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.

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 first annual conference (March 3-4, 1995) was held at the University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS), and was successful beyond all expectations with 69 registered participants. Clinicians for the conference included Howard Niblock (professor of oboe-Lawrence Conservatory of Music), Richard Beene (professor of bassoon-University of Michigan), Danny Ross (professor of oboe-Arkansas State University), James Keyes (James Keyes Bassoons-Memphis, TN), Dr. Gerald Teachey & Dr. Jan Petri (Voice Care Associates-Memphis, TN). The conference was hosted by Wade Irvin and Katy Piecuch.

On March 1-2, 1996, the second conference was held and drew 91 oboe and bassoon players. This conferences were also hosted by Wade Irvin and Katy Piecuch at the University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS). Clinicians included< B> Nancy King (professor of oboe-University of Illinois), Richard Beene (professor of bassoon-University of Michigan), Chip Owen (Technician-Fox Products, Inc.), and Danny Ross (professor of oboe-Arkansas State University).

The Spring 1997 Conference was held at Rhodes College (Memphis, TN) and hosts included Katy Piecuch, Leyla Zamora, Paula Turner and Wade Irvin. The clinicians included 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).

The fourth annual conference will be held January 9-10, 1998 at the University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS). Clinicians will be Richard Killmer (Professor of Oboe at Eastman) and John Hunt (Professor of Bassoon at Eastman). Additionally, we will have a representative from Fox displaying instruments. Hosts for the conference will be Wade Irvin & Katy Piecuch.

The Executive Committee of the Midsouth Double Reed Society includes: Dr. John Bivins (University of Southern Mississippi), Dr. Wade Irvin (University of Mississippi), Dr. Patty Malone (University of Southern Mississippi), Mrs. Katy Piecuch (University of Mississippi), Mr. C hris Piecuch (Overton High School-Memphis), Dr. Danny Ross (Arkansas State University), Mrs. Paula Turner (Craigmont High School-Memphis), 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, 132 Meek Hall, University, MS 38677; or contact Wade Irvin at (601)232-1274 or by e-mail: jirvin@olemiss.edu.