Prior to leaving Towson, Lowry Riggins was overheard saying that he was afraid that he might be stuck in the dormitory elevator until Towson hosted the IDRS again. Really not to worry, Lowry, as there is an ample supply of hot water for bathing and brushing of one's teeth. And if you finally manage to escape from the tower (I never learned its name, although I heard several friends give it one or two -- all expletives), the freedom of the County Jail is just across the street and the jailhouse probably only has one key.
Living problems aside, host Gene Griswold and assistant David Phillips deserve all of our thanks for the best convention yet. Our Society has now come of age. This convention of players, clinicians, and commercial displays was as good or better than any similar event to be found anywhere. The Towson convention is a challenge to future hosts to keep the high standards that were set by Griswold and his staff.
Conventions are also for seeing colleagues and former students -- all friends: Noah Knepper and camera, Laila Storch, Lowry Riggins, Bob Mayer, Dan Stolper, Dick Killmer, Chris Weait, Arthur Grossman, Whitney Tustin, Lora Snow, Eric Ohlsson, Jim Prodan, David Nielsen, Joe Germana, and Gwen Carlton. How much airfare would it be to see each of these persons in their respective cities?
And the playing! New standards were set. Who will forget the bassoon trio of Schoenbach, Eifert, and Winstead or the sheer elegance of the Woodhams recital? Each convention assumes its own personality and the above mentioned were the apogee of this one.
Vignettes from the dormitory: Corina stuck on the elevator during the 13th floor party. Corina and Klimko doing their laundry. Celebrating (with champagne) the Weaits' 20th wedding anniversary. Watching Killmer during the Tchaikowsky 4th last movement oboe solo. Everyone stuck on the elevator!
Thanks, Gene. Nancy and Bill, we look forward to Tallahassee.