Exhibit Musician Volunteer
Exhibit Musician
Step into the Past and Bring History to Life!
Exhibit Musicians bring history to life through music, creating a vibrant and immersive experience for guests. By performing period-appropriate pieces, musicians enhance the historical atmosphere of various exhibits, sharing the joy and cultural significance of music from Western Canada’s past.
Role Overview
Under the direction of the Exhibit Lead Hands, the volunteer Exhibit Musician will play or sing time-period and site-appropriate musical pieces to enhance the living history experience for guests. Musicians may perform in locations like the H.B.C Fort (Métis, French, Scottish folk/fiddle music up to the 1880s), Prince House or Church (1870s-1914), or the Famous 5 Centre (1914-1930). This role adds an extra layer of immersive interpretation, complementing the work of Interpreter Demonstrators.
Site Options:
- HBC Fort (Metis, French, Scottish – fiddle music – 1880s and prior)
- Thorpe (Norwegian folk music, English/French 1914 and prior),
- Prince (English/French 1914 and prior)
- Sandstone (English, Scottish, Metis folk/fiddle music 1914 and prior)
- Church (Anglican Hymns/music 1914 and prior)
- Famous 5 Centre (Suffragist music, English music 1930s or prior)
- Encampment (Traditional Indigenous musical traditions connected to Treaty 7 Nation – 1880s and prior)
- Ranch Yard (guitar/fiddle music only, or approved other instrument, fitting to ranch living theme, 1914 or prior)
- Coal Mine (Labour songs of various immigrant groups 1930 or prior)
- Wing Chong (approved instrument, Chinese or Chinese-Canadian music 1914 and prior)
Duties and Responsibilities
- Attend Interpretation training sessions and review exhibit materials.
- Play or sing period-appropriate musical selections that align with the setting.
- Greet and interact with guests between songs in a friendly and courteous manner.
- Ensure proper care and handling of artifacts and instruments within the exhibit.
- Learn the park map, daily activities, and answer general questions about Heritage Park.
- Sign in and out on My Impact and check in/out at the Prep Room.
- Attend the morning meeting (for morning shifts) led by Public Programming Specialists for daily updates.
- Notify the Lead Hands in advance if unable to attend a scheduled shift.
Expectations
The ideal Exhibit Musician volunteer should:
- Have an advanced level of skill with their instrument or voice.
- Enjoy performing music publicly and engaging with guests and exhibit staff.
- Be willing to research and share historical context around musical selections.
- Maintain a friendly and approachable demeanor at all times.
- Be comfortable improvising or adapting musical choices as needed.
Knowledge of Heritage Park and Western Canadian history is an asset but not required — we’ll provide training to help you succeed!
Training and Support
Heritage Park is dedicated to providing volunteers with the tools they need to thrive. Exhibit Musician volunteers receive training, including:
- Interpretation Training: Learn about the Public Interpretation Department, exhibit history, and guest engagement techniques.
- Exhibit Resources: Gain access to site binders, exhibit profiles, and historical research materials.
- On-Site Mentoring: Receive hands-on support and guidance from experienced Site Interpreters and Lead Hands.
Time Commitment:
- Volunteers are asked to commit to one shift per week during the season (May – September). This commitment helps maintain continuity in historical interpretation and reflects the care put into training and outfitting volunteers in accurate, high-quality period costumes.
- Shifts typically last 4 hours, from 9:45 AM – 1:15 PM or 1:15 PM – 5:00 PM.
- Full day is also available from 9:45AM – 5:00PM (with 30 minute lunch break and 15 minute afternoon break)
- Full-day shifts (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) with breaks are also available.
- Shifts are available daily from May through Labour Day, and on weekends only from Labour Day to Thanksgiving.
Special Clothing and Equipment:
- Heritage Park will provide period-appropriate costuming.
- Footwear, as designated by the Costuming Department, will be provided by the volunteer.
- Heritage Park provides pianos and a pump organ, along with a limited selection of music.
- Volunteers may bring their own period-appropriate instruments and sheet music (to be approved by the Programming Specialist).
Identified Risks and Hazards:
- Trips, slips, and falls on uneven ground or boardwalks.
- Strains from prolonged standing or playing an instrument.
- Exposure to wood smoke in certain areas (e.g., Fort).
- Potential burns from hot metal or flame near exhibit stoves or lamps.
Why Volunteer as an Exhibit Musician?
Volunteering as an Exhibit Musician offers a unique opportunity to share your musical talents while bringing Western Canada’s history to life. You’ll perform in a supportive, informal setting, connect with guests through music, and collaborate with passionate volunteers and knowledgeable interpretive staff. It’s a chance to preserve musical heritage, build performance and public speaking skills, and create memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
Ready to make history through music? Join us as an Exhibit Musician volunteer and help fill Heritage Park with the sounds of the past!
