Coordinator.

Rudy Flores has an extensive percussive background that ranges from jazz and orchestral ensembles to marching bands and drum corps.  He studied Music Education in concert performance and jazz/drumset studies at Western Connecticut State University. Was a member of the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps (Snareline) 2001-2002.

He has been an educator for 16 years and has taught, consulted, and arranged for many groups including Connecticut Hurricanes Senior Drum and Bugle Corps, Kilties Senior drum and Bugle Corps, and of course STRYKE Percussion.

Currently, Rudy is the Percussion Director/Battery Arranger for John I Leonard High School in Greenacres, FL and Battery Technician at Jupiter High School in Jupiter, FL. He is also an independent judge for FMBC, and is part of the Vic Firth Education Team.

Meet Rudy in person at the STRYKE16 Audition/Clinic on September 27th.

STRYKE and REEF Independent

STRYKE will be holding their first Audition/Clinic in conjunction with REEF Independent, a fellow PAC ensemble. Students will now have the opportunity to audition and be evaluated by not one, not two, but three percussion ensembles (STRYKE Percussion, REEF Independent, and STRYKE Percussion 2).

STRYKE will then continue their 2nd Audition on October 11th and REEF Independent will continue their audition process on October 18th. 

Register today for the Sept. 27th Audition/Clinic!

STRYKE Winter Guard Coming Soon!

Hold on to your flags, rifles, and sabres- STRYKE will expanding their family by introducing the STRYKE Winter Guard to the 2016 season! More information will be coming soon!

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!