Williams News Logo
Grand Canyon News Logo

Trusted local news leader for Williams AZ and the Grand Canyon

Festival volunteers make noteworthy contribution

Though the focus has been on the performers for the 10-concert Grand Canyon Music Festival series that ended last weekend, their time in the spotlight was possible only through the commitment and work of more than 100 volunteers toiling behind the scenes.

"There is no way we could do this ourselves," said Rene Westbrook, who coordinates sales, marketing and volunteers for the festival in a year-round effort. She, General Manager Chris Crossland and a part-time intern from Grand Canyon High School make up the festival's paid staff.

While they provide the structure to keep the organization running and administer an annual budget of $160,000, Westbrook said that volunteers are the backbone of each successful season.

They roll and package posters, fold T-shirts and box up note cards that account for about $20,000 of the festival's revenue. Residents open their homes or prepare food at their own expense for after-concert receptions, they fund-raise, greet attendees and sell tickets and merchandise at concerts, work as stage hands and serve on the non-profit's 15-member board.

Westbrook said that even the popular yearly poster is the result of volunteer effort. Flagstaff artist Ed Mell has created and donated the image for the posters each year for the past 20 years.

The festival was conceived by Founding Director Robert Bonfiglio and Artistic Director Clare Hoffman, who were inspired during a visit to the Canyon more than two decades ago. They envisioned a world-class event that would cast a wide net to draw in diverse music lovers and accomplished artists. In the process, it has become a local event as well, providing a personal experience for residents who love the arts and the opportunity to get to know the musicians.

"It's really a nice way to see the show," said Sandy Reason, who was working as an usher at last Saturday's show. This is her second year working with the festival with husband Dennis. "It has such a local feel to it and we get to experience a side other people don't see a lot of. There are certain nights you hope you get to work."

The Festival is not affiliated with NPS, Grand Canyon Association or any other local entity, though many provide essential support. Westbrook said it's the goodwill of businesses, individual donors and foundations who generate about $40,000 in revenue, and the efforts of local businesses and volunteers who provide about $25,000 in in-kind services that keeps the festival alive.

"Everybody does a little," she said. "The businesses donate food, drinks, other items, they comp rooms. We have many partnerships. It is a phenomenal, huge community event."

She said that volunteers come from every background, representing Xanterra, Grand Canyon Association, the GC Field Institute, Delaware North, Park Service, Post Office, Bank One, Tusayan businesses, Grand Canyon School and others.

"Every sector in this community is involved," she said.

Grand Canyon School teachers and students were well-represented at recent concerts, taking tickets, selling merchandise, giving out programs and helping concertgoers find seats.

Teacher Kay Bordwell was at the ticket sales table at Shrine of the Ages on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 17. This is the third year that she has volunteered.

"I love it," she said. "It's fun and I meet great people. And it's a way to listen to world-class musicians playing wonderful music, in a great venue."

Like many people who become longtime volunteers, Bordwell heard about the opportunity from another volunteer, school librarian Nancy Green.

"She told me about it and I thought what a great idea," said Bordwell. "It's fun to see people you know and the occasional world traveler."

While the most intense time for both volunteers and staff is immediately before and during the festival, Westbrook said there is a need for volunteers year round. In fact, even though this year's festival is done, she said she has plans to gather a group of workers next month to roll and package posters in anticipation of the orders they receive all year. She said she keeps and adds to a volunteer list all year as well so there is a constant pool of people available. She added that while most volunteers enjoy the benefit of attending shows, some have helped out without anticipating that reward.

"We had a seasonal Xanterra employee who volunteered without the promise of attending," she said. "He was here and just gave his time."

Beth Seely is a longtime volunteer, both with logistics and as a member of the Grand Canyon Music Festival board. Her involvement started when she was hired as the festival's first full-time employee and when she left the job in 1995, her association with the festival remained strong and she continues to serve on the board.

"I've been involved since about day one," she said. "We are so lucky to have something here of this caliber. I've been involved on all levels. The quality has stayed very high."


Donate Report a Typo Contact