Dear Friends and Colleagues:
The IDRS executive board proposes to increase the IDRS membership fees effective 1997 as follows:
| Membership category | Current | Proposed |
| Patron | $250 and up | no change |
| Donor | $125 | no change |
| Sustaining | $50 | $60 |
| Library subscription | $30 | $40 |
| Regular | $30 | $40 |
| Student | $25 | $30 |
The increase is needed to maintain and further enhance services that IDRS provides to its members and to meet the ever-increasing cost of daily business operations.
As all of you are aware, IDRS in the past several years, has significantly improved existing projects as well as realized numerous new programs. Listed below are those projects and improved services. In addition to the cost of realizing these, IDRS spends $29 annually per member to publishThe Double Reed and The Journal.
IDRS has not increased its dues in the past 20 years. The society is now asking for your approval of the changes to the dues structure so that it may continue to serve its members with quality publications and innovative projects.
The IDRS constitution requires that an increase in dues must be approved by a majority of the membership voting by a mailed ballot. Members will receive a ballot to adopt this change in a separate mail. Please return the ballot by the date designated on the ballot.
The Double Reed and The Journal of the International Double Reed Society
IDRS publications have been enhanced in scope, content and format. Publications include over 100 pages of scholarly articles, announcements, editorials and reviews.
IDRS conferences feature major artists from around the world as well as provide opportunities for emerging artists to be heard. Conferences attract 500 - 800 participants world-wide.
In 1994, IDRS, in cooperation with the British Double Reed Society, IDRS Deutschland e.v., the Japan Bassoon Society, and the 24th International Double Reed Festival of Rotterdam, commissioned Jean Françaix to write his Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano. The trio will be published by Schott and will be available to the public after August, 1996. The new trio will be recorded and released (free to its members) by IDRS.
As part of the 25th anniversary of the International Double Reed Society, IDRS will produce a CD of works for bassoon and oboe that have never been released. The recording will be distributed for free to members of IDRS. André Previn has now been added to the following distinguished list of artists:
Alex Klein, principal oboe of Chicago Symphony Orchestra
George Sakakeeny of Oberlin Conservatory
Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida and Nancy Goeres, principal players of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Stefano Canuti and Sergio Azzolini, two of the most recognized soloists from Italy
John Mack and David McGill, principal players of the Cleveland Orchestra
IDRS was one of the first, and currently is one of a few music organizations, that operates an extensive web site. IDRS created its web site in March, 1995. The site contains past publications, a membership database, a search index and more. As of June 1, 1996, IDRS WWW was accessed more than 11,700 times.
In 1994, IDRS created a new membership category, namely, Associate Member. As result of this action, IDRS now maintains diplomatic relations with double reed organizations from around the world. Currently, the British Double Reed Society, IDRS Deutschland e.v., the Japan Bassoon Society, Nederlandstalig Dubbelriet, and Finnish Double Reed Society (Suomen Oboe- ja Fagottiseura r.y.) are all associate members of IDRS.
The Gillet competition is now considered to be one of the major international events for double reed players. Winners of this competition either hold positions in major ensembles or are active as soloists at the international level.
In 1994, IDRS created a grant program for its members. The purpose of the grant is to assist members in realizing projects related specifically to the double reed profession. In 1994, grant awards ranged from $1,000 to $5,000.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this proposal, please contact me directly at any time. Thank you for your support.