JAVS Fall 1998

5

FROM THE PRESIDENT

I n the next year members of AVS will have rwo significant opportunities ro build a legacy ro aid future generations of violists: the campaign to reach an AVS membership of 2000 by the year 2000, and a fundraising campaign to support construction of rooms at the Primrose International Viola Archive in Provo. I'd like to discuss the importance of these rwo worthwhile efforts and urge each of us ro participate. It may seem like a stretch to assert that the "2000 for 2000" campaign will have hisrorical significance. Consider, however, that AVS has maintained irs ex cellent publications, congresses, and scholarship competition with a membership that in recent years has hovered near 1000. A significant increase in membership would free discretionary funds in the AVS budget. These funds could be used for a variety of useful projects: commissioning new works for the viola, publica tion of "lost gems" from rhe repertoire, additional support of scholarship compecicions, to name a few. To me, these acciviries should be part of the essen rial mission ofAVS-to help support and shape the future of the instrument in addition to serving the needs of roday's players and reachers. The AVS Board is counting on each of you to help rhe "2000 for 2000" effort m rwo ways: 1) Bring a new member ro AVS in the coming year-a friend, srandpartner, or student. If we each bring a new member ro AVS we will easily reach our goal. 2) Assist Bill Preucil and his committee on AVS chapters as they work to achieve their goal of providing each AVS member with an accessible local chapter. At the end of their first six months, rwo of the newest AVS local chapters (Chicago and Los Angeles) were comprised of 80% new AVS members. Active local chapters will help retain these members as a new base for AVS growth. If you live in an area not served by a local AVS chapter ( ew England, Florida, Minnesota, Texas, for instance) consider contacting Bill Preucil ro receive AVS finan cial and logistical assistance in planning a chapter-forming meeting. Starring a chapter needn't carry a long-term commitment for any one individual, as officers are elected from violists that attend the first chapter event. If your area is already served by an active local chapter, think of energetic, well-connected viola friends in different parts of the country who could develop local chapters. Contact them yourself and encourage them ro start a chapter, refer their name to Bill Preucil, or better yet, do both! A more tangible way we can build a legacy for violists of the next millennium is ro support a construction project about to rake place at the Primrose International Viola Archive. In this and future issues of the Journal you will read of this visionary project to bring rogether the re sources of PIVA in easily accessible library stacks and an inspiring and technologically up-ro-dare reading room. Last summer's AVS board meecings in Provo gave me my first opportunity to look through the PIVA collection. I wish I had had a month ro browse and study, instead of just an afternoon! The construction project will bring all of the archive's collection together and allow for easier access ro recorded performances. Please consider supporting this worth while project with a contribution. Thanks for doing your part for the furure, and for all of the beautiful music you are creat ing in alto-clef land in the presenr! May the new year be one of growth for you as well as for our organization!

Peter Slowik