Editor's Note: Most of you already know that long-time IDRS treasurer, Lowry Riggins, was elected to the presidency of the Society at the Evansville convention in August. Other new officers are Hugh Cooper, first vice-president; Richard Lottridge, second vice-president; Edwin Lacy, secretary; and Laura Jaeger, treasurer. I'm sure I speak for the whole membership when I wish them all a most successful term. Gerald Corey, my co-editor, will give a report on the musical events of the convention in the next issue of TTWO.
Being elected President of the International Double Reed Society is the greatest honor you could bestow upon me. I accept that honor and responsibility with the promise that I will work hard for the continued growth of our Society, both in quantity and in quality. I would like to express my appreciation to Earl Clemens, our immediate past President, for his contributions to the growth of the Society. Earl has worked very closely with me to make the transfer of duties exceptionally smooth. Thank you, Earl!
Our convention this year was held in Evansville, Indiana on the campus of the University of Evansville. I will leave it to our editors to give you the full details of a most successful meeting, but I wish to acknowledge our thanks and appreciation to the University of Evansville for their warm hospitality. From President Wallace B. Graves to the student workers, we received the finest in cooperation, and their contributions to our meeting are appreciated by all. A special thanks to our host, Mr. Edwin Lacy of the University of Evansville faculty for his year long efforts culminating in such a successful convention. And to Mrs. Lacy who performed as keyboard colleague and hostess, "Bravo, Beverly!"
To those of you who were unable to attend the convention, let me say that you missed out on three thrilling days! You missed a wonderful opportunity to hear lectures, recitals, and demonstrations which left me "recharged" for the year. I urge all members to plan to attend our next convention in Los Angeles, California in August of 1978, and to find out for yourselves what you have been missing. Program chairman Don Christlieb promises many special musical events and exciting meetings, details of which will be published in early 1978.
Those members present in Evansville heard a report from your Treasurer which was far from glowing. It has been repeatably noted that our expenses were climbing rapidly, but no one could have anticipated just how rapidly and how high they would climb. Members at Evansville discussed many possible solutions to our financial problems. You have recently received one of the proposals offered by those members: your Society needs a better percentage of "Contributing members" in the different new categories established--NOW in order to survive! In a recent mailing, you have received a ballot for a proposed new dues structure. I strongly urge the adoption of the proposed dues structure, and I ask each of you who is financially able to consider becoming a "Contributing member" of IDRS NOW! Only positive action by the membership will enable the Society to continue its growth. Other proposals discussed at Evansville will be explained by your editors.
And speaking of editors, I would like to publicly express my appreciation to Gerald Corey and Daniel Stolper, not only for just the "doing" of such a monumental task, but also for doing it in such style. Let these guys know you appreciate their work! Please also remember that our editors are performers and teachers. They are constantly in search of materials for publication. Many of you are doing research, supervising research, or you simply have an article you always wanted to write. Many of you are really into recordings, avante-garde, Baroque performance, or whatever. Please! Let us know about your activities -- send us your articles -- report on your research -- help us keep all of us in IDRS informed! If you are interested in helping our editors, contact me with full details.
Our membership this year is already close to 1400! Yet we are only the visible tip of an iceberg. Can you imagine how many performers, teachers, students, manufacturers, and friends of the double reeds there must actually be?! Our potential for growth is almost unbelievable! I urge every member of the Society to become so aware of the International Double Reed Society that you will automatically ask every double reed person you meet if they are a member. If not, give them a membership application! The Society can grow ONLY if each individual member exerts himself or herself to help make it grow.
CALIFORNIA, here I come! I hope to meet many of you in Los Angeles in August of 1978. Until then, keep a sharp reed knife!
Lowry Riggins