Get Involved

Volunteers play an important role at the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem. We sincerely appreciate the time and energy volunteers dedicate to the Symphony's mission. Volunteer enthusiasm and their continued support for the Oregon Symphony in Salem is an important part of our organization.

Get involved in education

Volunteers for the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem play a central role in achieving our goal of providing opportunities for all Oregonians to engage in high quality artistic experiences in music. We look to our volunteers to act as ambassadors for our programs and above all, advocates for arts education. Opportunities include:

• Vernon L. Wiscarson Young Musicians’ Competition
  Volunteers are required throughout the day of the competition: for the entire Saturday (9 AM to 4 PM), or for shifts. Opportunities include: timing contestants, lining up contestants for their appointed performance time, donating flower bouquets to the winners, music runners for adjudicators, and helping students on stage.
• Educator of the Year Award
  Volunteers may join the committee to choose the educator of the year. However, this committee must remain small in order to facilitate classroom/concert visits to the nominated educators.
• Essay Contest
  Would you like to read wonderful essays from kids on why they like music? The Symphony receives hundreds of essays every year and the committee reads them, chooses at least one winner from every school, and schedules award presentations. Awards are presented to winning students at their schools by volunteers.
• Patrons of Note
  Volunteers coordinate meetings at homes in the Salem area (chairs, desserts, musicians, etc.). If you like putting together intimate events, this is your calling.
• Take Ten
  Volunteers welcome attendees and help direct people to the event on the Willamette University campus.
• Master Coaching Sessions
  Volunteers contact each music teacher in each of the six Salem-Keizer high schools. Once a session is set, they assist classroom teachers and an Oregon Symphony Musician at the actual session. Volunteers work with the teachers in a number of ways including inviting students from other schools who play the same instrument, assisting the students in the session and to comment on the session to the OSAS board for evaluation of the program.

Other General Areas:

• Concerts: usher, distribute information, help with subscription renewals, ticket office, greeters and decorations.
• Speakers Bureau: present a program about the symphony to area clubs and organizations.
• Office: mailings, phone calls, data entry.
• Salem Art Fair and Other Community Activities: distribute information, staff booths/tables, help set up and take down booths/tables.
• Marketing: distribute literature about the symphony (brochures, counter cards, ticket coupons), hang posters for events, mention upcoming concerts while attending meetings at various clubs and organizations.
• Board Committees: join a board committee and assist with their very important work. Committee members do not have to serve as a member of the Board of Directors. The committees are: development (grants and other fund raising activities), education, and marketing.
• Fundraising: the OSAS is seeking a strong volunteer leader who could take on a fundraising event. If you aren’t willing to lead, we would still like to know of your interest to work on a future event, if planned.