GREETINGS at the beginning of a new era! With this issue of our newsletter we begin a joint effort by our editors which should prove to be a great adventure. We sincerely feel that we will be giving you a better product and that it will be delivered on time! We hope you like the new newsletter and we encourage you to send us your ideas and reactions. The IDRS exists for you and will reflect your wishes ONLY as you enter into the Society. Let us hear from you!
During our recent vote on dues many members wrote in to our secretary, Mr. Lacy, and made comments and criticisms. Some of the vast majority who voted FOR the increase had the strongest criticisms. These fell roughly into three categories which I would like to discuss.
The number ONE complaint was a lack of or irregularity in our publications. This was and is a valid criticism though we have repeatedly pointed out that our editors were full time professionals who HAD to put the publications second. BUT! As you read this message the IDRS is completely caught-up with publications and this message is in the first "DEADLINE" type newsletter. As explained by the editors we plan on definite publications schedules from now on. A second part of that same complaint is a problem we have stressed before. Many times a member writes in with the complaint of not receiving some item, but when we check the files, we discover that the member has moved and has not notified us. Once again -- all members repeat after me -- "BULK MAIL WILL NOT BE FORWARDED!" If you move, PLEASE notify our treasurer immediately. Laura Jaeger, Box 25, Station A Kingston, Ontario Canada K7M 6P9
Give her your old and new address and please try to remember that it takes four to six weeks to get all this done.
Now, if you miss an issue--you KNOW it's been mailed--you haven't moved--you paid your dues--then HOLLER LOUDLY! This is the only way we have of knowing that something is wrong.
A second objection voiced was an inquiry as to where the money went. This is only a semi-valid complaint since a report from the treasurer is presented at each Annual Meeting. Presenting the report at the meeting gives the members an opportunity to question items which are on the report. Yet, I feel that a printed report is a good move. Since I was treasurer at our last meeting I hereby direct that the report from our meeting of 1977 be printed. l also authorize the printing each year of the treasurer's report. These reports will be published as presented to the members at the convention and "without comment" which could easily run into several full pages. If you are interested, read the report carefully and you should be able to answer most of your own questions!
The third objection heard was that student dues were too high. I really do not find this objection valid. Under our former dues structure a student paid $5.00 for one newsletter or $7.25 for both. We were hardly breaking even on expenses with those amounts. Under the new structure a student pays $10.00 for BOTH newsletters. With prices where they are, a student easily pays $10.00 to take a date to a movie. Surely this isn't too much for membership in such a specialized Society as the IDRS! Lastly, I submit that it was the students present at our 1977 meeting who suggested the figure!
Elsewhere in this newsletter is detailed information concerning our 1978 meeting which will be held on the campus of Occidental College August 21-23. I hope to see many of you present. Don Christlieb promises to have a truly outstanding meeting!
Your executive committee is busy making plans for the future. A few comments might be in order. The 1979 Annual Meeting will be held at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and is being planned for the third week in August. Professor William Baker will be our host. Our 1980 meeting is being planned for Edinburgh, Scotland. As of this writing we are not finished with the details, but begin now to plan on a trip to Edinburgh. This promises to be a most exciting meeting.
We have now received a formal invitation from the University of Edinburgh and I have accepted.
Obviously there will be problems, BUT we are GOING TO SCOTLAND in 1980.
Future projects being investigated as to feasibility include an expanded library, commissioning of new works, and a double reed young artists contest. We have also been checking on the cost of a "Double Reed Directory" and you should be hearing more about that before the end of the year.
Invitations for our 1981 meeting will be accepted at our meeting in Los Angeles. A preliminary guide-line for prospective hosts is included in this newsletter.
With this, our new format, I once again extend a plea to all of you to help. Many of you have expertise, knowledge, or research which you should share with us. Where else could you find a better potential reading audience for ANYTHING concerning the double reeds? Questions, suggestions, criticisms, and yes, even compliments are eagerly read by our editors. LET US HEAR FROM YOU!
I understand that California in August is GREAT!
Lowry