Volunteering Information
Volunteering at the NFA Convention is a fun way to meet new people, learn about behind-the-scenes operations, and give back to the flute community.
Want to give back to the NFA and provide behind-the-scenes support at the largest annual flute event in the world?
Sign up for a volunteer shift! Positions include door monitor, ticket sellers, ticket takers, competition timers, volunteer desk, and more. Volunteers make this event possible and help keep the overall cost down for future conventions. As a thank you for helping things run more smoothly, for every three shifts or competition you take on, you’ll receive a voucher redeemable for $15 to spend at the convention. There is no limit to the number of events for which you can volunteer, and we really appreciate your help
What to Expect
This year, the following volunteer positions are available:
- Competition Runner
- Competition Door Monitor
- Door Monitor at Events
- Ticket Seller at Gala Events
- Ticket Taker at Gala Events
In addition to the dynamic experience and joy of contributing, volunteers will be eligible for rebates on their convention registration. (However, you don't need to register for the convention in order to volunteer. If your partner or friend is attending
the convention and you'd like to support their passion while getting a taste of the experience, you're invited to volunteer!)
Volunteering information for the 2024 Convention will be posted here as it becomes available.
Meet a Volunteer: Q&A with Sam Louke
Over the years, Sam Louke has been one of the NFA’s most loyal convention volunteers. Sam is a chemical engineer, now retired from Intel Corporation. He lives in Beaverton, Oregon, with his wife, NFA member Phyllis Louke, and enjoys
playing the trombone in his spare time.
How did you start volunteering at the NFA Convention, and how long have you been doing it?
I was looking for something to do since I am not a flutist. Usually I meet up with some of the other “flute husbands” and go to a local Major League Baseball game one night of the convention. But my mornings are free, and since I volunteer a lot at home for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland and various musical groups in which I play trombone, I found it rewarding to help the NFA Convention run smoothly. I’ve been volunteering since the 2007 Albuquerque convention.
What are your most memorable convention experiences?
Being a door monitor and helping the guest artist set up the room for their next event. I’ve done everything from helping flute choirs set up to helping Peter Sheridan organize his reading session music, to monitoring the door at the gala concert and having to turn away famous people for not having a badge.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering at the convention?
I enjoy meeting the leaders and world class musicians in the flute world. Oh, and earning a free lunch.
How much have you earned in rebates over the years?
I usually earn $30/day over about 3-4 days, or about $100-120/convention. I’ve been to seven conventions since 2007, so I’ve made about $800.
What would you say to encourage flutists—or non-flutists, like yourself—to volunteer at the convention?
It’s a great way to give back to an organization that you already support. You’re going to the convention; why not spend a couple of hours to help a worthy organization? And if you are the partner of a flutist, why not spend some of your free time at the convention in support of your partner’s passion?