Founded in 1993, Strike is a high energy-drumming group made up of New Zealand's most outstanding percussionists. While working in a variety of different styles, Strike specialises in movement-based or choreographed percussion. This concept of "Percussion in motion" is developed in their Stage Shows.
Strike is committed to working with New Zealand composers, as well as creating their own pieces. They are often called on to collaborate with other musicians or groups from dancers to symphony orchestras.
Strike creates its own "classical crossover" audience extending their understanding of percussive based music and movement. The mix of musical influences, Pacific, classical and contemporary, combined with the movement and theatre-based presentation, make Strike unique in the world of percussion-based music.
The Performers
Murray Hickman
Murray, a founding member of Strike, graduated from the Wellington Conservatorium of Music in 1993, then studied with Michael Askill at the Institute of the Arts at the Australian National University, before becoming an Assistant Lecturer in Percussion at the ANU in 1996-97. Murray has been Principal Timpanist with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, recorded solo and chamber works for the Anthology of Australian Music on CD, and toured the USA as soloist with the National Band of NZ. He has performed for Chamber Music New Zealand, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Wellington Sinfonia, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, New Zealand Chamber Orchestra, Saxcess, and the New Zealand Percussion Ensemble.
Tim Whitta
Tim joined Strike in 1999. He is now one of the creative directors and main composers. He studied at the Wellington Conservatorium of Music at Massey University graduating in 2002 with a Batchelor of Music majoring in percussion. He has studied with Jeremy Fitzsimons and Gareth Farr. Tim has played percussion with the Wellington Sinfonia, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the New Zealand Chamber Orchestra, and the Auckland Philharmonia. He has toured with Chamber Music New Zealand, and has worked with people as diverse as Anika Moa and Saxcess. As a composer Tim's credits also include music for film and dance.
Rachel Jefferies
Rachel has recently completed her honours year in Music Performance. Her early musical days in Christchurch included piano, cello and percussion. In Canterbury she performed with local brass bands, the Canterbury Percussion Ensemble, Pandemonium Percussion and the Christchurch Symphony.
Since arriving in Wellington, Rachel has worked with the National Youth Orchestra, the Wellington Sinfonia and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Eric Baldwin
Eric is originally from Vincennes, Indiana (USA). He Graduated in 2000 from the Indiana University Bloomington School of Music with a Bachelor's of Musical Performance Degree in Percussion. Prior to University he attended the Youth Performing Arts High School in Louisville, Kentucky (USA). Eric spent time at the Interlochen Summer Music Camp (1995) and the Tanglewood Summer Music Festival (1999) before moving to Vienna, Austria briefly in 1999 to study music, teach, and work as a freelance percussionist. Eric has performed throughout New Zealand with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, 175 East New Music Ensemble, Auckland Chamber Orchestra, Dunedin Southern Symphonia, and the Dalewool Auckland Brass Band.
Leni Sulusi
Leni's popularity with an audience was apparent in his first concert appearance with Strike – 'If Skin could Talk' in 2003. He came to Strike from Auckland where he has performed with the Auckland Philharmonia and several of the countries top brass bands. Leni was a feature soloist with Dalewool Auckland Brass and in 2003 Leni represented New Zealand with the National Youth Brass Band tour of the United Kingdom. He also appeared with the NZYBB in 1999 and 2000 as section leader – percussion. He attended Manurewa High School and studied music at Auckland University. Leni has played on several CD recordings and has taught drums and percussion extensively throughout Auckland schools. In his spare time Leni enjoys touch rugby, basketball, dancing and clay modelling. Leni's motto is 'I don't want to talk about it, I just want to do it'.
