For more information about ARTIST SERIES FRIENDS volunteer organization please email: friends@artistseries.net
A BRIEF HISTORY Since inception, the Artist Series of Sarasota has relied on volunteers to assist in its concerts and activities. Until 2006 Board member Betsy Hinrichs arranged and managed volunteers, drawn largely from our loyal audience and donor base. With growth comes change, and in September 2006 a gathering of volunteers further defined and organized volunteers into committees with committee chairs. Plans were laid to introduce a more formalized structure to the growing number of volunteers, and regular meetings of volunteers were established. In March 2008 the organization achieved legal structure with the establishing of its own registered name, submission of required governmental filings that codified its ability to accept charitable donations, and the formation of a managing Board and officers.
Artist Series Friends developed a membership application and established a nominal annual membership fee. As of January 2009 the organization had nearly 150 paid members, many of whom are divided into nearly a dozen functional committees.
A calendar of meetings and events has been set for the 2008-2009 Season. In addition to the many other support services volunteers provide to the Artist Series of Sarasota, the Friends have come together to present their first-ever independent fund raiser on February 3, 2009. Proceeds from that event will be directed to the Artist Series annual Scholarship Competition on March 28, 2009 which provides financial support for career potential young musicians. The competition is open to Florida residents in two age-based categories (14-28).
February 3, 2009 5:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Dinner Gala A Court A-Fare at the Meadows Country Club An evening of fun and surprises featuring Cliff Roles as Master of Ceremonies and Jester with a variety of musical entertainments throughout the evening.
April 14, 2009 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. General Meeting at the Selby Public Library Geldbart Auditorium Music feature: The Sound of Music
June 11, 2009 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. General Meeting at the Fruitville Public Library (note that this is a change from the original location) Music feature: TBA
October 6, 2009 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. General Meeting at the Selby Public Library Geldbart Auditorium Music feature: TBA
December 1, 2009 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. General Meeting at the Selby Public Library Geldbart Auditorium Music feature: TBA
Meeting dates/times/locations subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances
Activities of the Friends include assistance with
Community Outreach
To schools, retirement centers, clubs and organizations.
Scholarship Competition Assistance with mailings, staffing, hospitality and more...
Concerts and Events Assistance
In addition to its own programs, Friends members provide staffing support to many of the Artist Series of Sarasota's concerts and events.
Program Advertising
Each summer, Friends volunteers solicit program advertising for the Artist Series' handsome, full-color program book which is distributed at more than forty performances annually.
Literature Distribution and Marketing Support
A team of more than two dozen volunteers place and maintain Artist Series of Sarasota promotional literature in more than 130 locations in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Greeting and Social
No one is a stranger for long at an Artist Series Friends activity or an Artist Series of Sarasota concert - patrons and friends are greeted warmly by our corps of volunteer greeters. For Artist Series of Sarasota Soiree Concerts which feature food and beverages as part of the concert experience, volunteers often plan, prepare and serve delicious offerings.
Friends Newsletter
A volunteer committee writes, edits and mails a professional quality color newsletter "ACCENTS" to members bi-monthly to make them aware of the ever-changing activities and volunteer opportunities that exist within the Artist Series Friends organization.
Fund Raising Artist Series Friends devise and manage their own unique fund raisers. Proceeds go to help support the Artist Series of Sarasota's Statewide Scholarship Program which provides financial support to career-potential young musicians.
