OSM Volunteer association
A committed network of devoted volunteers
Discover our association of passionate volunteers working hand in hand to help promote classical music and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal!
Who are we?
The Women’s Auxiliary Committee of Volunteers of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal was created in 1948 by Pierre Béique, then Director General of the OSM. It became the OSM Volunteer Association in 2012 and currently has nearly one hundred members.
Since its inception, the Association has played an essential role for the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal by investing in its musical and educational activities and providing support to its various divisions.
Whether on a regular basis or periodically, our volunteer members support the OSM’s activities with enthusiasm and dedication. In doing so, they contribute to a better appreciation of the classical music repertoire, and to maintaining the OSM’s excellent reputation.
Becoming a volunteer at the OSM can be an exhilarating adventure for those who want to get involved and to include their skills towards an artistic and musical cause.
Main activities
Volunteers play an essential role in providing regular support to the various OSM directorates.
OSM services
- The Classical Spree and Concerts in Parks: Volunteers assist in summer musical events. They help-out with reception duties and participate in animation activities, among others.
- The Children’s Ball: Volunteers contribute to the success of this annual activity that welcomes many children and families. They make costumes, welcome people, and assist in providing animation activities.
- Reception: Volunteers provide continuous service in reception duties at the OSM Reception offices.
- New Services: Volunteers provide support in meeting the new needs of the OSM. They assist in welcoming customers during concerts and at special pre-concert events. They also help-out during organized tours of the Espace OSM.
Education
- Guided Tours of the Maison Symphonique: Volunteers receive visitors and guide them through the concert hall. The tours focus on its exceptional acoustics, and the two unique instruments: the Great Pierre-Béique organ, and the Octobass.
- The OSM Competition: This competition has been open to young Canadian musicians since 1940. It is a springboard for young musicians’ future careers and for their participation in international competitions. Volunteers contribute to the success of this contest by collaborating in its planning, preparation, and delivery.
- Symphonics Matinees: These morning concerts are intended for more mature audiences. Volunteers provide assistance to participants and offer coffee. We also welcome high school groups.
- Special Projects: Volunteers offer their collaboration to any request from the OSM’s Education sector for sporadic projects.
Member services
- Reception, Orientation and Support for New Members: This essential service guarantees the integration of new volunteers.
- The Notes Newsletter: Volunteers participate in the development of a newsletter (The Notes) which features portraits and interviews of artists and musicians as well as testimonials from its members. This newsletter is published four times a year.
- The Web Page: Volunteers ensure that the updates concerning the Association are integrated on the OSM Web Page.
- Administrative Activities: Volunteers update administrative documents and produce a members’ directory.
Social activities and fundraisers
- Social Activities: Volunteers plan, organize, and implement activities relative to the life of the Association. They organize meals following the General Assembly. They also organize Christmas celebrations, seasonal meetings, and other recreational activities.
- Fundraising for the Benefit of the Association: Volunteers prepare and carry out fundraising activities that allow the Association to develop projects and programs, particularly in the field of education.
- Fundraisers in Support of the OSM: Volunteers also support fundraising activities organized by the OSM.
Chairman: Robert Quesnel
Directors: Annie Aubé, Claire Lépine, Louise Monty, Manon Pigeon, Claude Rainville, Françoise Savoie, Johanne Tellier, Serge Tessier, Diane Veilleux
Accounting Services: Denise Bresse
Secretary: Christiane Coulombe
Management Board
President: Robert Quesnel
Coordinators :
- Administrative Services: Vacant
- Education: Claire Lépine
Member Services: Johanne Tellier - OSM Services: Françoise Savoie
To become a volunteer
Volunteers will:
- Abide by the Code of Ethics of the Association;
- Be available a minimum of 20 hours/year;
- Pay the annual fee of $40.
