About

The WIP (Work In Progress) group was founded by Shelley Bedel-Stiles and Barbara Brown in 2004. Harry Viar, their piano teacher, had a yearly student recital, and the two women felt that it might be useful to have a place where Harry's students could practice performing in front of others. They enlisted other students, and the informal monthly gatherings began.

When it came time to name the group, Harry didn't want his name associated with it as he felt the group should outlast him. He also never attended, as the idea was to have a place to perform without critique, free of the student-teacher relationship.

Shelley typed up and printed half sheets that listed when and where the next gathering would occur. She left them on Harry's dining table where students waited before lessons started.

In 2014, someone had the bright idea of recording the music played at each gathering, along with the names of the performers and the host. At some point, all the information in the book was copied onto this website.

Harry died on March 10, 2024, but (as he wisely planned for) the group continues. New members are welcome. If you'd like to join, check out the pages on Joining and Attending.