Volunteers
Help Bring the Santa Monica Symphony to Life
The Santa Monica Symphony is powered by people who believe that live music matters.
Our volunteers play an essential role in making every concert welcoming, organized, and accessible. From greeting audience members at the door to helping with special events, community programs, and behind-the-scenes projects, volunteers help create the warm and generous spirit that defines SMS. When you volunteer with the Santa Monica Symphony, you become part of a community dedicated to music, service, and connection. Whether you are a longtime concertgoer, a student, a retiree, a music lover, or someone looking for a meaningful way to give back, there is a place for you at SMS.
Volunteer Opportunities
SMS offers a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the season. Some roles take place at concerts, while others support community programs, special events, or outreach.
Concert Volunteers
Concert volunteers help create a smooth and welcoming experience for audience members. Roles may include greeting guests, assisting with check-in, handing out programs, answering basic questions, helping with donation tables, and supporting accessibility needs.
Community Program Volunteers
As SMS expands its work with families, students, older adults, caregivers, and community partners, volunteers help make these programs feel personal, organized, and welcoming.
Special Event Volunteers
Volunteers assist with receptions, donor gatherings, sponsor events, house concerts, and other special events that help build support for the Symphony.
Outreach and Ambassador Volunteers
Ambassador volunteers help spread the word about SMS concerts and programs by sharing information with friends, neighbors, community groups, schools, local businesses, and civic organizations.
Administrative and Project Volunteers
Some volunteers support behind-the-scenes work such as mailings, phone calls, data entry, audience surveys, research, event preparation, and other special projects.
Who Can Volunteer?
We welcome volunteers from many backgrounds and stages of life. You do not need to be a musician to volunteer. You simply need to enjoy working with people, believe in the value of live music, and want to help create a welcoming experience for the community.
Volunteer opportunities may be a good fit for:
- Music lovers
- Students seeking service hours or arts experience
- Retirees looking for meaningful community engagement
- Parents and families
- Civic-minded community members
- Corporate or service groups
- Longtime SMS audience members
- Newcomers who want to get involved in Santa Monica cultural life
Board and Committee Service
Board members are among the Santa Monica Symphony’s most important volunteers. They help guide the organization’s future, strengthen community relationships, support fundraising, and ensure that SMS remains a vibrant, sustainable cultural institution.
Board service is a meaningful opportunity for people who believe deeply in the Symphony’s mission and want to contribute their leadership, professional experience, civic connections, and philanthropic support.
SMS also welcomes volunteers to serve on board committees or advisory groups in areas such as fundraising, community engagement, marketing, events, finance, governance, and strategic planning. Committee service can be a valuable way to support the Symphony, share your expertise, and learn more about the organization before considering board membership.
If you are interested in board or committee service, we would be glad to start a conversation. You can find information about board service in this information packet.
