WHAT WE DO
The Strike Institute is an educational forum that provides middle and high school percussion students the opportunity to learn, share and experience music through the medium of ensemble performance. Participants receive guidance and instruction from a diverse staff made up of the Midwest's finest educators and performers.
Founded in 2009, the Strike Institute is hosted on the campus of Clayton High School in the city of Clayton, Missouri--a suburb of St. Louis.
Instructors and guest artists at the Strike Institute comprise a who's who of the most significant professionals throughout the Midwest.
In addition to group classes in techniques and ensemble performance, students are also eligible for a number of honors including the prestigious Rick Holmes, John Kasica, Rich O’Donnell and Thomas Stubbs Strike Institute Awards, the "Fastest Hands" Contest as well as “The Gong Show” Contest.
The Strike Institute offers opportunities primarily during the summer through week-long camp experiences culminating in a final performance and awards ceremony.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Join the Fun and Excitement of Learning from an All-Star team at The Strike Institute Percussion & Drumset Camp on the campus of Clayton High School June 1-5, 2026
2026 STRIKE INSTITUTE FACULTY
• Michael Faris, Director and Percussion Instructor for CMS at Webster University
• Dr. Megan Arns, University of Missouri-Columbia
• Erin Elstner, Principal Percussion, MUNY Opera
• Kevin Gianino, Webster University
• Rick Kramer, Director of Joia Percussion
• Dr. Sebasitan Buhts, Washington University
• Mike Davis, Freedom Drumline
• Noah Petti, Director of Clayton Percussion
• Gramm Raedeke, Belmont University
• Mitchell Beckmann, Cleveland Institute of Music
• Simon Avrushenko, St. Louis Freelance
• Andrew Thalheimer, Artistic Director for St. Louis Osuwa Taiko
• Shannon Wood, Principal Timpanist--St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
FEEL THE RHYTHM
SOUND ON TO HEAR THE EXCITEMENT