VOLUNTEER TO HELP MAKE RIOT RI’S PROGRAMS HAPPEN!

Our Rock Camps (Adult and Youth) and other programs rely on volunteers to make the magic happen! Our next upcoming program is Adult Rock Camp, happening in early 2025! Other programs are TBA, but we are always looking for community members interested in helping out. Volunteering with RIOT RI is fun and rewarding, and there are flexible positions available for folks of all genders, with or without musical experience! Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or older. For new volunteers, our Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to learn more about you. Descriptions for camp-related volunteer positions are below, and there are often other opportunities at various times throughout the year.

VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTIONS

INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTORS

(Female, trans, gender expansive only; experience preferred) We are looking for individuals to instruct vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards daily. A basic or advanced knowledge in the instrument you are teaching is required, and while not necessary, experience in a band setting is always a plus! You will be working with participants who have varying levels of experience in music. Some have taken lessons before but others have never even touched an instrument in their lives. This position is a great chance to pass on your super sweet skills! Don’t worry; there will be an opportunity to meet with your fellow instructors at least once before camp to decide on a curriculum or teaching method. Lessons are frequently team taught as well.

BAND COACHES

(Female, trans, gender expansive only; experience preferred) On the first day of camp, campers form their own bands with whom they write an original song together throughout camp. Band coaches are seasoned musicians who are available at Rock Camp as a resource to camper bands during daily practice time throughout camp. Band coaches help campers with all aspects of working in a band: setting up, tuning, songwriting, learning to play as a group, learning to listen to one another, communicating effectively, supporting each other, and stage presence – while not taking creative control. The goal is for the campers to write and create their own music, the coach’s job is to help if needed! The coach will also help campers break down instruments after each practice and at the show. Coaches should also be prepared to mediate the occasional musical dispute. Knowledge of more than one instrument, and the songwriting process, is helpful! During youth programming, each Band Coach works closely with one Band Counselor.

BAND COUNSELOR

(Female, trans, gender expansive; primarily needed during youth programming; experience preferred) This is one of the most rewarding volunteer positions at camp! Counselors serve as mentors to an assigned group who they work with closely. They will provide advice and support to campers who come with issues such as low self-esteem, or personal issues and will help band members work together. Other duties will include making sure campers are where they need to be at all times, encouraging enthusiasm and teamwork, and participating with them in certain activities while maintaining a general knowledge of the group dynamics! Experience working with youth in a school or camp setting is a plus. Will work closely in a team with one Band Coach.

ROADIES

(any gender; NO experience required!) Roadies move and set up equipment (guitar amps, keyboards, bass amps, guitars, basses, drums, PAs) when and where necessary at camp each day; tuning and gear knowledge is a plus. Roadies are especially needed for the end-of-camp showcase, during which they will move, set up, and tune equipment. This job is not to be underrated and helps camp run smoothly and efficiently!

INSTRUMENT TECHNICIANS

(any gender; experience required) Technicians will be in charge of repairing and tuning equipment whenever needed before camp, during camp, and at the showcase. This will involve changing strings, drum heads, tuning, and setting up guitar amps, guitars, bass amps, basses, drums, and sometimes PAs. A general knowledge of more than one instrument is encouraged but not necessary. It would be helpful if this could be combined with roadie duties, but not necessary.

WORKSHOP LEADERS

(Female, trans, gender expansive only; experience preferred) Instructors will teach various hour-long interactive workshops in an assembly setting based on their interest and experience. These will include but are not limited to social issues workshops related to gender roles, gender diversity in the media, gender diversity in rock history, relational aggression, anti-oppression, social justice, self-defense and creative workshops including zine-making, silk-screening, button-making, art instruction, poster-/flyer-making, etc. Experience working with youth and/or adults in an educational setting is a plus! Each workshop is usually scheduled for one 60-90 minute session.

HOSPITALITY TEAM MEMBERS

(any gender; NO experience needed) Great news for folks with no music experience, there will be PLENTY of work for you if you want to help! Throughout the week you will be called upon to help with daily morning set up, camper check-in/out, hall monitoring, workshop room setup/breakdown, food set up and take down, serving lunch to volunteers, merch sales, volunteer break room maintenance, errand-running, general clean-up duties, and other tasks that help everyone have a great day at rock camp!

(any gender; experience required) Available on-site or on-call throughout the day as a point person for medical emergencies, mental health issues, minor accidents, helping campers with special medical needs, prescriptions, and assisting the support and administrative team as needed. Combines well with other volunteer positions such as hospitality team, workshop leader, etc.