Oxford - The latest gifts to Miami University's department of music literally help notes to flow; they are a pair of bass bows.

A French bow (with a small “frog” or grip) made by bowmaker Rick Reeve has been donated by Leslee Rickard, from Fleming Island, Fla. Rickard was a professional double bass player for 50 years, performing with the Indianapolis Symphony and the group Camerata in Indiana, starting when it was rare to see female bass players. The bow is appraised for $1,500.

Barbra Lah, of Lombard, Ill., donated a German bow (with a big “frog” or grip) appraised for $2,500. Lah played with the Houston Symphony in 1947-48 and is also considered a pioneer as a female bass player in a major orchestra.

“It’s a coincidence that these gifts came at the same time, as these wonderful women musicians did not know each other,” said MU bass professer Steve Ullery. “But they are a great help to us as some of my students do not yet have their own bows." The bows will be used both in classes and performances, he said.