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Support the SF Symphony
SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY
THE VOLUNTEER COUNCIL
The Volunteer Council (VC) is the San Francisco Symphony’s primary volunteer organization and a standing committee of the Board of Governors. Led by the Volunteer Chair and Executive Leadership Board, the VC is a part of the Symphony’s Civic Engagement Department who works closely with the administration to advance community engagement, audience development, fundraising, and service initiatives.
As dedicated advocates of the SF Symphony, Volunteer Council members generously contribute their time, skills, and resources to raise awareness, build a broader network, and deepen the Symphony’s connection and impact throughout the Bay Area.
The Volunteer Council seeks to:
- Strengthen the Symphony’s community engagement with the greater Bay Area
- Expand audience participation among youth, families, and seniors and more
- Provide volunteer service in support of Symphony events, programs, and concerts
We invite you to join this historic community of volunteers, meet fellow enthusiasts, and help us bring symphonic music to the entire Bay Area!
Get Involved
The Volunteer Council offers three avenues to volunteer with the Symphony:
- Active Members are dues paying members who wish to dedicate a minimum of 10 volunteer hours alongside fellow Symphony supporters on various projects throughout the season and enjoy access to a variety of exclusive programs and benefits.
- Legacy Members are dues paying members who wish to maintain their connections with fellow music lovers but need to take a step back from active volunteering.
- Service Volunteers support Symphony events on an as-needed basis at Davies Symphony Hall. They may assist any group within this focus area; active membership is required to serve on additional committees.
Focus Areas
The Volunteer Council focus areas provide an overarching framework to organize our volunteer efforts around common objectives. Each focus area, chaired by a member of the executive board, consists of multiple projects. Active Volunteer Council Members may sign up to lead or work on projects based on individual interests.
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Membership
Membership projects build and strengthen the Volunteer Council community through member-only social events, recruitment and retention efforts, volunteer recognition, and member support services.
PROJECT AREAS
- Member Social Events
- Member Engagement
- Recruitment
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Communications
Communication projects help keep our volunteer community informed and connected by sharing stories, celebrating achievements, and maintaining engagement through bi-monthly newsletters and our online membership portal.
PROJECT AREAS
- Newsletter/Content Creation
- Digital Support
- Membership Outreach
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Community Engagement and Outreach
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Community Engagement and Outreach projects build greater awareness of the Symphony by expanding outreach into their communities and supporting programs that sponsor buses and tickets for seniors and youth to attend SF Symphony Youth Orchestra and family concerts.
PROJECT AREAS
- Family Concert Outreach
- Instrument Discovery
- Program Planning
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Audience Development
Audience Development projects grow and sustain our community of Symphony fans, whether it’s through long standing friendships or reaching out to new music lovers of all backgrounds and ages.
PROJECT AREAS
- Members Social
- Member Engagement
- Recruitment
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Philanthropic Development
Philanthropic Development projects develop new opportunities to support our community outreach, to cultivate meaningful donor relationships, and foster lifelong support for the Symphony.
PROJECT AREAS
- Fundraising
- Legacy Giving Awareness
- Program Development
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Service Groups
Service Volunteers and Active Volunteers can support the Symphony through direct service, on an as needed basis, rather than dues-based membership — office support, special-event staffing, corporate volunteer days, and administrative/data support.
PROJECT AREAS
- Office Support
- Special Event Support
- Corporate Volunteering
Volunteer Benefits | Service | Active | Legacy |
| Membership fee* | $0 | $200 | $200 |
| Minimum donation to annual fund | $0 | $100 | $200 |
| Minimum 10 hrs volunteer work | ✓ | ||
| Quarterly receptions with musical programming | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Preconcert cocktail receptions | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Access to membership portal | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Volunteer newsletter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leadership opportunities | ✓ | ||
| Discounts to select SF Symphony performances | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Participation in audience development events | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Special access to SF Symphony staff and musicians | ✓ | ||
| Donor benefits | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Volunteer appreciation reception | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
*The Volunteer Council is committed to ensuring membership is accessible to everyone who would like to participate. If the membership fee is a financial concern, please reach out to [email protected] to discuss available support.
