With this issue we complete our first full year of combined newsletters. I think "The Double Reed" is a great success! The new format looks beautiful. The cover is both striking and strong, able to withstand many years of use. The articles have been fabulous! These publications are the very heart of our Society and our editors deserve a round of applause. Take time NOW to write a letter of congratulations to our editors. I say, "Bravo! Dan and Jerry, Bravissimo!"
Our editors have acquired help over this year, but both always welcome articles, research papers, critiques, and other writings concerning the double reeds. NOWHERE else will you find such a large, specialized reading audience. I strongly encourage you to send your writing to us for possible publication.
A year ago I asked you to bear with us for one more year. I think that year has been outstanding! Our publications are first-rate and published on schedule, we are rapidly becoming financially solvent, our meetings continue to be superior, and we continue our growth as a musical organization. We still have problems--we'll always have problems-- but we are solving them and improving even in the mundane operation of a worldwide Society.
Our 1979 convention will be held on the campus of the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio on August 20-22. Professor William Baker, our host, promises to have another outstanding meeting. Columbus is within driving distance of many of our members, so let's all plan to attend and make this the largest meeting we've had!
At my request last year many of you became Contributing members for 1978. The need at that time was vital and those who did become Contributing members did a great service in helping the Society overcome a real financial crisis. We are not in any kind of crisis at this time, but I ask you to again consider becoming a Contributing member. The extra money from such members will help us to meet our goal of being completely solvent in 1979 and will enable your Society to begin moving on projects which had to be postponed. I encourage as many of you as possible to become a Contributing member in 1979.
In addition to becoming a Contributing member I urge you to do your share of recruiting. Our membership has not increased as rapidly as we would prefer. Each year sees us gain a given number of new members, but lose enough old ones to cause our total to remain rather static. I hope that each of you will renew your membership in 1979, then do your best to get at least ONE new member for the year. Encourage friends, students, teachers, and anyone interested in the double reeds to join our Society. Show them a publication and give them a membership application. If each of us will renew and get one new member, the IDRS could top 2,500 members in 1979.
In our Society we have performers, teachers, students, scientists, and many other professions represented. The Society has need of an Attorney who will volunteer his services to help us acquire the l.R.S. rating of 501 (C)3. We are at present rated 501 (C)6 and I have the files. I would greatly appreciate hearing from an attorney member who could help us in this very important business.
The Society could also use translators. We have problems with the translation of articles by overseas members on the one hand, and would like to try to publish some articles in languages other than English. If you would be willing to help in this please contact our editors.
Lastly, let us hear from you! Your comments, suggestions, criticisms, and compliments are all carefully read. The IDRS is YOU, but we need to hear from you if we are to reflect your ideas.
To the Executive Committee, to all the chairmen and members who have done so much during this year, I would like to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" and to ask for your continued support. I look forward to seeing all of you in Columbus.
Lowry