Volunteer with the Mystic Chorale

One of the things that makes Mystic Chorale unique is that we are a volunteer-run organization.   Volunteers are an integral part of our success – the wind beneath each performance!

There are MANY ways to volunteer for Mystic, ranging from a one-time task such as folder stuffing to weekly tasks such as setting up chairs to broader tasks such as co-producing one of our seasons or serving on our Board. You will be enriched by volunteering with the Chorale – it’s a great way to meet your fellow singers, utilize your skills, and have a great time.  In fact, lots of people keep connected to the Mystic community by volunteering even during the seasons when they are not actively singing.

Singers who receive a scholarship during a given season are encouraged to contribute some volunteer time during that season.

If you would like to become more involved in YOUR Mystic Chorale, please send an email to volunteer@mysticchorale.org.

Take a look at the roles below, and please consider volunteering! If you have any questions or would like to sign up for any of the volunteer opportunities, contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@mysticchorale.org .

Mystic Chorale Volunteer Opportunities

Short on time? Here are some quick and easy ways you can help out!

  • Join the First Night Team!  Help singers check in, pick up music and get oriented at our first rehearsal.   We’ll show you everything you need to know. Time commitment: 6:15-7:15 p.m., first rehearsal only!
  • Close windows and put away fans: Close the sanctuary windows and put away fans. Time commitment: 10 minutes each week, after rehearsal.
  • Chair re-set: Stay after rehearsal to re-set chairs.  It’s quick and fun and you’ll be done in 10-15 minutes!

Season Volunteer Roles

REHEARSALS

Production Chair
Train and supervise season producers, attendance manager, front of house co-managers, stage manager, and others to produce season.  Must be well organized, have good people skills, and be self-managing.  Time commitment: 5-10 hours per week.

Producer – 2 per season
This is your chance to be a star and have a great time doing it.  You are the “face of the season” and will serve as the liaison to the Mystic leadership.  Responsibilities include:  Helping coordinate set-up before rehearsal, making weekly announcements, preparing the Producers’ message for the weekly News & Notes, and answering questions and emails from singers about the season.  This is a manageable and rewarding role for an organized individual who can commit to approximately 2-3 hours per week throughout the season. We’ll give you lots of support and training and your tuition will be waived for the season you produce.

Rehearsal Chair Set-up Coordinators – 2 per season
Oversee a team of people to set up the chairs and the front of the sanctuary before each rehearsal. Arrive by 7 p.m. each week. Time commitment: 15 minutes every week.

Rehearsal Chair Set-up Volunteers – 4 per season
Work on a team of people to set up the chairs and the front of the sanctuary before each rehearsal. Arrive by 7 p.m. each week. Time commitment: 15 minutes every week. You will receive guidance on the set-up from the season producers.

Social media posters and super-fans:  Are you on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or other social media? Create one post a week to promote Mystic.  Or be a super-fan and like, share and comment on our posts!

Rehearsal Livestream Volunteers
Help set up the livestream system for our rehearsals. You arrive at rehearsals at 7 p.m. to set up and remain after rehearsal to break down. You will receive training in set-up and break-down. Time commitment: 45 minutes every week. We need to have the livestream volunteers beginning with our first rehearsal.

Rehearsal Sound Set-Up Volunteers
Help set up the speaker system for our rehearsals. You arrive at rehearsals at 7 p.m. to turn on the sound system and perform a sound check, and turn off the system after rehearsals. You will receive training in set-up and break-down. Time commitment: 45 minutes every week. We need to have the sound volunteers beginning with our first rehearsal.

CONCERT

Stage Manager
Take charge of concert performance logistics.  This includes arranging the singers on stage and guiding them in getting on/off the stage (with input from the musical director) and making sure that any additional support is available (e.g. chairs for those who cannot stand for a whole concert).  You do need to be mobile enough to potentially negotiate the stairs multiple times over the course of the day. Arrival time at the concert venue: Technical Rehearsal, 2 hours before singer call time; Concert Day, 1 1/2 hours before singer call time. Either the assistant stage manager or the stage manager should not be singing in the concert.

Assistant Stage Manager
Assist our Stage Manager at Dress Rehearsal and the Concert. This involves helping to post signs to direct the singers in the concert venue and helping the Stage Manager with any general tasks that are needed. You do need to be mobile enough to potentially negotiate the stairs multiple times over the course of the day.   Arrival time at the concert venue: Technical Rehearsal – 4:45 p.m., Concert-  5 p.m. Either the assistant stage manager or the stage manager should not being singing in the concert.

Front of House Co-managers/Concert – 2 needed
Organize and oversee the activities in the lobby including ticket sales, CD and snack sales, and act as a liaison, along with the stage manager, to the season director about readiness to begin the concert. The ideal volunteer for this job is a well-organized person who has good people skills. One creative idea is to work on a team with another person and share responsibilities of this position. Time commitment:  arrive two hours early and remain about 30-45 minutes after the Technical Rehearsal and performances. One of the Front of House co-managers should be a non-singer so that they can oversee activities in the lobby while the singing front of house co-manager is on stage. Time commitment: 2-3 hours on the day of the concert.

Hospitality Host for Band Room
Manage purchasing and the set-up/removal of water and snacks for the band members in the band Green Room for the concert.  Mystic will provide you with a suggested snack list and budget and reimburse you for the cost of the food.  Arrive a half hour before call time, bringing the food and set up the snack table prior to the concert, and clear the table after the performances.   Time commitment:  1 hour on concert day.

POST SEASON

Potluck Coordinators – 2 needed
Organize the end-of-season potluck.   Work with programming chair to assess supplies and purchase supplies as needed (Mystic will provide budget).  Arrive one hour prior to potluck to set up.  Coordinate volunteers to help with set up and break-down.  Time commitment:  1-2 hours to plan and shop, if needed.  1 hour set-up, 1 hour break-down.

Senior Sing Coordinator
Organize the end-of-season Senior Sing. Consult with music director about schedule, make arrangements with senior facilities, and recruit singers. Time commitment: 6 hours at the end of the season.

Throughout the Year

WORK WITH BOARD MEMBERS

Fundraising Committee Member and Event Assistants
Work with fundraising chair to assist in creating and participating in fundraising events to support Mystic. No cold calling required! Make some new friends while supporting the Mystic Chorale.

Publicity and Social Media Assistants
Work with publicity chair to assist in spreading the word about the Mystic Chorale!  Distribute posters, create social media posts and bring your other ideas.

BOARD POSITIONS

Board members serve for 2 years and attend monthly board meetings plus one-day summer retreat in addition to duties listed.