The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) is pleased to announce that Linda Randall, Choral Committee Member and volunteer choir member with Music in the Mountains, is a recipient of the 2024 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Volunteer Award that will be presented to her at ACSO’s 2024 Annual Conference in San Francisco from July 25-27.
Music in the Mountains (MIM) is a classical music organization and registered non-profit founded and based in Nevada County. A registered member of ACSO, MIM hosts a number of education programs providing accessible music education to Nevada County’s classrooms, in addition to bringing world-class classical music programming to the community. MIM hosts an auditioned community chorus and music workshops open to the public, and is supported by donors and volunteers from the Nevada County community.
ACSO launched the MVP Volunteer Award in 1996 to recognize exemplary volunteers, volunteer projects, and volunteer organizations, and to thank a few of the hundreds of dedicated, hardworking, and committed volunteers that orchestras and music organizations depend on every day.
Linda Randall was nominated for the award by Volunteer Coordinator at Music in the Mountains, Hilary Hodge, for Randall’s participation as a member of the choir for the past three years, as well as her assistance at events, and her invaluable work on the organizations’ database.
“Linda’s attention to detail and flawless organization of systems has streamlined staff efforts in the office in ways that cannot be overlooked,” said Hodge. “Because of her constant regard for MIM’s database and dedication to accurate information, we have been able to rely on accurate data to make informed decisions, set strategic goals, and monitor key performance indicators which has allowed the organization to streamline operations and run programs more efficiently.”
Hodge goes on, “These types of volunteer roles are often overlooked because they may seem boring or far-off from the mission of making music, but the impact of freeing up staff time and helping our organization to run more efficiently cannot be overstated.” Hodge adds cheerfully, “Her efforts have resulted in the lowest rate of returned mail the organization has ever experienced.”
Music in the Mountains has a robust volunteer program with more than 200 active and registered volunteers. Volunteer roles and duties range from clerical work in the office throughout the year, to ushering and stage set-up during concerts. MIM relies on the hospitality of community members to house orchestra members during their SummerFest concert festival series and enlists the help of local musicians to assist with their education programs.
ACSO Executive Director Sarah Weber said, “During good times and bad, orchestras depend on volunteers to help with almost every aspect of their operations. They are working behind the scenes and out in front as ambassadors to make sure that their orchestra is strong and active in the performance hall and in the community. Linda Randall is an outstanding example of how critical volunteers are to keeping our orchestras vital and resilient.”
The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO), founded in 1969, is a member service organization representing 120 classical music organizations and their 2,000 board and staff in its network. ACSO’s members are comprised of professional, academic, youth and community-based orchestras, choruses, and festivals in California and the western region.
Music in the Mountains (MIM) brings world-class performances to the Nevada County community while maintaining a deep commitment to music education. For those interested in volunteering or learning more about MIM, the organization is hosting a volunteer orientation on Wednesday August 14th at 5:30pm at their business office in the Old Post Office Building in downtown Grass Valley. For more information, please visit their website at. www.musicinthemountains.org.