Beginning with this issue, the 7th since August, 1969, I am pleased to report not only the continued health and sustained interest in this newsletter, but also the important occasion of its adoption in unchanged format by the International Double Reed Society as its official bassoon-contrabassoon newsletter. This was the decision of the over 200-member first annual conference of the IDRS in Ann Arbor, Michigan, last August 1-2-3, 1972.
The conference with an enthusiastic attendance, was clearly a success, and the fast-growing list of new members further underlines the positive response to an international organization of double reed players and enthusiasts. The several lecturers mentioned here in Vol. II, No. 3 presented excellent and very practical talks and performances, appreciated by all in attendance, professionals, teachers, students, and enthusiasts. These were tape recorded for possible distribution at a later date. A working constitution was developed and approved, a pleasing wording was adopted for the society's name, and officers were elected for the first year. They are: President, Dr. Edgar S. Kirk (bassoon) of East Lansing, Michigan; Vice-President, Dr. Arthur Norris (bassoon) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Jean Cantwell (oboe) of Branson, Missouri; Corresponding Secretary, Robert Probasco (oboe) of Moscow, Idaho; Treasurer, Dr. Blaine Edlefsen (oboe) of Urbana, Illinois; and Editor of Publications, Gerald Corey (bassoon) of Ottawa, Canada.
Another very important outcome of the Ann Arbor conference was the founding of "To The World's Oboists," an IDRS newsletter paralleling this one and edited by Daniel Stolper, oboist at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Stolper and I were class mates and roommates at the Eastman School of Music, so our editorial partnership will be a happy re-acquaintance. There will be 3 issues of both the bassoon and oboe newsletters each year. And, a major new publication - an annual journal - will be edited jointly by Daniel Stolper and myself, featuring IDRS news and much longer articles on both oboe and bassoon. All members of the IDRS will receive the annual journal and either the oboe or bassoon newsletters four publications yearly. Details of application for membership to the IDRS are given below.
I am extremely pleased to see the expansion of this small newsletter idea to include all the double reed family. I am certain that real progress can now be achieved in our musical world. Yet it is also nice to know that this newsletter will remain exactly as before.
It will still be possible to subscribe directly (and only) to "To The World's Bassoonists" at $3 for 3 issues. This may be necessary for some overseas members, and I would otherwise be very sorry to lose their valuable support and indispensable contributions of ideas. I encourage everyone who possibly can, however, to continue receiving my newsletter - and a lot more through membership in the International Double Reed Society. Here is the method: Regular memberships are $10 per year. Student memberships are $5 per year (through university). Apply for membership with a check or money order and stating your newsletter preference (oboe or bassoon) to: Dr. Blaine Edlefsen, IDRS Treasurer, School of Music, University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill. 61801. Allocation of the dues is $3 for newsletter cost, an amount to be determined towards the printing and mailing of the annual journal, and the remainder into a fund for the various objectives of the IDRS.
Of primary worth, I believe, is the plan to encourage the composition of fine new music for the double reeds, both for solo and for ensemble combinations. In addition, a reference library has already been established for the use of all IDRS members. It will contain materials or information pertaining to materials as follows: music for double reed instruments (especially unpublished but available works), a listing of recordings (including location of private copies of out-of-print discs for possible tape exchange), a list of instruments in museum and private collections, a list of theses and dissertations of interest to double reed players, a list of sources of instruments, reed tools, reed cane and supplies, lists of music publishers specializing in double reed music and any other material pertaining to IDRS interests.
Volunteering for the mountainous task of assembling this library and assisting members who will use it is Lawrence Intravaia, bassoonist at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois. Mr. Intravaia asks that contributors write to him in care of the School of Music of the aforementioned University and that reference items be typed on separate 3" by 5" index cards, leaving a space in the top left corner for cataloguing. Thank you.
The IDRS, as you can already see, is now capable of expanding possibilities for all of us in the double reed family. I hope its effectiveness and strength will be assured by a large and active membership.
If you hare already paid me for Vol. III of "To The World's Bassoonists " you may deduct $3 from your year's dues to the IDRS.
Please continue sending materials to the editor(s) as before. Our oboe editor's address is: Daniel J. Stolper, 1179 Palmer Lane, Apt. D, East Lansing, Michigan. My new address is the result of a pleasing new position, 1st bassoon with the orchestra of the National Arts Centre of Canada in Ottawa: 197-D Woodridge Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario K2B 7T2, Canada. Happy bassooning, and I hope you'll enjoy all the advantages of membership in the International Double Reed Society .