What is a Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association Docent?

Simply put a docent is a teacher. Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association docents not only teach, but also inspire and encourage Dayton area students to become future audience members.

DPVA docents insure that students attending Young People's Concerts and SPARK Concerts are well informed about the music they will hear at the concerts and are knowledgeable about the concert setting. This dedicated group of volunteers travel to each school attending the concert to present student-friendly lively previews of the performance. Once the actual concert day arrives they are present to greet students, help usher them to their seats, and wave a friendly goodbye as they exit.

Yet another important and unique docent effort is the "Orchestra and You" program for area second graders. This entire program was created by the DPVA docents and is a hands-on first introduction to the orchestra utilizing life-size Lucite model instruments. This program has consistently earned the DPVA docent program recognition and awards at the national conference of the American Symphony Orchestra League.

DPVA education volunteers are an essential part of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra education outreach. Their efforts open the minds and imaginations of thousands of children to the beauty of music.

What are the qualifications for joining the DPVA docent team? All it takes is a love for music and for children with no special musical expertise required! Docents regularly meet with Neal Gittleman, Music Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, to learn about the music, while committee chairs prepare scripts for all the presentations. Come share your love of music with area students. The time commitment is as much or as little as your schedule will allow.

For more information call Gloria Pugh at 224-3521.