Jean-Pierre Mathez, Editorial, BB 12 (1975)

You will remember that Brass Bulletin 10 contained a questionnaire asking our readers’ opinion about the desirability of the foundation of an International Brass Association. Of roughly 1000 subscribers not more than 40 took the trouble to fill out and return the questionnaire to us — a rather poor response. In this issue, column C, correspondence, you will find some interesting remarks picked out from the 40 replies.

The desire to create associations, i. e. to band together, is apparently increasing (according to sociologists), especially so in countries where man becomes acutely aware of his solitude and impotence as an individual as opposed to the multiple powers that influence his destiny (musicians f. i. are more and more involved in the machinery of commercial exploitation). But does that man realize that the association he craves for, as the fulfilment of his hopes, will be constructed and developed in exactly the same way as Society itself, so that in the end he will find himself just as passive and overrun as before? (Persons that participate actively both in associations and society are invariably the same ones!)

Brass Bulletin so far has always addressed itself to the individual and will continue to do so in the future — unless the majority of its readers should manifest the wish for a change.

We are giving everybody a chance to express his opinion, to bring information and discuss whatever subject he or she thinks of interest — thus creating a versatile compass, where every individual can find something to his liking and/or widen his knowledge.

Of course our columns are open to members of all associations, and their leaders can make use of Brass Bulletin (in the columns B, chronicles, and C, correspondence) to diffuse the gist of their activities and manifestations.

We have the pleasure to announce that Jean Douay, solo trombone of the National French Orchestra, has offered his services to Brass Bulletin, so as to give the trombone section the benefit of his knowledge and experience. Douay is, after Roger Bobo, tuba, the second great professional to give the editors of Brass Bulletin his much esteemed support. This precious participation of the Great Ones should not in the least intimidate other musicians: we want everybody to feel free to express his opinion and can assure you that every participation will be welcome!

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