In a recent letter from the oboe professor at the Santa Cecilia Academy in Rome, a particular comment stood out: "My students and I eagerly await the arrival of The Double Reed. We Italians are used to delays, but the high quality of the magazine more than compensates for an occasional long wait." We love this kind of fan mail, but as my colleague Ron Klimko says elsewhere in this issue, we believe we have streamlined our publishing process so that you, our valued readers, can expect far more regular delivery of the publications than in the past.

We have interesting plans for 1986 and onward: an exhaustive history of oboe teaching and study at the Paris Conservatoire, its professors and prize-winners, by the tireless Dr. George Conrey; an account of my own visit to the People's Republic of China, where I was able to teach and perform through most of June, 1984 (including photos of luxuriant cane fields); and expanding into a more truly international posture, occasional articles in foreign languages will appear, beginning with a fascinating one about new oboe works from South America, written by a Urugayan colleague. I have also been urged to continue my series of interviews (started so long ago with those with Joe Robinson and Tom Stacy), expanding geographically, and including young professionals, oboists in mid-career, and those recently retired. Naturally this work will be limited by my own busy schedule of teaching, performing, and travel, including some for the National Endowment for the Arts.

Congratulations to Bob Bloom and Sol Schoenbach on their induction to the distinguished group of honorary members. Both gentlemen have been friends and supportive musical influences. And warmest wishes to new President Bill Winstead, a special friend, and one of the finest double reed artists I know.

Like Ron, I look forward to your letters and your articles. Happy Messiahs, Nutcrackers, and all the best for '86.

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