The Estevan and District Music Festival is looking for volunteers to assist with various roles during this year’s festival, which runs from March 30 to April 11. With a variety of positions available, organizers are hoping to fill spots to help make the event a success.
Heather Barnstable, who is in charge of recruiting volunteers for the festival, explained that there are several roles to fill throughout the event, which includes a mix of vocal, speech arts, band, strings, guitar, and piano sessions. Some of the available positions include session supervisors, ticket sales, and attendance keepers, while others will assist adjudicators with certificates for winners and announce competitors during sessions. Barnstable highlighted that there are often up to four volunteers required per session, with sometimes three sessions each day. “We have about 96 spots to fill for jobs,” she said. “There’s something for everyone to do.”
Barnstable encourages those interested in supporting the event to consider volunteering. “You can sign up for just one session, or there are people who sign up for multiple days. Totally up to you,” she said. The festival will begin with vocal and speech arts, followed by band performances and a day dedicated to strings and guitar. The festival will conclude with a full week of piano performances. Volunteers can sign up for just one session or multiple days, depending on their availability. High school students, particularly those seeking volunteer hours, are welcome to participate, with a minimum age requirement of 16 years old. “We’ve taken high school students, especially those that are looking for volunteer hours in the community,” Barnstable explained.
This year, the Estevan and District Music Festival has made it easy to sign up with a user-friendly sign-up form available on their Facebook page. Once individuals sign up, they will receive a reminder email to confirm their commitment. Barnstable said, “It’s quite easy to do. They just have to click on ‘Sign Me Up,’ and the list of sessions are all there.”
Barnstable has been involved with the Estevan and District Music Festival for many years, initially as a parent and participant. For the past 12 years, she has served on the festival committee. Reflecting on the significance of the festival, she emphasized the opportunity it provides local youth to showcase their musical talents. “It gives the opportunity for the kids to shine in that area and just to show all the hard work that they do,” Barnstable said. “It’s exciting for them and something to work toward, and it improves their musical skills as well because they really work hard on it.”
If you’re looking for an enjoyable and easy way to support the local community, volunteering at the Estevan Music Festival is a great way to experience the talent and dedication of local musicians. Barnstable noted that the event always welcomes an audience adding that if you’re not able to volunteer, attending the festival is a wonderful way to enjoy the performances and support local musicians. “We always enjoy having an audience too,” Barnstable added. “Everybody’s welcome.”
For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, visit the Estevan and District Music Festival’s Facebook page.