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.
NEWS
Kingpins Open Chapter in Southwest Michigan
April 20212
The Kingpins have expanded and now are offering students in the Southwest Michigan area the opportunity to join a fun drumming program!
The Southwest Michigan Kingpins Drumline brings the excitement of drumming to students with special needs. The program leads students to a greater appreciation of music by playing drums with recorded music. All skill levels are welcome.
Programs are presented at schools and other venues around the greater Kalamazoo, Michigan area. The program was established in January 2022 and has already presented classes for more than 100 students at KRESA School, Loy Norrix High School, and the Portage Park District.
For information on how to join the Southwest Michigan Kingpins program please email Doug.Hallerberg@clstrikers.com
Donations to help the Southwest Michigan Kingpins are welcomed and will be put to immediate use for drumsticks and other equipment. Please email the Director at Doug.Hallerberg@clstrikers.com
STRIKERS AWARD 2020 SCHOLARSHIPS
February 22, 2020
At the Strikers' Evening of Percussion, eight scholarship winners from Strikers' ensembles were announced. They included:
William Laskey Memorial: Mikey Speziale
Tim Althoff Memorial: Emma Cross
Strikers: Mia Chahmirzadi, Brittany James, Brendan Schoneberg, Kris Sanchez, Linnea Sardina, Ana Munoz, and Nathan Melchert.
STRIKERS AWARDED GRANT
April 23, 2020
The Crystal Lake Strikers today announce that they have earned a grant from the Barrington Area Community Foundation (BACF) to support expansion of the organization’s award-winning Kingpins program for special needs students.
The growth of the Kingpins has led to a desire to expand the reach beyond its home in Crystal Lake. The generous grant from BACF will provide transportation and equipment to make that dream possible.
KINGPINS WIN STATE AWARD
January 24, 2020
The Kingpins received the Illinois Park and Recreation Association’s Outstanding Program or Special Event Award in Division I at its Annual Meeting on Friday, January 24. This prestigious honor is bestowed on only one organization per division.
The Kingpins Drumline, in its first year of existence, is a cooperative effort between the Strikers and the Northern Illinois Recreation Association (NISRA),
CRYSTAL LAKE THUNDER IS A 2019 WGI FINALIST !
April 12, 2019
The Crystal Lake Thunder moved into the rarefied air of Finals competition at 2019 WGI in Dayton, April 12, 2019. Their show "Weight" was extremely well received by the audience as they portrayed how the stresses and "Weight" of life can be too much for one person, but sharing that weight with others can bring relief.
In their 3 years of existence, the Thunder have moved up consistently, culminating in this 2019 Finalist position. But even more important that their placement, they created a special bond with each other as they worked together toward a common goal.
2019 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
February 27th, 2019
The Crystal Lake Strikers is pleased to introduce four recipients of scholarships presented to members of the Strikers student ensembles. These ensembles include over 90 students from area schools.
“I am so impressed by the quality and commitment of these students. Watching them perform is a great experience,” said David Purdy, a former student of Mr. Laskey’s. “These four young people are deserving of the scholarships they received and we look forward to watching them grow.”
The Crystal Lake Strikers is a performing arts organization that provides a performance outlet for adult drummers and education for local students. Georgio’s Pizza, Home State Bank, Althoff Industries, the Foglia Family Foundation, Phoenix Woodworking and Ormsby Motors are corporate sponsors.
CRYSTAL LAKE STRIKERS ANNOUNCE KINGPINS DRUMLINE
November 1, 2018
The Crystal Lake Strikers are thrilled to announce the latest addition to their educational program. The Kingpins Drumline is a cooperative effort with the Northern Illinois Recreation Association (NISRA) designed to bring the excitement of drumming to students with special needs.
“The Strikers have been expanding their education program substantially over the last five years. Adding a group for students with special needs is a great way for us to reach more people with the fun of drumming,” said Dale Hallerberg, director of the new group, “NISRA does so much wonderful work in the community and the opportunity to work with them made perfect sense.”