Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Patron Experience Volunteers

Thank you for checking out the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Patron Experience Volunteer program!

The ASO is a non-profit organization that serves the community, city, and state of Alabama through music. We rely on our committed volunteers to be ambassadors at every public concert we perform to ensure that all patrons have a positive experience.

The success of ASO relies on Patron loyalty. This loyalty comes from building relationships and positive experiences. Our volunteers control the perception from the first contact of every patron. From greeting at the door until the time a patron leaves, that positive and inviting experience is the responsibility of the Patron Experience Volunteer (PXV) team.  PXVs create a welcoming, comfortable, accepted, and trustworthy experience through each assignment they are given. We treat each patron as a guest in our house.

 

The ASO Mission
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra changes lives through music by entertaining, educating, and inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds. As our state's preeminent orchestra, we advance economic and cultural vitality with live symphonic performances of the highest artistic standard.

Patron Experience Mission
It is the mission of the Patron Experience Volunteer team to provide a welcoming and positive experience to every guest attending an Alabama Symphony Orchestra concert.

Patron Experience Volunteer Team Management
The ASO Patron Experience Manager (PXM) oversees all aspects of the volunteer program, including recruiting, training and managing the PXVs and coordinating the volunteer rewards and benefits programs. Patron Experience Assistants (PXA) will be assigned to communicate with volunteer teams as needed.

 

The Patron Experience Volunteer

Profile & Skills
An ASO Patron Experience Volunteer (PXV) is an ambassador who must be service-driven, friendly, and outgoing, have good communication and interpersonal skills, and be a willing team player committed to promoting the ASO mission. All ages over 16 are welcome.

Note:

  • Ages 10-15 may volunteer with a parent or guardian.
  • We do our best to accommodate all physical abilities; however, many volunteer positions require standing or moving throughout the hall for an hour or more. Some bending may be required.
  • ‘Back-of-the-house’ opportunities may be available from time to time. These may require some lifting.
  • Don't let any disability prevent you from volunteering. We'd love to have you!

Role & Responsibilities
Our PXVs will become and act as ambassadors for the ASO to everyone they come in contact with at any ASO public concert:

  • Enhance Patron Experience - may include opening the entry doors, assisting patrons with directions, photographing patrons on request, assisting patrons with seating, delivering programs, general customer service, answering general house questions, providing ASO promotional information, and attending to the welcome, comfort, and safety of audience members.
  • Respect and provide support service to venue staff as/if directed.
  • Arrive at a specified time before the concert doors open for a team meeting an to orient to the specific needs of the lobby experience. Many concerts have special attractions.
  • Understand the ASO schedule and concerts to help communicate with patrons about various performances.

Benefits

  1.  PXVs qualify for a FREE seat at the performance, where they volunteer once the audience has been seated. If the event has high demand, seats will be reserved for you before the concert. If the hall is not full, you will be given open seats before the concert begins. PXVs must be on duty at the concert to be eligible for the complimentary seat.
  2. Earn a free ticket for a future performance at ASC or a 50% discount for performances at BJCC for every three (3) regular concert events worked. Ticket must be redeemed during the current season up through the fall of the next season (for example, Sept 2024 through December 2025).* Special Events are not included in discounts.
  3. Education concert volunteer rewards. Volunteer for two or more education concerts over the season and earn 2 FREE tickets.* Education concerts that qualify for earning free tickets for this season are found here (link to the education page with all concerts)
  4. Water is provided for PXVs. Some venues may not allow the ASO cooler so tokens or some other means will be arranged to keep you hydrated.
  5. PXVs Parking – Complimentary reserved parking at ASC. BJCC reserved parking
  6. PXVs will be invited to attend one rehearsal each year. The rehearsal date options will be posted on the PXV page and announced via email to the PXVs.
  7. Exclusive PXV communications. As our ambassadors, it may become necessary to inform the team regarding changes/additions to volunteer needs, changes/additions to responsibilities, orchestra or ASO staff changes, parking updates and directions, venue news, or any volunteer-related concert news.
  8. Service hour credits for students and members of service organizations. See the PXM for validation or verifications.
  9. Community Enrichment. Your PXV contributions of valuable time and energy help enrich the community and the state of Alabama. You are a partner in fulfilling the mission of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
  10. Volunteer Appreciation. ASO relies on the people who give their time and energy to support through volunteering. In order to show our appreciation, our volunteers will be recognized. Whether it be an event, a gift, tickets, or something else, we will learn from our team to show how much you are valued. The 2024/2025 season is the charter season for this program. Help us create the best program for all.

*Cashing in volunteer hours for benefits must go through the PXM.