In addition to fundraising and musical education for the youth of the First Coast, The Guild supports the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in numerous ways, all of which afford volunteers opportunities…

Coffee Concerts:  The Guild provides complimentary coffee and cookies for all Friday morning concert patrons.  Guild volunteers enjoy being able to provide this service, and it affords our volunteers an opportunity to meet and thank each patron for their support and participation.

“RAKE” Random Acts of Kindness:  Periodically throughout the year Guild volunteers treat the symphony orchestra musicians by providing them with light lunches during rehearsals and various concerts.

Gift of Music:  A year-round gift-giving opportunity designed to provide donors the opportunity to purchase or supplement the cost of music scores on behalf of the music libraries.  Gifts may be given in honor of friends, loved ones or business associates and are excellent for special occasion tributes and memorials.  Donors may choose from a select list of music scores from either the symphony orchestra or the Symphony Youth Orchestra season programs.  Choosing from four gift levels beginning at $150, each level has its own unique set of benefits and recognition.  Both donor and recipient will receive acknowledgement in ENCORE! And all donors receive a scroll suitable for framing.  To join those who have already made the purchase of music for the libraries, contact The Guild at (904) 358-1479 or E-mail scalvert@jaxsymphony.org.

Guild Membership:  Membership in The Guild is open to anyone interested in furthering its objectives of supporting the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and musical education for elementary youth of the First Coast area.  New members are always welcome and encouraged.  If you would like to join, or request further information, contact The Guild at (904) 358-1479, or E-mail scalvert@jaxsymphony.org.

Instrument Zoo:  This program, created by the Jacksonville Symphony Guild many years ago won a national award by the National Symphony Association.   The “zoo” consists of orchestral instruments among the five instrument groups.  At no charge, “zoo keepers” (volunteers) take the instruments to elementary schools throughout the First Coast area, affording the children an opportunity to actually hold and play each instrument. In most cases it’s the first and only time a child will be exposed to an orchestral instrument.  This program is totally dependent on the support of numerous volunteers.  Neither musical background nor experience is required.  Membership in The Guild is not required to serve as a volunteer.

Designer Showhouse:  Each year, more than 1,300 volunteers contribute their time, energy and talent to planning, organizing, managing and staffing this massive undertaking.  Volunteers may donate anywhere from three hours to several months of their time.  AND, it’s a wonderful way to meet new friends, especially if you’re new to the First Coast area.  To volunteer, or to be placed on the Showhouse mailing list, call The Guild at (904) 358-1479, or E-mail scalvert@jaxsymphony.org.  Membership in The Guild is not required to serve as a volunteer.