International Double Reed Society

The International Double Reed Society (IDRS), is an organization that promotes the interests of double reed players, instrument manufacturers and enthusiasts.^[1] Services provided by the IDRS include an international oboe and bassoon competition, an annual conference, a member directory, a library, information about grants, and publications, such as the society's own journal, The Double Reed.

The IDRS Fernand Gillet-Hugo Fox International Competition for oboists and bassoonists takes place every year during the society's annual conference.^[2]

History

The IDRS grew out of a 1969 newsletter for bassoonists compiled by Gerald Corey.^[3] Professor Lewis Hugh Cooper at the University of Michigan and Alan Fox, president of bassoon manufacturer Fox Products, founded a “double reed club” to promote opportunities for double reed players. Together with Corey, they organized a meeting during the December 1971 meeting of the Mid-Western Band Masters convention, and the first annual conference of the double reed society assembled in August 1972 at the University of Michigan.