A special mailing of the IDRS Constitution as amended at the August, 1973 conference (Sioux Falls, South Dakota) and the first of a series of informational memoranda to the membership has preceded the mailing of this newsletter by about three weeks. The IDRS officers look forward to receiving your ratification vote on the Constitution for prompt tabulation.
The second annual meeting of the International Double Reed Society was held at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on August 20 and 21, 1973. With Richard Rath and Leland Lillehaug as gracious hosts, those members attending enjoyed two days of musical enjoyment, enlightenment, and good fellowship. In two business meetings, efficiently chaired by President Arthur Norris, an amendment of the constitution was drafted and new officers were elected. Guest speakers included Wilma Zonn, who discussed "Problems in Performance of Contemporary (Avant Garde) Literature, Donald Munsell, "Selected Literature for the Bassoon"; John Mack, "Effective Guidance for the Young Oboist," Alan Fox and Richard Tienvieri, "Souping for Sound" (Practical Acoustics of Woodwind Instruments); Arthur Benade, "Acoustics of Conical Woodwinds"; Blaine Edlefsen, "Small Ensembles for Oboes and/or English Horn"; and Brad Buckley, speaking on the contra-bassoon. Mr. Buckley is contra-bassoonist of the St. Louis Symphony; Blaine Edlefsen is professor of oboe at the University of Illinois, Alan Fox is president of Fox Products Corporation; John Mack is the distinguished principal oboist of the Cleveland Orchestra; Donald Munsell teaches at the University of Southern Mississippi; Arthur Benade is on the faculty of Case-Western Reserve University; and Wilma Zonn is a noted recitalist specializing in contemporary literature.
In evening sessions, IDRS members enjoyed a preview showing of Don Christlieb's film on bassoon reed-making, and a screening of Blaine Edlefsen's film "Making the American Scrape Oboe Reed." Performances included the American premiere of Ralph Nicholson's Impromptu for Contra-Bassoon, played by Cornelia Biggers; Dialogue for Oboe and Clarinet, by Franz Furrer, performed by Wilma and Paul Zonn; One Into Another (Ariel) for English Horn and Tape by William Hellerman, played by Wilma Zonn; James Meyer's Statement (for unaccompanied contra-bassoon) performed by Brad Buckley; and Donald Munsell's performance of Vincze Imre's Sonata. Members also enjoyed a social evening hosted by members exhibiting instruments at the conference. The society is indebted to Richard Rath for his energetic work in making the 1973 conference the great success it was.