Whistle While You Work

Do you enjoy throwing and attending parties? Do you like being “in the know” and having exclusive opportunities not yet available to the public? Do you want to fill your time with enriching activities that touch someone else’s life? Then becoming a volunteer for the Sarasota Orchestra or the Sarasota Music Festival may be the perfect opportunity for you.

You can help create the magic behind the music as a member of one of the Sarasota Orchestra’s associations or committees, or Friend of the Festival. Contributions of your time, at all levels, are needed and deeply appreciated.

Make an Ongoing Difference

Through its associations, a force of hundreds of volunteers give of their time and talent to help advance and support the activities of the Sarasota Orchestra and its nationally recognized Youth Orchestra program.

Job requirements: 

Members of the Sarasota Orchestra Association will serve as hosts throughout the year at special events including: the annual Symphony Designer Showcase (the association's annual major fundraiser), Musical Mornings in the community and Classical Conversations (concert previews) coinciding with Masterworks performances. If you would like to become a member of the Sarasota Orchestra Association, download a membership form here or use our contact form to request more information.

Members of the Manatee Symphony Association will spend their time developing a musical camaraderie in Manatee County for residents with similar cultural interests. As a volunteer of this group, you will help strengthen appreciation of symphonic music and raise funds for the Orchestra through special events including: the annual Valentine Pops Concert and pre-concert dinner, Musical Mornings in the community and monthly meetings. To join the Manatee Symphony Association, download a membership form or use our contact form.

Job benefits: Sampling new musical products first. Knowing you were a part of increasing awareness of the Sarasota Orchestra and growing its programs. Developing lasting friendships and your own musical enlightenment.

Make World-Class Music Accessible

As a volunteer at the Sarasota Music Festival you have the opportunity to participate in a 40-year-old tradition that has become a staple in our region. The Festival showcases the talents of internationally renowned faculty artist and the best music students from around the world right in our backyard. Together, they present the finest in chamber music through performances, lectures, master classes and rehearsals.

To execute the event each year, the Sarasota Orchestra relies heavily on a group of dedicated volunteers, the Friends of the Festival. This is a great way to support both musicians and the community.

Job requirements: A commitment of youthful energy for a short, but intense time. A small membership fee to become a Friend of the Festival.

Job benefits: A three-week journey through seasoned artistry and a behind-the-scenes vantage of the making of the music at this classic event. Not to mention, the satisfaction of making a BIG difference at little cost. The proceeds of your Friends of the Festival membership go to scholarships for students participating in the event. Your small donation enables students to attend the festival each year tuition-free and receive a partial subsidy to assist with housing.

Don’t miss this opportunity to become a partner in a musical event of national and international significance. To volunteer as a Friend of the Festival click here. To download a membership form and obtain more information (including this year’s schedule) fill out our contact form.

Make It Count

The success of the Sarasota Orchestra depends not only on its musicians, staff and board, but also on loyal volunteers. Whether you come to the Symphony Center to help with mailings or drive a Festival student to the airport, there’s no such thing as a contribution that doesn’t count.

Job requirements: As a member of the Orchestra’s Volunteer Corps you will be called on to assist administrative staff on a project-by-project basis. Serving as an usher at concerts, distributing fliers and posters, are just a few examples of how where we need your help.

Job benefits: There’s nothing like being part of something bigger than yourself. This is an opportunity to do what you can, when you can and still feel like you’re working toward the grander cause of keeping the music playing. To volunteer in this capacity, call Sandra Jahnke at (941) 953-4252.