#bassoonnerd

Next week marks the 43rd Annual International Double Reed Society Conference. I am excited to experience great concerts, lectures, and exhibits. Similarly, I am honored to be among those presenting.

This excitement and honor pales in comparison, however, to my enthusiasm at spending a week reconnecting with old friends, making new friends, and sharing our passion for the great endeavor of MUSIC.

As a former host of IDRS, students often ask me about the Society, its value in our field, and the importance of the Annual Conferences. I can think of no better time to address these questions!

• Why do we have the International Double Reed Society?
  

When Woodwind Magazine folded, a bassoon newsletter began as a means of communication.  
Indeed, 45 years later IDRS serves first and foremost as a tool of connection and communication between double reed musicians, scholars, vendors, and instrument makers throughout the world.

As was the intent in 1969, topics range from performance trends, reeds, repertoire, recordings, job  
vacancies, classifieds, and individual players’ activities.

• Who is a member?
  

IDRS has over 4,400 members from over 56 countries! Members include university/conservatory professors, orchestral players, instrument makers, reed makers, double reed companies, publishers, composers, freelance musicians, amateurs, parents, and fans! The Society has no age minimum or maximum. Student memberships are available and encouraged!

• Why should “I” be a member?
  

In addition to joining a great and supportive group, membership provides many perks:

1. The Double Reed : Quarterly Journal of the IDRS

Contains the bulk of scholarly writing pertaining to Double Reeds. Also includes current recording and repertoire reviews  


     2.   Full access to the IDRS website, including:
Membership Contact Information
Full The Double Reed Archives (1969-present)
Select Score Downloads
Select Streaming Video
Select Midi Accompaniments


     3.  Discounted access to the Annual Conferences

•  Why are the Annual Conferences important?
  

The Annual Conferences are the largest gathering of double reed musicians in the world. They are an exchange of ideas, trends, and breakthroughs in the field. New instruments, equipment, tools, books, and repertoire are often unveiled at these conferences.

They are a venue to assess directions in performance practice. They are a location to discuss academic motion. They are a place to hear, play, and buy the oldest, the newest, the easiest, the hardest.

Finally, the Conferences feature current and rising stars in our field. An opportunity to hear these musicians perform or speak should never be missed!

The conferences are in a different location each year, making attendance at one accessible for you!

A colleague of mine is quoted as saying “Dr. S, doesn’t love the bassoon … she LUUUVVVS the bassoon.” Yup.