For me, words have seldom expressed emotions accurately, so I find it difficult to explain my feelings on being elected as your president. To all those members who encouraged me, supported me, and worked with me in the operation of our Society, "Thank you! " I hope to justify your faith in me.
WHAT A CONVENTION! Every year I wonder to myself how it is possible to have such marvelous meetings year after year. Yet, each year finds the meeting as exciting, as inspiring as ever! I wish there were some way I could get this message across to all of you who have not yet attended an annual meeting. An International Double Reed Society meeting is WORTH the effort which may be required in order for you to attend. Where else can you hear such absolutely marvelous performances by such artists as Arthur Grossman, Leonard Hindell, John Mack, Louis Rosenblatt, and both of our editors, Gerald Corey and Daniel Stolper? Where else can you learn about and hear the music of Hans Hadamowsky? Where else can you SEE Chris Weait's diaphragm at work? Where else in the entire world can you find 300 people who "understand"?
The Society's heartfelt thanks are extended to everyone who helped make this meeting such a success. Our hosts, William Baker and Robert Cochran deserve not only a prolonged round of applause, but also a well-deserved rest! Our exhibitors worked long and hard to give us a truly outstanding display. The Ohio State University School of Music made us feel welcome and at home. The student workers did a great job, and a really special thanks goes to Geraldine Dawson for her behind the scenes work! Also special thanks to our own Laura Jaeger who not only performed on the Tuesday night recital, but also gave much of her time to registration. Thank you one and all for a most enjoyable experience.
In future issues watch for our "Host Guidelines" which are being revised for the benefit of those who might wish to have our annual meeting on their campus. The Society attempts to schedule the meetings so as to cover all areas of the world. We also schedule at a minimum of two years ahead of time. Anyone considering extending an invitation should watch for these guidelines which will be published in the near future.
The Society is always interested in improving the participation of all members in its operation. We are presently considering a revision of election procedures with emphasis on those members who are unable to attend the annual meeting. If you have suggestions for these or other ideas, PLEASE write. Only by your active participation can the officers reflect your wishes.
For the first time the Society was reported to be financially solvent at the convention. Obviously, this is a great PLUS for us, and I would like to extend a personal thanks to the many members who elected to become contributing members and who in effect paid our way from red to black tape. At the same time I would urge all of you who can afford to do so to join with these members and help the Society move towards those goals which we have had to postpone in the past. Become a Patron, Donor, or Sustaining member and help your Society achieve those goals above and beyond the mundane operations required.
HOW 'BOUT THOSE PUBLICATIONS! Our editors deserve the gratitude of the entire membership. Their untiring efforts to not only bring us a truly artistic publication, but also to do so on time are appreciated by all of us. Our next step IS to publish exactly on time and we are very close to that now. In fact, the only criticism I can make is that the publications are so superb that many of us are hesitant to submit our own manuscript for consideration. Let me encourage you to write for YOUR publication. There is no other reading audience which offers such support for your efforts. Send your manuscripts to the appropriate editor.
Note well our new address for dues and all correspondence. Richard Meek was elected treasurer and has also assumed the position of executive-secretary. In exchange for this work, the Society has agreed to sponsor a double reed scholarship at Texas Tech University. In the future direct all inquiries other than orders for back issues to:
Richard Meek, Treasurer
Music Department
Texas Tech University
Box 4239
Lubbock, TX 79409
Orders for back issues of our publications should be directed to:
Dr. Bruce Degen
1006 N. Howard
Indianola, Iowa 50125
Your officers for this term are listed in this publication. PLEASE feel free to write to any of us. We welcome your ideas! I would like to publicly thank our two out-going officers, Laura Jaeger and Richard Lottridge. Both have given of themselves for the good of the Society and they deserve our appreciation. I'm sure I'll hear again from both these fine people in some committee responsibility!
At our meeting in Los Angeles we heard an enlightening presentation into research concerning "Arundo donax L," that strange grass which reduces us all to babbling idiots! We have just received a letter from Marilyn which in effect says that poor cane seems to result from improper harvesting procedures. Those wishing further information should write to her.
Marilyn W. Veselack
CL 72, Cooper Science
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana 47306
I have several times requested aid from an attorney member of the Society. I am still working on the IRS status improvement we wish to have, and I still need an attorney member to help.
Edinburgh in 1980! The site of our next meeting is Edinburgh, Scotland. Alan H. Fox, our Travel Chairman, has presented a beautiful folder on this meeting which will be mailed to you in the very near future. The dates of the meeting are August 12-15 - but let me quote from the folder.
"August 12-15, 1980 will be the dates for the next convention of the International Double Reed Society. It will be held at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, during the week preceding the annual Edinburgh Festival, and it represents a superb opportunity for Society members to attend the conference and the festival and visit Europe at the same time."
It is vital that you observe the various deadlines as indicated in the folder, so when you receive yours, study it carefully. Remember that this is the very first INTERNATIONAL meeting of double reed players from all over the world, and it presents a most unique opportunity to all of us. For the first time in the history of our art we can get together and discuss differences in our approach to the basic problems of the double reed artist. l believe this may well be the most exciting double reed occurrence of our times. Make your plans now to be with us in Edinburgh.
Since this will be the first meeting outside the continent of North America, the executive board announces the following in the selection of performers for Edinburgh:
Due to our desire to become truly INTERNATIONAL in all respects, performers from the North American continent will be limited thereby freeing the majority of the time for overseas members to participate. Those wishing to perform in Edinburgh should write immediately to the President of the Society giving full details of your intended performance and supporting data. The executive board will review these applications in early December and notify those who have been accepted.
In closing let me say once again how I appreciate your support. Your executive board welcomes your comments, both critical and complimentary. Let us hear from you.
Lowry