Cleveland Orchestra's Severance Hall Seeking Volunteers, Interviews 8/8

Severance Hall, home of The Cleveland Orchestra, is seeking volunteer ushers, greeters, ticket takers, tour guides, and store clerks for the 2013-14 season. The season includes concerts by The Cleveland Orchestra (evening, matinee, education, family, and holiday events) and performances by other ensembles including the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra, Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, and the Cleveland Women's Orchestra, as well as other musical and non-musical events.

Tour guides conduct public and private tours, and offer historical and architectural details about Severance Hall.

Store volunteers offer sales assistance in the Cleveland Orchestra Store during weekdays and on weekends at concert times.

Severance Hall also seeks middle- and high-school students to join the Junior Volunteer Corps. Students assist at Family Concerts, Musical Rainbow performances, Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra concerts, Holiday Concerts, and other special events (mostly daytime performances during the weekend). An orientation and training program prepares students for service as greeters, ticket takers, and ushers. Adult ushers serve as mentors for these young volunteers, who may be able to earn credit toward community service requirements at their schools.

Severance Hall volunteers are asked to commit for the entire season, from September through June, and are required to attend a training and orientation session prior to the beginning of the season. There are three sessions to choose from, held on September 16 at 9:30 a.m., September 16 at 6:00 p.m., and September 17 at 6:00 p.m.

Severance Hall volunteers have the opportunity to hear great music in a beautiful venue, enjoy the company of other music-loving volunteers, and contribute their talents and time to a premier arts organization.

Severance Hall is looking for volunteers who are energetic, enthusiastic, and eager to assist its audiences with the highest level of customer service. Open interview sessions for new volunteers will be held at Severance Hall on Thursday, August 8; Wednesday, August 14; and Tuesday, August 20, from 5-7 p.m. Those interested in volunteering are invited to come to Severance Hall's Smith Lobby, located on the ground floor by the Ticket Office, any time during these hours to fill out an application, and learn about the program and speak with Front of House staff members.

For more information, or to request an application form, please call the House Manager's Office at Severance Hall at 216-231-7425 or email jdiehl@clevelandorchestra.com.