Serving on the Chamber Music Society’s Board of Directors can be a deeply rewarding way to support the arts in our community—but it also comes with important responsibilities. Before expressing interest, consider whether board service aligns with your goals, interests, and capacity.

1. Am I passionate about supporting world-class chamber music and enriching Salt Lake City’s cultural life?

2. Am I interested in growing as a leader and contributing to strategic conversations?

3. Do I have specialized skills, lived experience, expertise, or passion that could strengthen the Society’s work behind the scenes?

4. Am I willing to serve as an enthusiastic advocate for the Society and encourage others to support it?

5. Am I willing to make a personal financial contribution each year, at a level that’s meaningful to me?

6. Can I see myself asking others to give, knowing the impact their support will have?

7. Do I enjoy working as part of a team—listening, contributing to discussions, and reaching consensus?

Board service is a unique form of volunteerism. Rather than being involved in the music-making directly, board members focus on mission stewardship, strategy, governance, and resource development. If you find fulfillment in shaping vision, stewarding resources, and supporting a vibrant arts organization from the inside out, board service may be right for you.

But if you answered “no” to more than one of the questions above—or if you’re more energized by hands-on involvement—there are many other ways to make a meaningful impact! Consider joining a volunteer committee, offering pro bono professional services, or assisting at concerts. We'd love to connect and find the right fit for your talents.

Our board is as diverse as the music we present. Members include medical doctors, professional musicians, university faculty, scientists, CPAs, marketing experts, stock brokers, and lifelong music lovers. Ages range from 29 to over 80. What unites us is a shared commitment to bringing world-class chamber music to Salt Lake City and supporting the Society’s mission through leadership, advocacy, and service. We seek individuals with diverse perspectives, professional expertise, and community connections. Whether you bring legal, marketing, financial, artistic, fundraising, or leadership experience—or simply a deep love for music—there may be a seat at the table for you.

Yes. We ask every board member to make an annual contribution that is personally meaningful. In our view, that means: of all your charitable giving, the Chamber Music Society should be among your top three most substantial gifts each year.

Some board members choose to give monthly, which can make it easier to sustain a larger annual commitment. Whether you give all at once or spread it out, 100% board giving helps set the tone for our fundraising efforts and strengthens our case with grantmakers and sponsors.

We also recognize that not everyone is in a position to give significantly. In those cases, we ask that you get—by helping us connect with others who can support our work through sponsorships, donations, or other resources. Every board member contributes in their own way to sustaining our mission.

Board members are expected to:

• Be a passionate believer in the Society by informing others about the organization and advocating its success with all you come in contact with.

• Attend board meetings (typically 12 per year)

• Join at least one committee or volunteer at all concerts

• Serve as ambassadors for the Society in the community

• Contribute financially each year, at a level that is meaningful to them

• Help open doors to other supporters—whether through introductions, hosting, or fundraising support

• Participate in defining the Society’s policies mission, values, strategies, and goals

• Take personal responsibility for the financial well-being of the Society.

• Exercise fiduciary responsibility by reviewing financial reports, approving budgets, and ensuring sound financial management practices to support the organization's sustainability.

• Become educated on nonprofit fundraising and continually look for new funding opportunities.

• Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization.

• Comply with all legal obligations of a nonprofit board member including, avoiding conflicts of interest, fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities and maintaining confidentiality.

Utah law mandates that nonprofit board members fulfill the following legal responsibilities:

• Duty of Care – Board members are expected to actively participate in decision-making, stay informed, and exercise sound judgment in overseeing the Society’s affairs.

• Duty of Loyalty – Board members must prioritize the interests of the Society above personal or professional interests when acting on its behalf.

• Duty of Obedience – Board members are responsible for ensuring the Society complies with all applicable laws and regulations and remains faithful to its mission.

These duties apply to every board member, regardless of background, and help preserve public trust in our work.

We don’t expect any one person to bring everything—but we’re currently seeking individuals who reflect one or more of the following strengths or experiences:

• Time and energy to actively contribute to the work of the Board

• Backgrounds and community ties that reflect the rich diversity of our audiences and stakeholders

• A commitment to expanding access to chamber music and music education, including reaching broader audiences by age, geography, or background

• Leadership experience in Utah’s business, philanthropic, educational, or civic sectors

• A passion for fundraising, and/or the capacity to support the Society through personal giving

• Experience in the arts, especially music education, performance, or arts administration

• Connections with key community groups that engage with or are served by the Society

• Emerging leaders who are eager to grow their impact through nonprofit board service

If you’re unsure whether your background aligns with board service, we’d still love to hear from you. Passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn go a long way.

No, there is no deadline to join the CMS Board of Directors. Our membership is rolling, new members can join at any time.

If you are interested in being considered for the Chamber Music Society's Board of Directors, or if you have more questions and would like to be contacted, please complete the Interest Form (below) and someone will follow up with you.