Volunteering at BMC
From its inception in 1979, the Brevard Music Center Association (BMCA) has provided invaluable service to the Brevard Music Center. Its members are a diverse, educated, and arts-loving group, who impart a wonderful spirit of volunteerism and selfless participation that make them a model for the entire community. Volunteers are the "Ambassadors of the Music Center."
Volunteer Opportunities
The Brevard Music Center Association is the volunteer corps of the Brevard Music Center. It is comprised of more than 200 volunteers, some of whom work year-round. The most visible volunteers are those wearing the blue shirts at concerts. They are ushers, concession stand staff, and gift shop workers. They welcome patrons to concerts and sell raffle tickets. They serve at The Maestro Society Lounge, and at special events and receptions. In addition, volunteers tend to the landscaping of the campus, do off-season maintenance and repair to campus buildings, work in the office, and help with marketing efforts. There is something to do for everyone who wants to share their time and talent with BMC.
Registration for the 2024 season is now closed.
If you are interested in volunteering for the 2025 season, please email your information to: [email protected]
Volunteer Handbook
Please Note: Volunteers may sign up for a maximum of two Concert Committees; you are free to add Non-Concert Committees as desired.
Concert Committees
Concessions*
Assist BMC in providing a quality experience for concert attendees by selling refreshments during performances. Volunteers must be able to stand for at least two hours. Orientation training attendance is expected. Concession opportunities are available year-round.
Harmony Gifts*
Raise funds for BMC student scholarships through the sale of merchandise at the gift shop. This committee is for friendly volunteers who will actively promote and sell merchandise at summer performances. Volunteers must be able to stand for at least two hours.
Maestro Lounge**
The Maestro Lounge is where Brevard Music Center's most generous supporters come to relax, converse, and renew friendships. Maestro Lounge volunteers warmly and respectfully welcome Maestro Society members before concerts and at intermission, serving refreshments and creating an atmosphere of respect and appreciation for donors and their guests. Working in the Lounge is a team effort requiring assistance with both set-up and clean-up. Volunteer attire is refined and fashionable-white shirt, blouse, or sweater and black slacks or skirt.
Special Events**
Assist BMC at unique events by helping with set-up, service, break-down, and clean-up while comfortably interacting with vendors, staff, sponsors, and donors as refreshments are being served. Some special events include the Season Kickoff Reception, Prelude Extravaganza, Opening Night Post Performance, Student Scholarship Luncheon, President's Circle Dinner, etc. You can expect to be standing or on your feet for up to 4+ hours at a time. Previous BMC Volunteer Maestro Tent or Concessions experience is helpful.
Ushers*
Seeking volunteers who enjoy interacting with and assisting patrons; ushering opportunities are available year-round. Ushers must be able to perform the following duties comfortably: welcome, assist, and seat patrons; electronically scan tickets (basic training will be provided); walk around WPA and up/down the risers at Parker Concert Hall; be on your feet for 2 – 3 hours; assist patrons with walkers/wheelchairs; and tactfully respond to patron questions and concerns. The time commitment is approximately 3½ hours per concert. Orientation training attendance is expected.
Welcome/Raffle*
Serve as an ambassador of BMC and the Brevard community at Whittington-Pfohl, the Parker Concert Hall, and the Porter Center summer concert events, plus downtown festivals. Disseminate information and encourage contributions to the Student Scholarship Fund by promoting raffle tickets. We welcome friendly volunteers who like to interact with visitors. Orientation training attendance is expected.
*Volunteers of these committees are required to wear official volunteer shirts (which can be ordered when registering) and khaki slacks/skirts when working at concerts.
**Volunteers of these committees are required to wear white shirts and black slacks or skirts when working.
Non-Concert Committees
BMCA Office
Work in support of BMC staff and BMCA Committees to maintain and utilize the volunteer database and lend office assistance. Tasks include preparing the annual volunteer registration e-mail content, vetting the volunteer e-mail list, supporting the online volunteer registration data entry including shirt orders and distribution, and facilitating e-mail and telephone communications. The Office committee also assists with the Volunteer Orientation Luncheon and Volunteer Appreciation Night. The Committee works from January through May and in late July/early August.
Deliveries & Special Projects
Help spread the word about BMC by joining the Deliveries & Special Projects Committee. Formerly known as the Mailings & Deliveries Committee, this group's primary function is to deliver BMC promotional materials to local and nearby communities each April/May. Periodically we may assist with other BMC projects such as fillings Prelude Gala gift bags, or other BMC promotional projects.
Facilities
Use your handyman skills and work with others to construct, renovate and maintain BMC buildings used by students and faculty. Tasks include carpentry, painting, demolition, etc. Work is done from mid-September until mid-May.
Landscape
Share your gardening skills in beautifying the BMC campus. You may adopt an individual garden space and/or work in groups. Participate in the planning and implementation of the gardens. Volunteers do light to moderate physical labor. Volunteers can work flexible hours of their choosing. This committee is active from spring through autumn.
Photography & Communications
Disseminate information to the community through local publications and media outlets to interest locals and summer visitors in joining our team of volunteers. We also keep our volunteer base up to date on concert suggestions, news and changes throughout the summer festival and year-round via our automated system VicNet. Our main need is for people with a good eye and quality cell phone camera to capture all those special moments that volunteers experience through their work. A brief orientation is necessary at our Volunteer Orientation in the Spring.