IDRS came of age as an international group with the Graz Congress. You will read elsewhere the reports of our 13th annual meeting at which over 30 countries were represented by more than 500 participants. It was especially pleasing to have our Eastern bloc colleagues attend. Our thanks go to Werner Schulze who organized the meetings, to Michael Nagy, Walter Hermann Sallagar, Rudolph Frodl, and to Karl Ohlberger for their assistance.
Many from North America made financial sacrifices to attend and perform, and I wish to thank them all and especially to John Mack who flew to Graz with a pianist and violist for a very quick trip to join Milan Turkovic in a highlight concert. Thanks John, for your support of IDRS.
A few changes have occurred which all need to know about. Charles Veazey of North Texas State has been chairman of the Gillet competition since its beginning and has asked to be relieved. Taking his place this year is our Treasurer, William Davis. Questions about the competition should be directed to him. Thanks to Charles for all his work.
All questions about The Double Reed and the journal should be directed to Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Lowry Riggins, not to the Editors.
Membership dues remain as is for 1985 despite the rise in costs of publishing. New advertising rates go into effect, however, for the first time in the history of the society.
Convention fees have been raised to $40 for the general fee. Everyone will pay convention fees, including contributing members. All fees go to the host school, not IDRS. Family members fees will be $5.00 each. Exhibitors will receive two passes each to convention activities. We hope to use identifying badges or ribbons for each category. The executive committee hopes this will ease some of the confusion experienced in earlier meetings.
The Richard Rodney Bennett woodwind quintet commissioned by IDRS, the flute, horn and clarinet societies together is now published and available through Novelle. We hope to have it performed in Boulder next summer.
We are still open to an offer to host the 1986 convention, preferably on the East coast. Ohio State will be the host if no one else comes forward before that time. A letter to me will bring information on hosting a convention.
It is time again to consider Honorary members. Please send any suggestions and supporting information to me or to Chairman William Waterhouse, 86 Cromwell Ave., London N6 5HQ England.