In 1967, New York-based drummer and percussionist, Warren I. Smith (WIS), founded and operated Chelsea Performing Arts Studio WIS. Chelsea Performing Arts Studio WIS, also known as Studio WIS, was a pillar of the “loft jazz” scene in Chelsea, NYC and a no-cost professional resource for talented musicians until its closing in 1996.

Across four decades, Studio WIS welcomed well-known artist and teachers like Charli Persip, Max Roach, Makanda Ken McIntyre, Howard Johnson and Warren Smith who often taught, rehearsed and performed there.

Continuing in the spirit of Studio WIS, WISPercussion Theatre patrons and performers pursue the mission to teach, support, perform and preserve America’s only original musical art form: African-American classical music. WISPercussion Theatre fills the void left with the loss of the Chelsea loft studios.

Preserve

In addition to WISPercussion Theatre’s mission to teach, support and perform, the overall
goal of WISPercussion Theatre is to preserve the original American art form of African-American classical music.

Funding

As funding for art programs in K-12 schools continues to be drastically reduced or eliminated, the need to fund arts education outside of school programs is critical. As a program for extracurricular arts education, WISPercussion requires additional funding from patrons like you to ensure that America’s only original musical art form continues to be created and cultivated.

Teach

WISPercussion Theatre, Inc. helps preserve art through educational programs by active, professionals who share their passion through teaching. Both formal and informal educational programs are conducted through WISPercussion Theatre in the form of workshops, private lessons, master classes, private and public performances, and jam sessions.

Perform

WISPercussion Theatre, Inc. continues performances by well-known artists as well as newcomers. Some young artists never get the opportunity to share their original music with the public. WISPercussion Theatre provides this opportunity and exposure.

Support

Performing art is even more difficult for talented artists without the resources to fully pursue their art. WISPercussion Theatre, Inc. provides critical support in order to encourage performing and visual artists to continue pursuing their careers in the arts. The organization offers a regular schedule of presentations and venues. Through WISPercussion Theatre, artists create and present their original works and new composers are encouraged with opportunities to collaborate with performers of other disciplines. With additional funding, WISPercussion can pay performers union scale fees for their performances. WISPercussion Theatre staff provide assistance to artists so they may focus on their presentations and artistic pursuits.