a nonprofit presenter of jazz artistic and education programs
SFJAZZ volunteers greet guests at the 2006 Gala. Photo: Caroline Copp

SFJAZZ Volunteers:

The behind-the-scenes dream team

From the beginning, a dedicated group of volunteers has been essential to the success of SFJAZZ. In addition to the pleasure of hearing outstanding music while performing tasks such as ushering, merchandising and guest relations, SFJAZZ volunteers receive free merchandise, an annual volunteer party and, for those who contribute over 15 hours of time, an individual membership to SFJAZZ. They also get memorable social interactions with other volunteers, SFJAZZ staff, the artists, and the many audience members as well.

Beverly Shniper, long-time SFJAZZ volunteer.

Beverly Shniper started volunteering in 1998 when she noticed that the organization was looking for more people to help out. Over the years she has enlisted many of her friends to volunteer, and has assisted in many aspects of the organization, including merchandising, ushering, ticket sales, and even VIP receptions. "It's kind of neat to see the faces behind the names," Shniper says. "I volunteered for press conferences, and had fun meeting SFJAZZ board members and the executive director, Randall Kline.”

Volunteers lend a hand to a wide variety of SFJAZZ activities: they usher, sell merchandise, greet concert attendees, work in security, serve guests at special events and provide essential assistance at the SFJAZZ offices. From age 20 to 80, they are working people, students and retirees, from a wide variety of backgrounds, that all share one thing in common: a love of jazz.

Though over 300 people pitch in each year, growing the pool of committed individuals who make up the volunteer corps is a never-ending challenge.

"We're always looking for more volunteers," says Rick Warren, head of the SFJAZZ volunteer program. "There are about 100 core volunteers who have been doing this at least five years, but we need many more to carry us through the season.”

For more information about the volunteer program at SFJAZZ, contact Rick Warren at 415-398-5655, ext 110 or email rwarren@sfjazz.org.

- Daniel Savio
Become a Volunteer

For more information on supporting SFJAZZ,
please contact:

SFJAZZ Volunteer Hotline
(415) 398-5655, ext 110 rwarren@sfjazz.org