Dues
Dues are coming in at a pretty good rate. As of this date, May
22, 1 have received dues payments from about two thirds of you.
But, this still leaves over a thousand of you who are holding
out on me! Get those dues in!
Matching Funds
A very few members have used their company's matching fund program
to send Extra dues. If your company has such a program, why not
investigate it? You might find that the company is willing to
match your dues.
Americanized?
I occasionally get letters from members outside the USA in which
the opinion is offered that the Society is too Americanized. I
must admit that in numbers the Society is overwhelmingly USA in
nationality. But I also must say that there is no reason for anyone
to feel left out of the Society. I frequently send notes to members
suggesting that they write for our publications. Our editors are
always wanting material, and we will print in your language if
at all possible. We even have a few volunteer translators willing
to help. All the members of the Society are interested in all
the members of the Society. Most of the ones who offer this "Americanized"
criticism have
never been to a conference. Attending just one conference such
as we held in Manchester should convince even the most stubborn
that we as a Society are truly interested in one another. I am
always amazed at how four bassoonists can "converse"
with each other in four languages about the fingering of some
obscure passage! If you feel the Society does not represent you,
maybe it's because you have not really gotten involved. Try writing
an article, attending a conference, heck, you can even write me
a letter!
Baton Rouge
I hope some of you will drop by on your way to Baton Rouge. If
you get in town and simply can not find my place, just call 343-5715
and I'll try to "talk" you in. In spite of what you
may have been led to believe, Louisiana is not all swamps and
alligators. I, for instance, live on a bit of high ground, and
it's almost 400 feet to the bayou! "Eating" is an art
in Louisiana so bring your appetite, and let the good times roll.
P.S.
I have found one of the missing people with uncredited dues. Please
take a look at the last issue and see if you are there.