ABOUT US
The Crystal Lake Thunder is an indoor drumline competing as a WGI Class A Independent group. In their 3-year history they have grown from a beginner performance group into a WGI Finalist.
Indoor drumline is a competitive winter-based pageantry art centered around rudimentary marching percussion. Stemming from competitive drum and bugle corps, the indoor drumline activity encompasses scholastic and independent circuits under one umbrella organization called Winter Guard International - or WGI. Thunder operates as an independent group, competing in the Percussion Independent A class. Most students of independent organizations range in age from 14 to 22, at which point you graduate from the activity. Each ensemble prepares a floor show lasting approximately 6 minutes, and spends their season rehearsing and perfecting their program until meeting mid-April in Dayton, Ohio for the WGI Percussion Championships.
Performance. Education. Community.
Performance. Education. Community.
Help The Strikers !
HOW CAN I HELP THE STRIKERS?
If you would like to make a donation to the Crystal Lake Strikers, please click "Donate" below.
If you prefer to send a check, please address it to:
Crystal Lake Strikers
54B Lou St.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
WHERE DONATIONS GO
SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year, the Strikers award scholarships to deserving high school students who participate in our educational programs. We are proud to have provided over $50,000 in support to students in more than 10 years of the programs. To meet the most recent scholarship winners, please click here.
A scholarship honoring Aaron Shepley, Strikers co-founder and mayor of Crystal Lake will be awarded starting in 2022.
PROGRAM EXPANSION
We currently offer six student programs but do not want to stop there. The Strikers would like to expand our offerings to more students, including additional opportunities for younger percussionists and color guard performers. We want to expand the Kingpins to more areas. To keep costs low for the students, the Strikers organization subsidizes each program.
OUR NEW HOME
After 12 years of growth, the Strikers now boast seven ensembles, over 170 students and members, summer camps, and more than 30 performances each year. Along with that growth came need for a home to call our own. After a long process, we are happy to announce that 54 Lou Street, Crystal Lake is the official "Striker Hall" for many years to come. This new location also comes with a significant financial commitment. Your donation will help maintain the new facility for our current and future programs.
DONATE TO THE STRIKERS
The Crystal Lake Strikers are a 501c3 tax exempt organization registered with the IRS in recognition of the good work that the Strikers do in the community.
This designation allows Strikers supporters to make a tax deductible contribution to the Strikers Drumline and its subsidiary lines to help cover the expenses associated with providing educational opportunities to young musicians in the region as well as the expenses associated with running the line all year long.
Our supporters should know that no board members or performers associated with the Strikers are paid for the services they provide.
A letter acknowledging your gift, including an appropriate tax receipt, will be forwarded to the donor. Alternatively you may speak to a line director or use the Contact Us form for more information.