Learning and Engagement Volunteer Corps
Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the PSO Learning and Engagement Volunteer Corps. Our learning programs reach our youngest music lovers all the way up to the aspiring and inspiring musicians of tomorrow. Volunteers are an integral part of bringing great music into every life.
Volunteering has given me a chance to make connections with others. I enjoy seeing how happy everyone is when extra hands and hearts are available during community experiences.
- Mary Crummie, retired teacher and PSO volunteer
How to Apply:
Step 1: Complete the volunteer interest survey to tell us a little about yourself and why you would like to volunteer with the PSO.
Step 2: Sign up for specific PSO volunteer events through Pittsburgh Cares. The PSO partners with Pittsburgh Cares to facilitate our volunteer opportunities. Event scheduling and volunteer communications are all managed through Pittsburgh Cares’ volunteer platform.
Step 3: You will receive notification from Pittsburgh Cares when you have been scheduled for an event.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Pittsburgh Symphony currently accepts volunteers for our three core learning programs; Fiddlesticks Musical Exploration, Schooltime @ Heinz Hall, and our Student Side by Side program.
Fiddlesticks Musical Exploration
— Interactive family concerts designed for children 3-8 years old
— Fiddlesticks, the PSO's musical cat ambassador, explores different themes that introduce children to orchestral music
— Pre-concert activities around Heinz Hall introduce and reinforce musical concepts through multiple modes of engagement
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Volunteer Responsibilities: Volunteers assist in pre-concert activity spaces such as the craft room and sing-along room. Volunteers also greet guests, pass out activity books and direct guests around Heinz Hall. Volunteer T-shirts are provided.
Schooltime @ Heinz Hall
— The PSO’s widest-reaching learning program that impacts 21,000+ students from 160 schools annually
— Provided at no cost to all schools
— Includes four different units designed for specific grade levels spanning K-12
— Classroom resources augment concert themes, strengthen musical concepts, and create connections across subjects
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Volunteer Responsibilities: Volunteers assist with checking in registered school groups, directing groups during entry and exit, and locating parked school busses. Volunteers must be comfortable standing and walking several blocks and being outside in a variety of weather.
Student Side-by-Side
— Immersive learning program for high school students in grades 9-12
— Students connect with music-loving peers, gain ensemble performance skills, and receive coaching from PSO musicians
— Eight-week program culminates in a concert at Heinz Hall on stage with the PSO
— Provided at no cost to all students via a competitive application process
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to volunteer with the PSO?
Volunteers must be 18 or older to volunteer without additional parental/guardian consent. If you are 16-18 years old and would like to volunteer, please contact Amy Cale, Program Manager, at acale@pittsburghsymphony.org for additional details and a consent form.
Where do the events take place?
All PSO learning programs take place at Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts in downtown Pittsburgh unless otherwise noted.
What are the physical requirements to volunteer?
All volunteers must be willing to stand for an extended period. Schooltime volunteers must be willing to walk several blocks and be outside in a variety of weather. Heinz Hall is a wheelchair accessible venue.
Is training provided?
Volunteer training is provided before all PSO Learning & Engagement events.
Where do I park?
Parking is available at several garages downtown close to Heinz Hall. Parking fees are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Will I get to attend the concert?
Volunteers may be offered comp tickets to concerts subject to availability.