About Us

Mission

To encourage, inspire, and motivate all people towards excellence in life and leadership.

Vision

To provide services in the arts which create meaningful and significant experiences for all people not excluding those with financial limitations, disabilities, or at-risk youth.

Philosophy

ENCOURAGE. We believe that the arts can be used to build self-esteem and confidence. We are committed to challenging our students in healthy ways and encouraging them to discover their self-worth.

INSPIRE. We believe that if you can encourage a student, you will also be able to inspire the student. We take great pride in teaching music but it's just a tool to us. Honesty, integrity, and honor are a few values at the core of who we are and we want to be able to inspire our students to share the same.

MOTIVATE. We believe that it takes inspiration to motivate people. Our students are naturally motivated towards excellence in our program. We believe that learning excellence in one area of life will spill over into other areas such as school and community service. We want to motivate students towards excellence in life and leadership.

MEANING. Encouraging, inspiring, and motivating our students is what gives our program meaning. We further invest in our students by giving them opportunities to invest in our program by empowering them to teach other students, administrate parts of their classes, participate in fundraising, and help plan and coordinate in events.

SIGNIFICANCE. We don't just teach art. We are changing lives. That is what gives our program significance. Knowing this we actively seek the support of the community to provide scholarship opportunities for those would normally be unable to participate in an arts program.

History

Tobin & Jill Wagstaff founded Studio Percussion in June 2002 when Tobin began teaching private drum/percussion lessons out of their home.  In spring of 2003, the studio created its first group class of about 10-12 students.  A vision for impacting youth and the community by mentoring and providing leadership opportunities emerged, setting a foundation for Studio Percussion today.  Student population continued to grow and the need for a commercial location became evident.  In June 2004, Studio Percussion moved into its first commercial location on University Avenue.  At this time, developments were underway to incorporate the studio as a non-profit organization and a board of directors was formed.  Classes had become more specialized, birthing the first group drum set classes and drumline-type groups, while private lessons continued.  In 2004, three hurricanes impacted the state of Florida including the Gainesville area.  Roof leaks damaged studio equipment and created health concerns for all members.  It became necessary to move into our current location.  On November 1, 2004 Studio Percussion, Inc. incorporated as a non-profit organization.  January 2005 began a year of growth and development that accelerated its influence and impact on the community, both musically and otherwise.  In September 2006 our application for tax exemption was approved by the IRS making us a charitable 501c3 organization.  Presently, Studio Percussion is taking its mission and vision to other instruments and fine arts.

Board of Directors & Committees

Studio Percussion, Inc. is a non-profit organization incorporated through the State of Florida. We are officially a 501c3 tax exempt organization. Therefore, we are governed by a Board of Directors and a number of committees. If you would like more information on becoming a board member or a committee member please contact us.

Board of Directors

• Jill Wagstaff, President
• Tobin Wagstaff, Vice President
• Chas Hurley, Secretary
• Jean Cunningham
• Rachel Iannelli

Committees

• Executive
• Resource Development
• Scholarship
• Event Planning

top >