[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 59-03, July - September, 2005 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

Ontario Chapter Operations Training Seminar
 (COTS-PLUS) —  January 6, 7, 8, 2006

By Don Pyper, Ontario District COTS Co-ordinator

Take advantage of the efforts of our district volunteer leaders to provide you with:
[a] the best barbershop instruction available, including the Ontario PLUS courses
[b] a Saturday Night Show worth twice the price, in the famous Orillia Opera House

Here’s a quick outline of the courses and extras all included in the registration. All courses are re-designed to accommodate the class members questions and concerns. All instructors are top notch leaders with many successes to their credit.

1. PRESIDENT — Instructor/our own Dave Daniels — This course will deal with the best information on resources,  planning, organizing volunteer activity, resolving issues, and successful leadership, and every question you bring to the group.

2. SECRETARY — Instructor Chris Buechler — Every chapter has welcomed the work of a secretary who knows his way around the task of keeping accurate records on members, meetings special chapter activities, occasions, and milestones. Ontario District secretary Bev Grahlman will help with “Canadian”  items.

3. TREASURER — Instructor Steve Stojowski — It’s been said that if the financial records aren’t in order, nothing else is. It is most important that a chapter keep accurate records of  the chapter’s and members related financial activities. Ontario District treasurer Harry Sirna will help with  “Canadian” requirements.

4. CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT — Instructor Ev Nau — There are very few people in the Barbershop Harmony Society who know as much about developing a chapter as Ev Nau. We welcome him back to the now famous Ontario COTS. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve the lifestyle of your chapter from a man who started more chapters than anyone in the B.H.S.

5. MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS — Instructor Syl Wetle — If know one knows you’re there, how can they participate. We often overlook the importance of telling others about this best kept secret called barbershop harmony. We should never decide for someone else that they would be interested or not. This class will tell you how to tell the world about the meaning of harmony.

6. MUSIC & PERFORMANCE — Instructor Fred Schmidt — The music and performance position in your chapter helps to coordinate the musical and support efforts in your chapter. It will serve as a protection against overloading your director with too much responsibility. You will learn how to help create a challenging, exciting, musical service to your chapter.

7. CHORUS DIRECTOR — Instructor Lawrence Bean — The course is designed to help directors learn everything  needed to be an effective, organized, vocal & musical leader. This is a must for the musical success of any chapter.

8. YMIH - Young Men In Harmony —  Instructor Bob Coant — We really need to interest the younger generation in the excitement of good barbershop harmony. We welcome Bob Coant, famous baritone funny man of the comedy specialist quartet “Cornerstone” as the master instructor of this class. You’ll learn how to get youth harmony into every corner of your surrounding area.

9. LEADERSHIP — Instructor Mat Wisbroc — If you’re one of those people who would like to be a good leader but need a shove in the right direction, you’ll enjoy this course. It is designed to show you how to help your chapter by becoming a leader or by improving your current status.

ONTARIO “PLUS” COURSES

10. JOE  BARBERSHOP — Instructor Rob Arnold — You may be a new Barbershopper or one who never found out what a great organization this is. This course will bring you up to date on all the activities and “barbershop stuff” that makes it the greatest vocal harmony organization in the world. You will find the answers to questions you didn’t know existed. This is a  fun course.

11. CHAPTER COMMUNICATION — Instructor Waldo Redekop— Waldo has re-designed this course to create a communication environment in your chapter that will keep information flowing about the complete operation of your chapter. Our chapters need to have a well developed communication machine in operation to keep all in the loop.

12. DIRECTOR OF THE FUTURE — Instructors Mac Dallman and Paul Tamblyn — If you ever thought you might become a director, come and let these two experts work their magic on you. We need new directors and most often get them from our own membership ranks. Paul and Mac are very user friendly and will  help you make the big decision.

Good luck. See you at COTS,
the BEST barbershop weekend on the planet! k