Teens get with Christmas beat

If the thought of 100 teenagers with drums quickens your pulse rather than fills you with dread, Downstage could be the place to be this week.

Strike Percussion will lead school students from around the region in the Community Christmas Concert at the theatre. The concert is the culmination of the Batterie 100 project.

Strike member Tim Whitta said each year members of Strike visit a number of low decile schools to provide free music and drum education.

The idea was floated seven years ago by businessman and philanthropist, the late Lloyd Morrison.

‘‘It was kind of his initiative. We’ve carried it forward,’’ Whitta said. ‘‘It’s really come into its own.’’

‘‘The aim is to get the kids who normally wouldn’t have these opportunities to work together and develop musicianship and percussion skills,’’ he said.

In past years concerts have been held at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, Wellington Town Hall and Auckland’s Vector Arena.

Participating this year will be students from St Catherine’s College, St Patrick’s College, Kilbirnie, Rongotai College, Titahi Bay Intermediate, Ngati Toa School, Mana College, Aotea College and two students from Otahuhu College, Auckland.

Strike members have also nurtured a leadership group at Mana College for two years. Every member of the leadership group is a talent to watch for the future, Whitta said.

However, one who really stands out is 13- year- old Braidian Sleigh. Braidian specialises in four-mallet drumming techniques.

The Community Christmas Concert will be held at Downstage from December 6 until December 8. For more information or to book tickets visit www. downstage. co. nz or call 801 6946.