1980! As we move into the next decade I find it a real pleasure to report that your Society is well! From a modest but ambitious beginning the International Double Reed Society has blossomed into a world-wide organization. Our fine editors, Gerald Corey and Dan Stolper, bring us virtual "jewels" with each publication of "The Double Reed" and the "Journal". The annual meetings continue on a super excellent level, and the Society enters the eighties in an acceptable if not good financial status.
The road has not always been smooth! We have had our share of problems in practically every aspect of our operations, yet we have survived, and will move into 1980 as a true international organization. Those who have served on the executive board during these formative years have done an outstanding job and deserve our gratitude. In order to function properly a Society needs the advice, counsel, co-operation, and ideas of many people, and THIS WE HAVE HAD! I would like to publicly thank the past and present officers who have worked closely with me during my tenure on the board. I would also like to thank those members who have written letters of encouragement, offered ideas, and given critical suggestions to me. I also would like to encourage all of you to become involved--to take an active part in YOUR Society.
Concerning the lateness of your last newsletter I would like to report that it was NOT the fault of your editors, but was an unavoidable problem at our printers, Aldingers. All of us were concerned by their lateness and trust that we will be able to meet our future publication dates.
We are still plagued with incorrect addresses which cause much confusion, irate members, and financial loss. Each time we bulk mail an item we have approximately fifty to sixty "lost" members whose mailings are returned to us for an additional minimum postage of twenty-five cents. A large percentage of these problems comes from students who use a school address which is subject to frequent change. This is why we urge all student members to use their home addresses so as to ensure receiving their publications. In addition, all members should be aware that BULK MAIL WILL NOT BE FORWARDED! So please! folks; help us be more efficient and save postage and calm your nerves by informing us of any change of address by sending your old and new address to our treasurer:
Richard Meek
Music Department
Texas Tech University Box 4239
Lubbock, Texas 79409
It is now time for 1980 dues and you will soon receive a dues notice from Richard Meek. I ask all of you who are able to do so to elect to pay your dues as a contributing, donor, or patron member. The honor of becoming a contributing member is enhanced by the knowledge that your additional support helps the Society to maintain financial solvency and enables additional projects to be undertaken.
One of the sad facts about the membership growth of our Society is that each year sees us GAIN a good percentage in new members, BUT we also seem to lose approximately the same percentage of present members. Please don't let the renewal of your membership slip by! Renew your membership as soon as you receive your dues notice. In the meanwhile make a sincere effort to recruit one new member! This is one way each of us can be actively involved in our Society. For this purpose we now enclose a membership application with each publication. USE IT! We'll even send you more. If each present member renews and gets one additional member, our Society could easily number 3,000. This increase in membership would help us achieve present goals and begin new projects.
Mailings concerning our Edinburgh meeting have been sent to all members and further information will be sent as final plans are made. Up-to-date facts are contained in this newsletter. I call your attention to the various deadlines. It is quite important for you to observe these deadlines if you wish to be assured of housing. This meeting promises to be a truly unique experience! Obviously it will be expensive. Yet the price of overseas travel is not likely to be lowered in the near future. I invite those of you who are wistfully considering the trip to join me and Central Bank in Edinburgh! I'll take the low road.
Lowry