It has been an honor to be your president during this last year, and I consider it a special trust for y ou to select me for that office again. The International Double Reed Society is still young, still growing, and is blossoming into a flower the likes of which has never been seen in the world of double reeds.
As President during the last year I have had the honor and privilege of working with an outstanding executive committee and I sincerely thank them for their hard work and devotion to our Society. Your executive committee is listed in this newsletter. We welcome comments, ideas, constructive criticism, and even a word of encouragement, so let us hear from you.
This has been a good year! Last year, the Society was in deep financial distress. Those present in Evansville heard me as treasurer present a rather dismal picture of our finances and there was not enough money to even get through the year! Two actions were asked of the members. First we asked you to vote to increase your dues. This you overwhelmingly approved. Second, we asked for members to consider becoming "Contributing" members in 1978 but to pay the money in 1977. Enough members responded to enable us to survive that financial crisis. These members are listed in the 1978 Journal and deserve our thanks.
Now, we are NOT out of the woods, but we are progressing as scheduled and are in much better financial condition than last year. By our next meeting we hope to be completely solvent and should be able to begin some projects which had to be postponed.
Your executive board is also improving in its everyday mundane activities of running the Society. A Society such as ours is awkward because of wide-spread membership and long range correspondence, but we ARE getting the job done. The executive committee is keenly aware of our weaknesses and problems probably bother us a lot more than they do the average member. We ask for your support, your compassion, your understanding, and your constructive criticism.
Those of you who missed our Los Angeles meeting--"GO STAND IN THE CORNER!" As we say in Louisiana, "You should be shamed for yourself!" You missed a meeting which was filled with great camaraderie, marvelous performances, thought provoking discussions, and a general feeling of "Ain't you glad you came?" This delightful meeting is covered in some detail here in the newsletter, but I will say that anyone who was present and heard such performances as the Music for the Royal Fireworks in its original scoring, (actually, eight, count'm 8 contra bassoons) or the unexpected work The Pobble Who Has No Toes will certainly be back at future meetings. There is no way I could list all those who helped hosts Don Christlieb and Earle Dumler make this meeting so successful, but to Mrs. Christlieb and Mrs. Warshaw I extend a very special thanks for their patience, hard work, and love.
I would like to know how we can get more of our members to attend our meetings so I ask you standing there in the corner, "WHY?" I'm not talking about the member who simply had to miss one time, but I'm asking those of you who have never attended a meeting. DROP ME A LETTER and try to explain why you haven't. Is it the expense? Location? Programs? Is the meeting at the wrong time of year? When would it be better? Is it not publicized enough? PLEASE--LET US HEAR FROM YOU.
Our next meeting will be held August 2022, 1979 at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Professor William Baker is our host and work on that meeting has been in progress for some time.
This is a fine location and is within driving distance of most members. Let's begin planning NOW to attend and make the 1979 meeting the largest yet.
The International Double Reed Society is YOU! Sometimes it seems that the Society is run by a small group, but this is NOT so. No Society can continue with only a few individuals working. Your executive committee is always looking for ways to get members involved, but--many of you have never come to a meeting and have never written. Frankly we don't KNOW what you can or will do to help us. Time after time we have solicited your help and advice only to receive a minimum reply. Once again I ask you to give of your time and efforts. You may wonder what YOU can do, but I assure you that every suggestion received is given careful consideration. Some of the projects now under consideration are as follows: The acquisition of an executive secretary. An international board of advisors. A young artists performance competition. The expansion of the IDRS Library. An increase in membership. The finding of "lost" members from past years. Scholarships. The commissioning of a major work.
In addition, our editors are always seeking material. Many of you have expertise which SHOULD be shared. No other source offers you a comparable reading audience. Send in articles, research reports, information on performances, or anything else of interest to the double reeds. You may think you have no expertise, but your idea may trigger an exchange of ideas profitable to all.
Lastly, become a walking advertisement for the IDRS. Encourage friends, teachers, students, and acquaintances to join. Get your local library to subscribe. In short, GET INVOLVED! I welcome comments from every member. LET ME HEAR FROM YOU!
Lowry