The annual University of Idaho Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival relies on volunteers to help put on the event each year. Not just a handful of volunteers either, but close to 1,200.
“Without (volunteers) we couldn’t do this,” said Britnee Packwood, volunteer coordinator and UI student. “Last year we had I think 847 volunteers with 1200 hours.”
This year’s Jazz Fest runs Feb. 22-26 and features concerts by nationally-renowned artists as well as classes and critiques for middle- and high-school bands.
“These (volunteer positions) range from people delivering lunches to site managers to site volunteers to people driving the artists around,” Packwood said. “Anything you can think of, we pretty much have it.”
Don’t have much time with a busy class schedule and a large extra-curricular load? No problem. Packwood said coordinators can work around schedules, with time slots beginning at 6 a.m. and going until evening. Volunteers can commit to as much or as little time as they are able, although a free Friday or Saturday night ticket is offered as incentive to those who give more than four hours during the week.
Volunteer registration is as easy as going to the website, lionelhamptonjazzfest.volunteerhub.com, creating an account and signing up for the shift that works with one’s schedule. Drive team positions, however, require additional paperwork and proof of a driver’s license.
Packwood said site volunteers are in high demand. According to the volunteer information sheet, site volunteers help manage student performances in the varying venues on campus and in the community. Volunteers welcome students and directors, announce performers and make sure everyone is directed correctly.
“Normally we try to get the fraternities and sororities to adopt a site,” Packwood said. “That means for the entire day it’s their responsibility … in 10 different sites. We really like it when the Greek community gets involved, as they need volunteer hours.
Packwood said those who enjoy spontaneity should apply to be a special teams volunteer. These volunteers are “the glue that holds the festival together,” according to the info sheet. They are on-call for last-minute errands — such as delivering lunches and supplies — or to assist with under-staffed positions.
People with good customer service skills and an ability to retain information are encouraged to become registrar volunteers who assist with check-in and general information services.
Drive team volunteers with a good driving record — and preferably the ability to drive in snow, Packwood said — are needed to give festival directors and artists rides to various locations throughout the city. Cars are provided for these volunteers, and insurance is not an issue, Packwood said.
Packwood is head of the newly-formed Vibe Masters, an ASUI club whose mission is to help promote the festival among the student body. She said that as this club has just been established, they don’t have a website yet. For information, call the Jazz Fest office at 208-885-5900.
Volunteers are needed for pre-festival work such as marketing and publicity efforts. Packwood said interested parties should call or stop by the office in the Student Union Building, room 127.