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Find opportunities to volunteer for SMSO are listed HERE on our Volunteer Calendar. Opportunities appear on the calendar by date, so most will be centered around Concert events. 

Dress code

This is a traditional indoor orchestra concert, and our volunteers play an important role in creating a polished and welcoming first impression for our audience. Please dress in professional, concert‑appropriate attire that reflects the formal nature of the event.

✅ Recommended:
  • Business‑casual to semi‑formal attire in solid or subtle patterns
  • Slacks, dress pants, skirts, or dresses (knee‑length or longer)
  • Collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, or dressy tops
  • Closed‑toe dress shoes, flats, or low heels suitable for standing and walking
  • A light jacket or sweater (concert hall temperatures may vary)
  • A courteous, calm, and welcoming presence for all patrons
🚫 Please Avoid:
  • Jeans of any kind (including dark or “dress” jeans)
  • Athletic wear, sneakers, flip‑flops, or casual sandals
  • Clothing with large logos, slogans, or political messaging
  • Very casual, revealing, or trendy items (tank tops, short skirts, crop styles)
  • Ripped, distressed, or worn‑out clothing
When in doubt: Choose something you’d feel comfortable wearing to an evening performance or a professional event where you represent SMSO.

Since this is an outdoor summer event, to help you stay cool, comfortable, and sun-safe while representing the symphony, please dress with the following in mind: 

✅ Recommended:

  • Light, breathable clothing in solid colors
  • Comfortable pants, capris, or longer shorts/skirt (knee-length or longer)
  • Supportive walking shoes or sturdy sandals (no flip-flops)
  • Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection
  • A smile and positive attitude!

🚫 Please Avoid:

  • Clothing with large logos, slogans, or political messaging
  • Revealing or very casual items (e.g., tank tops, short shorts)
  • Worn-out or ripped clothing

We appreciate your help in making the event welcoming and professional while keeping everyone safe and comfortable in the summer heat.

As volunteers, you’ll be representing the symphony to hundreds of students, teachers, and chaperones. Please dress in a way that is professional, comfortable, and welcoming, and appropriate for working with elementary‑age students in an indoor concert hall.

✅ Recommended:

  • Business-casual or polished casual attire in solid or subtle patterns
  • Comfortable slacks, khakis, skirts, or dresses (knee-length or longer)
  • Closed-toe shoes or comfortable flats suitable for standing and walking
  • Layers (light sweater or jacket), as indoor temperatures may vary
  • Friendly, upbeat demeanor–we’re setting the tone for a joyful first orchestra experience!

🚫 Please Avoid:

  • Clothing with large logos, slogans, or any political or promotional messaging
  • Jeans with holes, ripped or distressed clothing, leggings worn as pants
  • Very casual or revealing items (tank tops, short skirts, crop tops)
  • Athletic wear, flip-flops, or slippers
  • Worn-out or wrinkled clothing

When in doubt: Think business‑casual, school‑appropriate, and comfortable.

Our goal is to look approachable, professional, and student-friendly, while staying comfortable during a busy and exciting day with more than 1,300 young concertgoers.

parking

For most concert events at the LMC Mendel Center, use Parking Lot #2 located off Yore Avenue. 

Parking is free; handicap accessible spots available. 

Onsite parking available. Parking is free; handicap accessible spots available. 

CARPOOLING IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!

Above the Bluff – Free and Paid parking spots are located above the bluff as available, for limited time or All Day. Parking above the bluff will require on-foot walking down to the event site. Information about the Downtown Parking Program (including a map) is available HERE

North Fisherman Parking Lot – Located at the far left end of Silver Beach Parking Lot next to Shadowland Pavilion, this area is specifically reserved for SMSO’s event. Currently MAXED OUT with no available spots. 

Silver Beach Parking Lot – as available. The lot often becomes full but releases spots throughout the day as visitors exit; spots are subject to County parking fees.

Onsite parking available. Parking is free; handicap accessible spots available. 

roles & descriptions

Pre-Concert

4-5 weeks prior to concert date.

Help spread the word about upcoming concerts by delivering printed flyers or brochures to local businesses and community locations. Volunteers represent the organization in the community and help increase visibility.

Help create moments of delight for patrons by placing cards, roses, or other appreciation items at designated seats for first‑time attendees, subscribers, donors, or VIP guests. This role focuses on relationship‑building and enhancing the overall concert experience.

Tickets & Sales

Requires prior money handling experience, comfort using tech devices.
Assist day-of ticket buyers with your best cashier’s customer service. Log all transactions (cash & card) using a tablet preloaded with the Square app. Ticket-types are already programmed in so you can tap for the total number of tickets. Prior experience with money handling is a must. An SMSO staff member will also be stationed here alongside you.
 
Requires prior money handling experience, comfort using tech devices.
Attendees will exchange drink tickets for servings of beer or wine at the bar tent, but they have to buy the tickets from you first! Log all transactions (cash & card) using a tablet preloaded with the Square app. Drink ticket prices are already programmed so you can tap for the total number of single tickets or batches of 5.
Comfort using tech devices preferred.
Confirm ticket for entry: it may be a traditional concert ticket with a tear-off stub, a ticket printed at home from email, or digital ticket presented on their mobile device for scanning. All ticket formats will have a QR code that can be scanned; printed tickets can also have tear-off stub or bottom QR-code portion removed. 
Pre-purchased, printed tickets await their attendees for pick up! Tickets are in individual envelopes, sorted by last name for easy retrieval.
 

Hospitality

Additional Schedule Requirements; Board Members preferred
Collect drink tickets and responsibly serve up beer or wine with your own jovial spirit (by ‘spirit’, I mean your own sparkling personality and good humor – our special liquor license does not cover mixed drinks!) Your good service will create good vibes with concert attendees and help fill the tip jar in support of SMSO! Stop by earlier in the day to arrange the bar to your liking and set beverages to ice as needed so stock is chilled and ready by the time gates open.
 
SCHEDULE NOTE: Bar volunteers are expected onsite in the morning (typically 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM) for bar organization and set up prior to their scheduled shift. 

Additional Schedule Requirements; Board Members preferred

Support Bartender Volunteers as they serve beverages to patrons, following event policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include retrieving canned and bottled beverages from iced coolers, opening beverages, tracking beverage and supply inventory, and maintaining a clean service area. Assist with bar clean up and pack up at event end.
 
SCHEDULE NOTE: Bar volunteers are expected onsite in the morning (typically 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM) for bar organization and set up prior to their scheduled shift. 

Help guests store and retrieve coats and personal items. Volunteers tag items, manage the coat area, and return belongings quickly and accurately after the performance.

Have a sunny disposition? We’d love for you to help us make the first impression of the event greeting and welcoming attendees at the door or just outside the event gate! As you move down the line, ask if guests have already purchased tickets (printed or ready to show on their phone, or waiting for them at will-call); if they have, you’ll save them and everyone time by excusing them from the line and directing them to Will Call or Ticket Takers.

May require ability to go up and down steps or stairs.
Stationed at several posts, ushers assist attendees with locating seating and handle other directional and basic information inquiries.

Security

Support event operations by helping monitor backstage and restricted areas. This role helps ensure only authorized individuals enter backstage spaces and assists with maintaining a calm, professional environment for musicians and staff.

First-step in bar safety: physically handle and review photo IDs to verify attendee is age 21 or above. Once confirmed, place an event band around one of their wrists. One person may handle and verify and ID while their partner preps and places wristbands. 

Two people per shift ideal whenever possible; outdoor Summer Concerts only
Support event operations by helping monitor access to our event parking lot (Silver Beach North Fisherman Lot), which is a restricted area for the day. This role helps ensure only authorized vehicles enter the parking lot and and assists with maintaining a safe and accessible environment for staff, crew, musicians, and VIP guests.
 
You will be provided with a clipboard and list of approved names to monitor entry into the designated event parking area and verify VIP Parking Passes.
     11:30am – 2:00pm  |  2:00pm – 4:30pm  |  4:30pm – 7:00pm  |  7:00pm – 9:30pm