Volunteer Appreciation Week

By UMS

National Volunteer Week (Sunday, April 18 through Saturday, April 24, 2021) is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service.

We want to recognize and thank all of the volunteers who lend their time, talent, and voices to UMS. We’ve interviewed a few of our volunteers to offer their experiences with UMS and highlight how they have stayed involved with the arts during the pandemic.

Elena Snyder

Chair of UMS Ambassadors

How did you get involved with UMS? What drew you to volunteering? 

I had a friend that had been involved and she suggested I look into it. The people were so nice and welcoming and there were diverse tasks to be involved in so I decided to join without hesitation. 

I love music and appreciate all forms. I decided I wanted more exposure to the arts and it has been a lovely way to keep me busy and yet enjoying the activities I have been craving. I am a retired educator and this was a good way to meet new people in the community and help UMS at the same time.

What have you done to stay active with UMS throughout the pandemic? 

After 6 years of involvement, last July I became the Chair of our UMS Ambassador Committee of volunteers. I have planned meetings and met with people on Zoom. Obviously not quite as enriching as performances however it has given me something to focus on. We are trying to keep our current volunteers informed about free digital activities and opportunities to be exposed to more artistic forms of performances. We really would welcome anyone who is interested in joining us! 

What is your favorite UMS memory? 

My favorite UMS memory is so difficult to nail down. I have been on the stage at Hill Auditorium for a reception of donors and backstage at Power Center during a dance performance to help a performer’s child. I love the concerts I have seen with all the famous orchestras from around the world. My heart is full of gratitude when I see our local K-12 students attend our School Day Performances! Seeing Yo-Yo Ma was a huge thrill for me as well. Thank you UMS for the opportunity to serve.

Penny Ryder

UMS Usher

How did you get involved with UMS? What drew you to volunteering?

I wanted to volunteer years ago but was too busy with work.  After retiring I signed up.  I love all kinds of music and have become more interested in music I was not familiar with due to this opportunity to attend concerts.

What is your favorite UMS memory?

I do not have a favorite.  Since I am a people person, the perk for me is the regular patrons who come through my “Door 2” at both Hill and Rackham assignments.  Concert environments provide people with very a vibrant mood.   In addition, I so enjoy when young children come through my door.  If time provides, I engage them about their “playing” instrument.  They always get a huge smile with this recognition of their interest.  I look forward to having live concerts here again soon, I hope.

Jagienka Timek

Co-President of the UMS Student Committee

How did you get involved with UMS? What drew you to volunteering? 

I found out about UMS from an email I received after going to one of the performances (2001: A Space Odyssey with the DSO!) my freshman year, 2018. I loved the rich nature of the performing arts in Ann Arbor, and I really wanted to channel my excitement in a volunteer role and spread the news about the amazing array of performances put on by UMS. I’ve also met amazing people volunteering through the Student Committee! It broadened my perspective not only on audience demographics but the intellectual diversity of students at this university who all share the same passion for art. 

What have you done to stay active with UMS throughout the pandemic? 

I have led the Student Committee as Co-President for the past year, and we have faced new and exciting challenges in marketing digital performances this year. My main goal was to foster a community among committee members to maintain people’s excitement about the arts while keeping attendance numbers consistent. We branched out into social media more this semester, so that was very new!

What is your favorite UMS memory? 

One of my favorite performances (which I did not think I would enjoy!) was Teac Damsa’s Swan Lake in fall of 2019. It was the most bizarre and experimental theater piece I have ever seen. It began with a man barking like a dog in his underwear and ended with the stage covered in feathers. But it moved me. It was completely out of my comfort zone, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to attend through the Student Committee because I would not have pushed myself to go otherwise!!

Juli Pinsak

UMS Usher

How did you get involved with UMS? What drew you to volunteering? 

Back in the late 1990s, some co-workers joined the UMS usher team, and I joined them.

We had a good Aisle on the Main Floor and a kind Aisle Head. They all moved on, started families, and I continued to usher. I spread out to other organizations. There is a great mindset with the ushers – the love of performances, helping patrons, and seeing amazing shows! I have met many lovely patrons, and become friends with fellow ushers.

What have you done to stay active with UMS throughout the pandemic? 

During the downtime, I am taking advantage of streaming shows thru UMS, and other websites. It’s not as exciting as a live show, but still fun!

What is your favorite UMS memory? 

A recent performance by Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason in December 2019 at Rackham was especially delightful. It was nice to see the next generations embracing and playing classical music.