Volunteer

The Grand Rapids Symphony has enjoyed the support of dedicated and loyal volunteers since its beginning in 1930. In almost everything the Symphony does, the smiling faces of its volunteers are seen as they donate their time to bring the music they love to the people of West Michigan. There are volunteer opportunities that will fit any music lover’s interests and schedule. For more information or to become a Symphony volunteer, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Annamarie Buller at 616-454-9451, Ext. 149, or abuller@grsymphony.org or fill out our online form.

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Driver: Assist with providing transportation of guest artists.
  • Greeters: Make the patrons feel welcome and special. They open the doors for patrons as they enter the building, both in and outdoors. Greeters also direct patrons to the box office and to ticket takers and answer general questions.
  • Information Table: Guide patrons in finding the right information they need about a specific show or a season.
  • Merchandise Table: Volunteers sell Grand Rapids Symphony cd's, bobbleheads, and musician trading cards, etc.
  • Parking Attendant: Help direct parking and traffic at the venue if needed.
  • Petting Zoo: Watch over the instruments and talk with children and their families as they see and "pet" the instruments in the zoo.
  • Program Book Attendant: Greet and hand out a program book to each patron as they enter.
  • Season Ticket Table: Assisting with renewing season ticket holders.
  • Student Passport Table: Recruiting and signing up students for discounted tickets.
  • Ticket Taker: Greeting and taking patrons tickets as they enter the auditorium.
  • Usher: Show patrons to their seats.

Education Programs

  • Fifth Grade Concerts for Schools
    Usher fifth graders to full orchestra performances at DeVos Performance Hall and Lakeshore venues, or, become a classroom docent. After orientation, you will be assigned to speak to a participating fifth grade class about the concert-going experience. No musical background is required.
  • Lollipop Concerts sponsored by Target Stores
    Usher families to their seats at these chamber orchestra concerts programmed for children seven and under. These concerts are presented in high school auditoriums throughout the greater Grand Rapids area on weekday and weekend mornings.

Access to Music

Each spring, the Grand Rapids Symphony presents a free concert at DeVos Place to those who cannot attend regularly ticketed concerts due to physical or mental challenges. Become one of the 120 volunteers throughout the community that help these patrons enjoy this unique concert-going experience.

Chase Picnic Pops

For four weeks each summer, the Grand Rapids Symphony brings music to thousands of people in the great outdoors at Cannonsburg Ski Area on Thursday and Friday evenings. Join the volunteers that provide the friendly services that make the Chase Picnic Pops enjoyable for all music lovers. Ambassadors greet patrons and provide assistance with their belongings. Box office volunteers assist with ticket sales. Volunteers in the Family Fun Area help children and families enjoy pre-concert activities. Ticket-takers and Program Book Attendants are also needed. Volunteers of all ages are welcome! "Perks" include free dinner and free admission to the concert.

Richard and Helen DeVos Classical, Pops and Rising Star Series Performances

Volunteers for these performances receive free admission to the concerts at the following venues:

  • DeVos Performance Hall
    From September through May there are volunteer opportunities on Friday and Saturday evenings as well as Sunday afternoons at Richard and Helen DeVos Classical and Pops Series concerts. Volunteers are needed to greet patrons, staff the information table and provide customer assistance at the Student Passport and CD sales tables. Volunteer parking is provided by the Symphony.
  • St. Cecilia Music Center
    Join us for the Casual Classics Series on Thursday and Friday nights. Take tickets, pass out programs, and help usher prior to the performance. The Edward Jones Coffee Classics Series takes place on selected Friday mornings. Patrons meet one hour prior to the concert for coffee and pastries.

Office Assistance

Join in the behind-the-scenes work at the Grand Rapids Symphony. Volunteers are needed daily to assist with a variety of projects. Mailings, filing, database entry, and faxing are just some of the projects that you can work on at the Symphony office located downtown in Grand Rapids.

Special Events

The Symphony holds a variety of fundraisers and publicity events throughout the year. From the annual golf outing to black tie galas, there are many opportunities to volunteer in a way that suits your talents and interests!

  • Parking Attendant: Help direct parking and traffic at the venue if needed.
  • Greeters: Make the patrons feel welcome and special. They open the doors for patrons as they enter the building, both in and outdoors. Greeters also direct patrons to the box office and to ticket takers and answer general questions.
  • Student Passport Table: Recruiting and signing up students for discounted tickets.
  • Season Ticket Table: Assisting with renewing season ticket holders.
  • Ticket Taker: Greeting and taking patrons tickets as they enter the auditorium.
  • Program Book Attendant: Greet and hand out a program book to each patron as they enter.
  • Merchandise Table: Volunteers sell Grand Rapids Symphony cd’s, bobbleheads, and musician trading cards, etc.
  • Information Table: Guide patrons in finding the right information they need about a specific show or a season.
  • Usher: Show patrons to their seats.
  • Petting Zoo: Watch over the instruments and talk with children and their families as they see and “pet” the instruments in the zoo.
  • Volunteer Driver: Assist with providing transportation of guest artists.