Concert Usher

As a Concert Usher, you will be the face of the MCO, ensuring that our concert attendees feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they arrive. This role is vital to creating a warm and organized environment that reflects the MCO’s joyful live music experiences.

Your responsibilities will include greeting guests as they arrive, assisting them to find seating, and ensuring a smooth entry process by scanning tickets and distributing programs. After the concert, you’ll help with light clean-up duties, no heavy lifting required. 

The time commitment for this role is approximately 3-4 hours per concert, covering both pre-concert setup and post-concert duties. We ask for a minimum commitment of two concerts per season, though many volunteers choose to participate more frequently.

This position is ideal for individuals who are friendly, punctual, and enjoy engaging with the public. No prior experience is required, as we provide all necessary training. You should be comfortable standing for extended periods.

In return for your time and effort, you will gain experience in customer service and event management and opportunities to network with fellow volunteers and concertgoers. Our volunteers are recognized publicly, receive complimentary tickets to future MCO concerts, and enjoy free entry to the events they support. You'll have the opportunity to participate in MCO volunteer appreciation events with other volunteers and staff.

Lobby Bar

As a member of the Lobby Bar team, you will contribute to the overall enjoyment of our events by providing excellent service to concert attendees. Your role supports the MCO’s mission by enhancing the social aspect of our events and helping to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Your role involves setting up the bar area before the event, serving wine, beer, and soft drinks pre-concert and during intermissions, and handling payments through cash or Square. After the event, you’ll assist with bar takedown and ensure that everything is left in order. For those who are able, some lifting of heavy boxes may be requires.

The time commitment for this role is approximately 3-4 hours per event, covering setup, service during the concert, and cleanup afterward. We ask for a minimum commitment of two events per season, though additional participation is always welcome.

This position is perfect for sociable individuals who enjoy interacting with the public and working in a fast-paced environment. While prior bartending experience is desirable, it’s not essential, training will be provided. Volunteers should be of legal drinking age, feel confident handling cash and using payment systems, and be able to stand for extended periods.

Volunteering in this role offers the chance to develop bartending skills, gain experience in event operations, and enhance customer service abilities. Volunteers are recognized publicly, receive complimentary tickets to future concerts, and can attend the events they support at no cost. You'll have the opportunity to participate in MCO volunteer appreciation events with other volunteers and staff.

Office Support

As an Office Support Volunteer, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our administrative functions. Your duties will include assisting with office mailings, such as folding, stuffing, and addressing envelopes, organizing and maintaining office supplies, performing basic data entry, and supporting special projects as needed.

The time commitment for this role is flexible, typically ranging from 2 to 4 hours per month. We ask for a minimum commitment of three shifts, allowing you to contribute meaningfully while accommodating your schedule.

This position is ideal for individuals with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Basic computer skills are beneficial, though no prior administrative experience is required. We will provide on-the-job training to ensure you are comfortable with the tasks and able to work independently.

In return for your service, you'll gain valuable experience in office administration, develop organizational and time management skills, and gain insight into the operations of a non-profit arts organization. Volunteers are recognized publicly, receive complementary concert tickets, and will have the opportunity to participate in MCO volunteer appreciation events, providing a chance to connect with other volunteers and staff.

Listening Club Host

As a Listening Club Host with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, you will be instrumental in fostering a deeper appreciation for music within our community. In this role, you will support our Listening Club by preparing and setting up refreshments, including coffee, tea, and snacks for 20 to 30 people. You will welcome club members and ensure a warm, inviting atmosphere. After the meeting, you’ll handle light clean-up duties. 

The time commitment for this role is approximately 3 hours per session, with a minimum commitment of two sessions per season. Your presence helps create a memorable and engaging experience for our members, often including interactions with the musicians themselves. 

This position is ideal for individuals who are friendly, enjoy facilitating social interactions, and have basic hospitality skills. We will provide on-the-job training to ensure you feel confident in your role.

Volunteering as a Listening Club Host offers you the opportunity to engage directly with music enthusiasts, gain experience in event hosting, and observe MCO rehearsals. In recognition of your contributions, you will be acknowledged publicly, enjoy complimentary refreshments during the sessions, and have the chance to gain unique insights into the artistic process. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in MCO volunteer appreciation events with other volunteers and staff.

Rehearsal Host

As a Rehearsal Host with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, you will play a crucial role in supporting our musicians and guests during rehearsals. Your responsibilities will include setting up coffee, tea, and snacks before the rehearsal, greeting musicians as they arrive, and maintaining the refreshment area throughout the session. After the rehearsal, you will handle clean-up, ensuring the space is tidy and ready for the next use.

The time commitment for this role is approximately 3-4 hours per rehearsal, with a minimum commitment of two rehearsals per season. This role allows you to be part of the behind-the-scenes operations that contribute to the success of our performances.

This position is perfect for those who are friendly, reliable, and enjoy providing hospitality. Basic kitchen skills, such as making coffee and setting out snacks, are all that’s needed. We will provide on-the-job training to ensure you are prepared for your duties.

In return for your service, you will gain experience in event support and hospitality and the unique opportunity to observe the rehearsal process and interact with professional musicians. Volunteers are recognized publicly, receive complimentary tickets to concerts, and can attend the rehearsals they support, getting a behind-the-scenes music experience. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in MCO volunteer appreciation events with other volunteers and staff.

Vinyl Vault

As a Vinyl Vault Volunteer with the MCO, you will immerse yourself in the world of vinyl records while supporting a great cause. Each month, on the last Saturday (except December), you will assist in running our popular Vinyl Vault sale, where music lovers can browse and purchase from a collection of over 15,000 records spanning all genres. We also sell used CDs, DVDs, 45s, VHS, 8-tracks, cassettes, and musical instruments!

Your role will involve interacting with the public, helping customers find records that match their interests and discover exciting new sounds, other customer services tasks, and maintaining an organized and welcoming environment for all visitors. Additionally, you may assist with picking up and sorting vinyl record donations, which can involve driving and some lifting. While extensive music knowledge is not required, your enthusiasm for music and vinyl records will enhance the experience for our customers.

The time commitment for this role is from 9:30am to 1:30pm on the last Saturday of most months, with occasional setup or takedown duties before or after the event. Upcoming Vinyl Vault dates are listed here. This position is ideal for those who enjoy engaging with the public.

As a Vinyl Vault volunteer, you will gain valuable experience in customer service, sales, and event logistics, while deepening your knowledge of vinyl records and music genres. You’ll also be part of a fun and vibrant community of music enthusiasts! Volunteers are recognized publicly, receive tickets to MCO concerts, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that funds raised through the Vinyl Vault directly support the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra’s operations, music programming, education, and outreach - a wonderful cause!

Community & Special Events

As a Special Events Volunteer, you will play a versatile and dynamic role in supporting MCO community events and fundraisers throughout Winnipeg. Your tasks may include transporting supplies to event locations, helping set up and dismantle event spaces, greeting and assisting guests, presenters and participants as they arrive, staffing an information table to share details about the MCO, or even helping to run the bar during events. Your involvement ensures that our community events and fundraisers run smoothly, reflecting the MCO’s commitment to meaningful community engagement.

The time commitment for this role varies depending on the event, typically requiring 4-6 hours per event, including setup and takedown. Events are held at various locations around Winnipeg throughout the year, and we ask for flexibility in attending different events as needed.

This position is ideal for individuals who are adaptable, friendly, and enjoy being part of a team. You should be comfortable with some physical activity, such as moving supplies, and willing to engage with the public in a variety of settings. No prior experience is necessary, as training will be provided to ensure you are prepared for your tasks.

In return for your time and effort, you will gain valuable experience in event management, customer service, and community outreach. Volunteering in this role offers you the opportunity to connect with diverse members of the Winnipeg community, work closely with the MCO team, and make a tangible impact on our fundraising and outreach efforts. Volunteers are recognized publicly, receive complimentary tickets to the events they support, and receive complimentary tickets to concerts. You will have the opportunity to participate in the MCO volunteer appreciation events with other volunteers and staff.