JAVS Fall 2002

6

PAST PRESIDENT's MESSAGE

Dear Viola Colleagues,

Have you ever known adults that are still kids inside? Some of my favorite people to be around are those who are childlike inside, and some of my least favorite people are those who are externally childish. Growing up is a complex and (sometimes) painful process that some people just avoid altogether. I am pleased to write to you today that our friend the American Viola Society is doing a nice job of maruring while maintaining its childlike enthusiasm. In the last four years, AVS has taken these important steps toward marurity as an organization: 1. Increased the number of local chapters (added Iowa and Palmetto chapters) 2. Revised the elective strucrure of the AVS board and officers: • President: Changed a four-year Past President term (backward-looking) to a three-year President Elect plus one-year Past President term (forward-looking) • Staggered terms for officers and board members to ensure consistency of operations 3. Developed an AVS presence on the web (americanviolasociety.org)

Peter Slowik

4. Instiruted a streamlined national dues collection system that has worked well for all chapters participating 5. Grown in size to our highest membership ever 6. Separated the Primrose International Scholarship Competition from the Viola Congress (alternate years), giving North America a significant international event every year 7. Published a National Teacher Directory annually- a fine step to develop future viola talent! Yet even with these accomplishments, AVS still falls short of the vision ofan organization capable ofsignificant commissions, support grants, and music publication. For AVS to achieve these goals, we will need the contin ued energy, idealism, and fearlessness ofyouth. So here's to our Society in its adolescence-full ofachievement, even more full of promise, an exciting blend of the child and the adult! May we all continue to support the Society with renewed energy through these exciting years, as new leadership takes us to new heights! This marks my last President's message; the society is now in the capable hands of (my former High School Youth Orchestra stand partner! !) Ralph Fielding. Ralph is supported by an energetic, involved, and thoughtful board-a fine leadership team to build on AVS's strengths and address our weaknesses . It has been an honor and pleasure to represent the energy and aspirations of the violists ofAmerica for four years. My sincere thanks to each member of the wonderful AVS board, "the CKathys" (Forbes, AVS Secretary, and Steely, ]AVS Editor) , and to my family for being supportive and patient during my term. I now go back to my role as a section player, supportive of the beautiful music around me, enjoy ing my quiet yet essential contribution to the musical fabric, able to enjoy the soaring melodies and pow erful bass, and serving as the glue to "make it all work. " Isn't being a violist great!? 18

Peter Slowik, Past Prez