Midsouth Double Reed Society

The Midsouth Double Reed Society (MDRS) was organized in 1994 to promote double reed performance by establishing an organization that can champion the development and enjoyment of double reed performance in the Midsouth area. The society publishes a newsletter twice a year that includes information of interest to oboists and bassoonists, and advertisements by sponsors. Each year a conference is held that feature prominent performers and teachers. The attendance has ranged from 50-91 oboists and bassoonists. The Midsouth Double Reed Society is composed of double reed students, teachers, symphony players, retired musicians, interested amateurs, and band directors from four states. The MDRS area includes (but is not necessarily limited to the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee).

The 2003 conference will be held January 24-25 at the University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS). Clinicians have not yet been confirmed. The Executive Committee of the Midsouth Double Reed Society includes: Dr. John Bivins (University of Southern Mississippi), Dr. Dale Clark (University of Memphis), Lorraine Duso (University of Central Arkansas), Dr. Wade Irvin (University of Mississippi, Mrs. Katy Piecuch (University of Mississippi), Mr. Chris Piecuch (Overton High School, Memphis), Dr. Dan Ross (Arkansas State University), Mr. Jon Wenberg (Mississippi Symphony), and Ms. Leyla Zamora (Memphis Symphony)

To become a member or obtain registration information, contact the Midsouth Double Reed Society, Department of Music, 116 Meek Hall, University, MS 38677; or contact Wade Irvin at (662) 915-1274 or by e-mail: jirvin@olemiss.edu.

Past Conferences

March 3-4, 1995: hosted by Wade Irvin and Katy Piecuch at the University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS) with clinicians Howard Niblock (professor of oboe, Lawrence Conservatory of Music), Richard Beene (professor of bassoon, University of Michigan), Dan Ross (professor of oboe, Arkansas State University), James Keyes (James Keyes Bassoons, Memphis, TN), Dr. Gerald Teachey and Dr. Jan Petri (Voice Care Associates, Memphis, TN).
March 1-2, 1996: hosted by Wade Irvin and Katy Piecuch at the University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS) with clinicians Nancy King (professor of oboe, University of Illinois), Richard Beene (professor of bassoon, University of Michigan), Chip Owen (technician, Fox Products, Inc.), and Dan Ross (professor of oboe, Arkansas State University), and Katy Piecuch (professor of oboe, University of Mississippi). Additionally, the Fox Corporation displayed oboes, bassoons and accessories.
March 7-8, 1997: hosted by Katy Piecuch, Leyla Zamora, Paula Turner and Wade Irvin, at Rhodes College (Memphis, TN) with clinicians Harry Sargous (professor of oboe, University of Michigan), Tim McGovern (professor of bassoon, University of Illinois), Chip Owen (technician, Fox Products, Inc.), and Alan Balter (conductor, Memphis Symphony Orchestra). Additionally, the Fox Corporation displayed oboes, bassoons and accessories.
January 9-10, 1998: hosted by Wade Irvin and Katy Piecuch at the University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS). Clinicians were Richard Killmer (professor of oboe at Eastman) and John Hunt (professor of bassoon at Eastman), David Weber (Weber Reeds), and Theresa Delaplain (professor of oboe at the University of Arkansas). Additionally, the Fox Corporation displayed oboes, bassoons and accessories.
March 19-20, 1999: hosted by Wade Irvin and Katy Piecuch at the University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS) with clinicians Sherry Sylar (Associate Principal Oboist with the New York Philharmonic), Christopher Weait (professor of bassoon, Ohio State University), Dan Ross (professor of oboe at Arkansas State), and Chip Owen (Fox Products), and Chris Piecuch (Overton High School, Memphis TN), Additionally, the Fox Corporation displayed oboes, bassoons and accessories.
March 17-18, 2000: hosted by Dale Clark and Janet Page at the University of Memphis with clinicians Rebecca Henderson (professor of oboe, University of Washington), George Sakakeeny (professor of bassoon, Oberlin Conservatory), Dale Clark (professor of bassoon, University of Memphis), Janet Page (professor of oboe, University of Memphis), and Dan Ross (professor of oboe, Arkansas State University). Additionally, the Fox Corporation displayed oboes, bassoons and accessories.
March 16-17, 2001: hosted by Dan Ross at Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR) with clinicians Rebecca Henderson (professor of oboe at the University of Washington), John Hunt (professor of bassoon at Eastman), Chip Owen (technician, Fox Products, Inc.). Additionally, the Fox Corporation displayed oboes, bassoons and accessories.
No conference in 2002