Dom Ngapera (left) and Tim Whitta perform at McLean Park. Photo by Hawke’s Bay Today.

Five locals are doing more than most to drum up support for Cricket World Cup matches being played on Napier’s McLean Park.

Wellington-based Strike Percussion have been hired to help entertain the crowds at all the New Zealand fixtures and, as part of that arrangement, the group are also inviting talented local musicians to join them in playing at each of the tournament’s venues.

A member of the professional group before taking up his position as programme coordinator of EIT’s Certificate in Contemporary Music Performance, Tom Pierard was a standout choice for the three internationals scheduled for Hawke’s Bay.

Knowing the local music scene as well as he does, Tom was also well-placed to recommend some good drummers.

Two are graduates of ideaschool’s one-year certificate programme, Dom Ngapera and last year’s top student Brad Gamble. Strike Percussion also picked up on Tom’s suggestions for two further talents from Napier – as it happens, graduates of EIT’s Bachelor of Computing Systems, Malcolm Blake and Chris Smith.

Pitch perfect at Wednesday’s match between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the drummers will be back helping to entertain cricket fans at the next two Hawke’s Bay fixtures – New Zealand versus Afghanistan on Sunday, March 8 and the West Indies v UAE on Sunday, March 15.

Tom says the Cricket World Cup opportunity is great experience and exposure for local musicians.

“It’s exciting playing before a capacity crowd of 21,000 people all keyed up to watch an international match.

“It also goes to the versatility of those graduating from the EIT programme. We teach them how to pursue opportunities and provide logical pathways for creating a sustainable future using their particular skills and abilities.

“Howzat?” is his call on this particular opening.