History teaches us however that in most cases — and in all branches — such corporations gradually became torpid and increasingly intolerant, until they finally degenerated into being a mere instrument of power in the hands of a few, their leaders. The ideological and practical reasons which had led to formation of the corporations disappeared, and with them the activating exchange between members. It was replaced by the authoritative rules and regulations imposed upon the members by their leaders.
Thus it has become evident that the great danger for every sort of fellowship, corporation or association is the gradual extinction of the active participation of its members.
Now let us give you a small example: if you, reader, find an opinion expressed in Brass Bulletin that is contrary to your own, or if you have a brilliant idea or a question to ask and you do not write us, then your idea, opinion, question is lost and gone. But if you write us, it comes to life — for the benefit of us all! Yes, it is an effort and it costs time, but it is worth it!
May we at this point ask for your collaboration in the following question:
Last summer an international brass symposium took place in Montreux, Switzerland, organized by the Institute for Advanced Musical Studies (IHEM). Some prominent participants suggested the creation of a worldwide brass association. I quote Harvey Phillips: «... to further contact between members by a yearly publication of a directory of musicians and by the regular distribution of circulars announcing concert tours by orchestras, ensembles and soloists with names, places and dates».
Before Brass Bulletin agrees to cooperate with the realization of the idea, we should like to hear our readers' opinion on it. Would you please answer the enclosed questionnaire and return it to us. (Thank you!)