Quotes

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“Just wanted to thank you for including us in your spectacular event. Every single choir member had the time of his or her life.  Our accompanist, Mary Ellis, was euphoric about playing on Glenn Gould's piano. Some of our people had never REALLY sung on a stage before and could hardly credit that they were truly there participating with the "big boys!" The comments we heard were very heart warming. Particularly from one couple who, just weeks ago, when the husband had a very serious lung problem and unexpected surgery, thought the jig was up!  I'm quite positive that the anticipation of this event was a major reason of his recovery in double quick time. Thank you both so very much for your encouragement and coaching.
Pat and Ivor James and the Glancaster Choristers, 2003 Seniors’ Jubilee, Hamilton

“On behalf of all members of Jubilation Singers, I want to let you know what a wonderful experience 'Jubilee' was for us, and to thank you for inviting us to perform. From the first person we met when we went in the door, we had a feeling of excellent organization, a warm welcome, and friendly, relaxed guides. We enjoyed meeting other performers and performing on the lobby stage. Our audience was enthusiastic and appreciative, making us all feel good. And it was a thrill for me to play Glenn Gould's piano! What a marvellous instrument. The afternoon concert was simply great. Amazing performers, every one. Once again Wayne, many thanks. Very best wishes. “
Barbara Scott, Jubilations singers, 2002 Seniors Jubilee, Peterborough

“The thrill of appearing on the Seniors’ Jubilee never diminishes year after year, and this year was no exception. The rehearsal room comraderie with renowned musicians, the backstage excitement while waiting to appear, the audience participation and response, and the standing ovation as we all sing the finale – remain as treasured memories of the glory you bestow on so many grey heads, and the enjoyment you bring to the thousands who attend day after day and year after year”
Lorne Greenwood, 86 , Singer/Musician, Markdale

“The Jubilee brings all this great talent out of the closet and brings it to life for the enjoyment of thousands. I’m sure darkness has been replaced with light in the lives of many who are given this opportunity to prove age is no barrier to accomplishment.”
Lorne Greenwood, singer/musician, Markdale

“It was indeed a tremendous thrill to be part of the celebration. You are to be commended for producing such a high-caliber celebration of the talent and vitality of a very significant percentage of our society.”
Mary Musselman, Musician, Windsor

"The six artists of "Kaleidoscope" thank you for the opportunity to feature artwork as part of this year's RBC Seniors Jubilee. We enjoyed the opportunity to meet many of the guests who came to Roy Thomson and received very favourable comments about the exhibit. We appreciated the assistance and professionalism of all those who were involved in organizing the event and also to the diligent and conscientious staff who helped to set up and maintain our particular displays."
Leo Bolta, Kaleidoscope Coordinator Toronto,
"Four years ago, when we started to volunteer performing duets for seniors, little did we ever think that we would develop this talent to such an extent to be able to partake in such a spectacular show in Toronto. A very special and heartfelt thank you to Wayne Burnett, who has given us this great opportunity to showcase our duet talent. As late blooming performers, it was an unbelievable experience and we will be forever grateful for making us feel special and like stars for a day."
Veronica and Gladys Jones, Jubilee Performers, 2006, Goderich

“This Jubilee (2006) was truly a sensation! I wish to thank Wayne Burnett for encouraging me to follow my lifetime dream of performing on a professional level. My gratitude for putting together a wonderful production number with the Stardust Cloggers. We all had a fantastic time. I shall always cherish my experience with the RBC Seniors' Jubilee.”
Linda Blackwell, Jubilee Performer 2006, Bob Caygeon

"Mr. Burnett has been a great support in teaching me choreography, he makes me get the best out of my dancing. He motivates me in every move. He has a great deal of patience, care, expertise. I always feel welcome and appreciated. We are very blessed to have people like you in the entertaining field.."
Ofelia Novak, Performer, Jubilee 2006, Scarborough

"I truly appreciate everything you, Wayne and the COSAP organization have done to encourage, educate and introduce me in the Performing Arts. I will do my best to honor your confidence in me."
Ralph Kuster, Performer, Jubilee 2006, Bellville,

“How do you thank people who help us fulfill our dreams this way? You have made our ‘senior' years so enjoyable.”
The Westminster Chimes, Mississauga

“I wanted to let you know that the choir members loved their experience yesterday. The new members were especially thrilled!”
Tim McCue, Kingston Senior Choristers, 2008

“It has been an awesome experience to be much more deeply involved in the show this year and to watch you put it all together. You are a marvel of creativity, concentration, good taste and kindness. I feel blessed for having been given the opportunity to work with you again…I was happy to go that extra distance this year, particularly because you demand the same of yourself, and by your own example you always set the bar very high for everyone. Thank you for putting me into situations that tested and pushed my limitations. We both know that this is a very challenging business at the best of times but Wayne, I could never do what you do, or do it so bloody brilliantly!”
Jordan Klapman, Toronto 2008

“I can't recall any performing experience – ever – that was as thrilling as being on that stage – in your show Wayne! It was one of the great moments of my life.”
Don Gray, Singer/Musician, Toronto

“We feel privileged to be selected to participate in the Seniors’ Jubilee as ambassadors of the Jewish community. I cannot express in words just how much gratification and enjoyment we get from participating. The shows give seniors a feeling of worth and an opportunity to use their hidden talents.”
Dolly Brown, Jewish Community Centre Choir – North York

“This is a great show that does something special for so many people…look at the faces of the performers and the audience”
Jack Hutton, Musician – Bala

“You are to be complimented on still one more fabulous show. One only has to imagine the great waste of talent and loss of enjoyment both to performers and audience that would exist without these concerts and the tireless effort that you two put into them.”
Beth Barron, Bracebridge Seniors Glee Club – Bracebridge

“It is a goal of the Stardust Cloggers to dance at Roy Thompson Hall each year. Without COSAP our dream would not be possible. Thanks for helping us fulfill our dreams. A special thanks goes to you too, Wayne. Without your help and encouragement our dream would not come true either. You are the best!
Sherry Wheatley, with Stardust Cloggers, 2005 Seniors Jubilee, London

“I would like to express how eternally grateful I am that you have given me the guidance and support to do my very best. Thank you for your patience and tolerance with me in finding the courage to step outside of my comfort zone & brave the stage alone.”
Debbie O’Hara, dancer, 2004 Seniors’ Jubilee Dorchester,

Artistic Director Wayne Burnett is an extraordinary and incredible individual who puts his heart, soul, and passion into developing artists.  He has a terrific positive energy and he is so very gentle in his approach to helping people.  I left our rehearsal session feeling very confident; he tapped a creative part of me I never knew I had.  I learned more in that afternoon than I had learned in years of voice training.  I can’t say enough about Wayne Burnett.  COSAP has an incredible leader and co-ordinator who is a mentor and an inspiration to us all. I look forward to joining this organization.”
Anne Leroux, singer, Carleton Place ON

A tour de force, I was totally blown away! The show was an incredible achievement in every way. The production was as slick and polished as it was ambitious, and the performers were, well, absolutely amazing. I left the theatre feeling both older and younger: older because there is no way that I have either their energy or their youthful attitude, younger because that youthful disposition was so totally impressive and inspiring. I can hardly wait to reach 50!
Karen Bernstein, Toronto

“When you walk into Roy Thompson Hall there is an electricity that captivates me… the dedication, the work…everything that brings one to the point where they can walk onto the stage and justifiably “own” it. It’s awesome! It’s inspiring! I plan to focus on developing myself as a singer and be all I can be… whether it is on the big stage or smaller venues. To bring some joy, laughter and entertainment to others is a gift…, a gift I am willing to work for. Thank you for more than you know.”
Sandra Cohen, 2005 Seniors’ Jubilee, Toronto

“I just wanted to say that my father, mother, aunt and uncle truly enjoyed the Senior's Jubilee. Thank you for producing such a terrific show!”
Julie Naruse,  2005 Seniors’ Jubilee, Lindsay

“I attended a Seniors' Jubilee performance and as usual the performers were superb and we all enjoyed the show thoroughly.  I never cease to be impressed by your knack for zeroing in on important issues and including them in the program.  This year it was the tribute to the veterans.  That was a very nice touch. You do an exceptional job in organizing this program every year.”
Lucille Vogel,  2005 Seniors’ Jubilee Beamsville,

“We received very positive comments from the folks from here who saw the show.  One man said, "I can't believe I waited 17 years to see the show - I was stupid, should have gone years ago."  Said he was 'blown away' by the talent.”
Margaret Eggleton-Kaye relating story of audience member at 2005 Seniors’ Jubilee, Guelph

“The whole program was great. Superb entertainment came from Jay Douglas (heavenly singer); Ed Vokurka (wonderful player & entertainer), Phantom of the Opera duo; Margaret Eggleton Kaye!; Don Harron – long may he live; Jackie Richardson, her volume is Magnificent (matching her personality). Truly a wonderful show.”
Marjorie Wincott, Niagara Falls, 2003 Seniors’ Jubilee

“Your show was so professionally run. It was certainly an honour for my father.  I think the show is a fabulous tribute to seniors province wide.  They were all certainly fabulous with their talents. I know my father was so pleased to be involved with such a professional show and cast”.
Karen E. Wilson – daughter of Jubilee performer, Haileybury, ON

“…What a day. I’ve never felt as proud as I did on Tuesday at the Jubilee at Roy Thomson Hall. Everyone in the show was a senior – singers, dancers, comedians, choirs and bands. It was one of the best trips for me and I will be one of the first on the bus next year…”
Anne Ruso, Gore Bay

“…It was a gratifying and educational experience to be around so much talent, so much zest for being involved, so much enthusiasm for the arts and so much joy in life itself…”
Rita McGrattan, Elgin, ON

“I just had to write to tell you how much we enjoyed the Seniors’ Jubilee production.  I was absolutely amazed at the quality of the talent.  Congratulations to you for finding such excellent artists.  The show just keeps getting better and better.  The work you do is very important and is so rewarding not only for the performers, but also for the thousands of seniors in the audience who receive inspiration to get out and become active”.
Lucille Vogel, COSAP supporter, St. Catherines

Though I am not a senior, I escorted my reluctant mother-in-law and we both had a great time!
It was so inspiring. This may become a tradition, God willing, and next year we'll definitely try to get our tickets earlier! Though we had a bird's eye view of the designs created by the dancers
Thank you so much, and again, thanks for the wonderful memory!
Tammy Johnson Mayer, 2005 Seniors’ Jubilee, Barrie