JAVS Summer 2000

5

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Over the last rwo weekends I have experienced several tremendous expressions of the strength of our society in the balloting for new Executive Board members and in marvelous "mini-congress" festivals pur on by thriving locals in Chicago and Ohio. Due to a production glitch encountered by the AVS volunteers who produced the ballots, it appeared to many of you that your vote might reach us after the response deadline and not be counted. Ir was evident from the enormous imme diate volume of ballots (and the emphatic explanatory notes on many!) that vot ing for people to lead YOUR society is enormously important. Thank you to the hundreds ofyou who voted and selected an exciting leadership team from the well qualified list of candidates (election results on p. 13 of this journal). The interest and commitment of our membership overwhelmed me (and for several days, my mail carrier!). The events hosted by the Chicago and Ohio Viola Societies on successive weekends in April were models of artistry, camaraderie, and organization. How privileged I was to rake part in both! Imagine enjoying in the space of nine days: 9 solo master classes 5 group technique classes 1 solo recital 1 mixed solo recital 8 orchestral repertoire classes 3 panel discussions on careers in music 1 massed viola reading session involving the top professional players, master reachers, over 100 students, and UK guest Simon Rowland-Jones! And this was nor even a Congress! This is the kind of activity that the Society will continue to provide for its members through viral local chapters (which are supported by AVS through member dues rebates and special project grants). Chapter Czar William Preucil has created a useful article (p. 39) rhar will help you locate your nearest active local. If you don't see one in your area, please consider getting one starred yourself. (An acceptable alternative to start ing a local chapter is getting several new members to join AVS during the current "2000 for 2000" Campaign, now on its horne stretch (did you really think I could do a President's message without mentioning that?). Several moments from the last two weekends stand out in my memory: .. . A veteran, major orchestral player thanking AVS for showing him the love of music evi dent in amateurs and students at a viola day; ... Students coming together to discover the power and grandeur of multiple-viola compo smons; . . . Teachers' eyes bright with glee as talented young performers "rake up the torch;" .. . Music afficionados and artists with major international careers enjoying each other's con tributions in lively discussions of chamber music and reaching. These are the moments that make our society great. Thank you for the part you have played in getting us to this stage, and here's to the next rime that our warm, expressive instrument brings us together! 13

Peter Slowik

Fraternally,

Prez