[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 61-01, January - March, 2007 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

International concert theatre planned

By Gary Haycock, Western Division Co-ordinator

Strathroy Chapter

• Very successful in completing purchases from funds received through Trillium Grant and final report submitted. Already using video equipment, uniforms, and so on.
• Full day of Christmas caroling throughout town of Strathroy on December 18, 2006.
• Three members attended COTS in January, 2007.
• Singing Valentines on February 14, 2007 - advertising in London Free Press for London, St. Thomas, Strathroy, co-ordinated by Ron Ball from the London Chapter.
• Feb 21 -Annual chapter novice contest.
• Feb 24 -Annual Western Division contest sponsored by Strathroy Chapter at the Strathroy District Collegiate Institute.
• Mar 10 -Annual chapter show retreat.
• Apr 14 -Annual chapter shows at Strathroy Community Christian School. The theme is “Happy Trails" featuring talented ventriloquist Gord Vair as emcee and guest quartet Play It Again!. Tickets are now available.

St. Thomas Chapter

• Sang at several retirement homes.
• Sang at the Elgin Mall and helped with the Salvation Army Kettle program.
• Our Christmas Care Songfest raised $1,100 for charity.
• Sang at the Fantasy of Lights in Pinafore Park.
• Nine people, including our music director, attended COTS.
• Two quartets will do Singing Valentines.
• Feb 24 -The chorus and maybe a quartet will compete at the Western Division contest in Strathroy.
• Mar 30 -Will sing in a joint concert with the Aylmer Community Choir

Sarnia Chapter

• Numerous Christmas performances in hospital and senior citizen homes.
• Joint Christmas concert with Seaway Sounds raised over $800 for local charities.
• Successful annual show was held.
• Five people Attended COTS.
• One new member so far this year.
• Ted Stewart chosen 2006 Sarnia Barbershopper Of The Year.
• Four quartets will be performing Singing Valentines.
• Feb 24 -The chapter will participate in the novice contest.
• Mar 4 -Taking part in a benefit concert for a five-year-old with cleft palette to restore ability to communicate.
• Apr 3 -Sponsoring Celebration of Musical Art Concert to raise money for local youth music programs and scholarships.
• May 29 -Opening Dow People Place.
• April/May -Participate in Sarnia Music Festival.
• Nov 3 -Annual show on Sarnia Library - Disney theme.

Seaforth Chapter

• Seaforth Chapter has not met since before Christmas. The exodus of snow birds leaves the chapter a bit short of singers. They intend to start up again February 20, 2007 and will not be participating in the division novice contest.
• Unfortunately they are having a hard look at whether they will continue on as a barbershop chapter or change to a community choir.

London Chapter

• Had a Christmas show in Seaforth.
• The chapter novice contest was held on November 18, 2006.
• The chapter Christmas Party was held on December 2, 2006.
• The Christmas Dinner and Officer Installation was held on December 18.
• Five members went to COTS.
• They are working toward the annual show booked for May 12, 2007, featuring Chameleon. It will be held at Central Secondary School.
• A planning session was held in January to plan for the year.
• Feb 1 -Performance at Wolfe Performance Hall, Central Library.
• Four quartets did singing valentines.
• Feb 24 -We will be attending the divisional novice contest in Strathroy.
• Mar 17 -A tentative all afternoon coaching session, possibly followed by an inter-chapter visit.
• Apr 17 -Kiwanis Music Festival (approximate date).
• Apr 20-22 -Spring Convention in Collingwood.
• May 12 -Annual show.
• May 27 -Performance with the Sound Spirit Singers.
• June 2 -Monte Carlo Night fund raiser.

At our Presidents Council meeting on February 15, 2007, the chapter membership VPs attended with the presidents and shared their plans for the upcoming year and possibilities of combined events to help with membership drives.

The possibility was discussed of a new combined chapter event in late summer or early in the fall, perhaps a coaching session, to compliment our existing novice contest in February and the combined Christmas Concert which the Strathroy Chapter will peruse setting up.

London announced their intent to run an “International Contest Theatre” at their Hall viewing the web cast on a large screen. Plans are yet to be finalized.

All present expressed concern over the situation in Seaforth and offered to help in any way possible. The next meeting is May 24 with the music VPs in attendance along with the presidents.         k