Volunteer with MVYSO
Volunteers are at the heart of the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra. Whether you're supporting rehearsals, concerts, fundraising events, or behind-the-scenes projects, your time and talents help create meaningful musical experiences for our students.
Why Volunteer?
Behind every rehearsal, performance, fundraiser, and student success story is a dedicated team of volunteers. Whether you're a current MVYSO family, an alumnus, a music supporter, or simply someone looking to give back to your community, there are many ways to get involved.
No musical experience is necessary. just a willingness to support young musicians and help create meaningful opportunities for students.
Questions about volunteering? We'd be happy to help you find an opportunity that matches your interests, availability, and skills.
Reach out to us here.
Student Family Volunteer Commitment
MVYSO is a community-supported organization, and family involvement plays an important role in helping our programs succeed.
Each MVYSO student family is asked to contribute three volunteer hours per trimester. Many of the volunteer opportunities below include volunteer credit that can be applied toward this family commitment.
Community volunteers who are not enrolled families are always welcome and are not subject to the student family volunteer commitment.
Volunteer Opportunities
Rehearsal Attendance
Help welcome students as they arrive for rehearsal, take attendance, and assist conductors with getting rehearsals started. If you're already planning to stay during rehearsal, this is an easy way to support the program.
Volunteer Credit (Student Families): 0.5 hours per rehearsal
Weekly Schedule
Debut Orchestra: Mondays, 5:45–6:15 p.m. (or until all students are accounted for)
Philharmonia Orchestra: Mondays, 5:15–5:45 p.m. (or until all students are accounted for)
Concert & Symphony: Mondays, 6:45–7:15 p.m. (or until all students are accounted for)
Rehearsal Setup
Help prepare rehearsal spaces by setting up chairs and rehearsal areas before students arrive.
Volunteer Credit (Student Families): 0.5 hours per rehearsal
Administrative Support
Prefer working behind the scenes? Administrative projects may include:
Copying materials
Organizing music files
Preparing mailings
General office projects
Many of these tasks can be completed on your own schedule and typically fulfill a trimester volunteer commitment.
Photography (“Paparazzi”)
Capture candid moments during rehearsals, concerts, and social events for use on the MVYSO website, social media, and promotional materials.
We especially love photos that showcase students performing, building friendships, and enjoying the MVYSO experience.
Volunteer Credit (Student Families): 0.25 hours or more per session
Lumen Field Consessions
One of MVYSO's largest fundraising opportunities is staffing concession stands during events at Lumen Field.
Volunteers help raise significant funds that directly support MVYSO programs while receiving parking and a meal during their shift.
Requirements include:
Washington State Food Worker Card
MAST Permit
Lumen Field volunteer training
Black pants and slip-resistant shoes (shirts are provided)
Shifts typically last 7–8 hours.
Volunteer Credit (Student Families): One event fulfills a trimester volunteer commitment.
Season-Long Volunteer Opportunities
These positions support MVYSO throughout the season and fulfill the student family volunteer commitment for the entire season.
Trailer Transport
Transport the MVYSO percussion trailer between its storage location, rehearsal site, and concert venues. Requires a vehicle capable of towing approximately 4,000–5,000 pounds.
Post-Concert Hospitality Crew
Coordinate refreshments following concerts, including shopping for supplies, preparing refreshments, and assisting with setup and cleanup.
Separate crews support Concert/Symphony performances and the Debut/Philharmonia performances.
Concert Setup & Cleanup Lead
Work with conductors to prepare performance spaces before concerts and coordinate cleanup afterward.
Separate volunteers are needed for Concert/Symphony performances and Debut/Philharmonia performances.
Gala Committee Member
Assist with planning and executing MVYSO's Annual Gala fundraiser.
Volunteer opportunities may include procurement, decorating, setup, cleanup, registration, event logistics, and guest support.
Board Leadership Opportunities
Some volunteer leadership positions also serve as members of the MVYSO Board of Directors. These volunteers help guide the organization's long-term success while overseeing key operational areas.
These positions are filled through appointment by the MVYSO Board of Directors and may not always have openings. If you're interested in serving in a future leadership role, we'd love to hear from you.
Fundraising Coordinator
Coordinates fundraising initiatives outside of the Annual Gala, including restaurant nights, product fundraisers, community rewards programs, and special events.
Ideal for someone with strong planning and organizational skills.
Volunteer Coordinator
Recruits, schedules, and communicates with volunteers while working closely with volunteer leads and event coordinators.
Ideal for someone with excellent communication, organization, and people skills.
Webmaster & Social Media
Maintains the MVYSO website and social media channels to keep families and the community informed.
Ideal for someone with strong writing skills, attention to detail, and website or social media experience.
Gala Committee Chair
Provides leadership for MVYSO's Annual Gala by coordinating committee members and overseeing planning, logistics, procurement, and event execution.
Ideal for someone with strong leadership and project management skills.
Donor Relations
Builds relationships with donors, maintains donation records, and coordinates acknowledgements and stewardship efforts.
Ideal for someone with strong organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills.
Sponsorship Coordinator
Develops relationships with businesses and community partners interested in supporting MVYSO through sponsorships and advertising opportunities.
Ideal for someone who enjoys networking, relationship building, and community engagement.
On-Call Volunteers
Can't commit to a regular schedule?
Join our on-call volunteer list, and we'll contact you whenever extra help is needed for concerts, events, or special projects.
Share Your Skills
Do you have professional experience in:
Accounting
Graphic Design
Marketing
Photography
Grant Writing
Event Planning
Communications
Another specialty?
We'd love to learn how your talents can support MVYSO and our students.
Ready to get involved?
Whether you can volunteer for a single event, throughout the season, or in a leadership capacity, we'd love to welcome you to the MVYSO community.