VOLUNTEER WITH A CHOIR
Be part of something meaningful
Our volunteers help create the feeling people experience when they walk into an Upbeat Arts program: a warm welcome, kindness, connection and belonging.
Some volunteers sing alongside members as Choir Buddies. Some help prepare and share lunch as part of the Kitchen Team. Some bring mental health or community experience as Health Buddies. Every role helps create a space where people can arrive as they are and feel part of something meaningful.
You do not need professional experience to volunteer with us. Choir Buddies need to be able to hold a note, and some singing or choir experience is helpful. Kitchen Team volunteers do not need to be chefs. If you can confidently cook a simple meal at home, that is all we need.
Above all, we look for people who are warm, kind, reliable and respectful. People who understand that small moments matter: a smile at the door, a seat saved, a song shared, a meal served, a conversation over lunch.
If that sounds like you, we would love to welcome you into the Upbeat Arts community.
Hear from some of our volunteers on the short video above.
Current volunteer opportunities
We are currently welcoming volunteer applications for the following choir programs.
Gold Coast Choir
Location: Southport
Day: Monday mornings
Sunshine Coast Choir
Location: Buderim
Day: Thursday mornings
Brisbane Choir
Location: South Brisbane
Day: Friday mornings
Current vacancies: Kitchen Team volunteers
North Brisbane Choir
Location: Wavell Heights
Day: Wednesday mornings
Our choir programs run in the morning and include rehearsal followed by a shared lunch.
What volunteer role is right for you?
There are a few different ways to volunteer with Upbeat Arts. Each role supports the warmth, safety and connection of the program in a different way.
Choir Buddy Volunteer
Choir Buddies sing as part of the choir and help create a friendly, welcoming environment.
This might include sitting alongside members, helping a new person feel comfortable, joining in the singing, sharing conversation during breaks and being part of the group in a steady and encouraging way.
You do not need to be a professional singer. Choir Buddies need to be able to hold a note, and some singing or choir experience is helpful.
This role may suit you if you:
- enjoy singing with others
- can hold a note
- have some singing or choir experience, or feel comfortable learning songs as part of a group
- are warm, patient and reliable
- enjoy helping people feel included
- are comfortable being part of a group
- can attend regularly
Choir Buddies help members feel welcome, supported and part of the choir community.
Kitchen Team Volunteer
Kitchen Team volunteers help prepare and serve the shared lunch after choir.
Lunch is a beautiful part of the Upbeat Arts experience. It gives members time to talk, laugh, connect and build friendships after rehearsal.
You do not need to be a chef. You do not need professional catering experience. If you can confidently cook a simple meal at home, that is all we need.
This role may suit you if you:
- enjoy cooking or preparing food
- can confidently cook a simple meal at home
- like practical, hands on volunteering
- are warm, calm and friendly
- enjoy being part of a team
- want to help create a welcoming space for others
Guidance is provided, and you will be part of a team. This role is about more than food. It is about helping create a relaxed, welcoming space where people can connect.
Apply to join the Kitchen Team
Choir Health Buddy Volunteer
Choir Health Buddies provide additional support within the program environment.
This role is usually suited to people with mental health, allied health, peer support, counselling, nursing, social work, community services or similar experience.
Health Buddies help support the emotional safety of the group and work closely with the Program Leader if a member is feeling distressed, overwhelmed or unsure.
This role may suit you if you:
- have mental health, allied health, peer support or community services experience
- are calm, grounded and respectful
- understand boundaries and confidentiality
- can support people without taking over
- are comfortable working within a team approach
- can follow guidance from the Program Leader
Health Buddies are not expected to provide counselling or clinical care. The role is about helping maintain a safe, respectful and supportive group environment.
What makes a great volunteer?
At Upbeat Arts, the little things matter.
A warm hello. A steady presence. A shared song. A meal served with care. A conversation that helps someone feel included.
We look for volunteers who are:
- warm and kind
- reliable and consistent
- respectful of people’s privacy and choices
- inclusive and non judgemental
- comfortable being part of a group
- willing to learn
- able to follow guidance from the Program Leader
- interested in creativity, connection and belonging
Our members participate at their own pace. Volunteers help make that possible by being friendly, steady and present.
Above all, we look for warmth and kindness.
What you can expect from us
We want volunteering with Upbeat Arts to feel meaningful, clear and supported.
As a volunteer, you can expect:
- a welcoming team environment
- clear information about your role
- support from Program Leaders and staff
- induction and training
- guidance around boundaries, privacy and safety
- opportunities to connect with other volunteers
- appreciation for the time, care and energy you bring
You are not expected to have all the answers. You will be part of a team, and support will be available.
Volunteer communication, training coordination and engagement are an important part of Upbeat Arts’ work.
Time commitment
Consistency matters at Upbeat Arts. It helps members feel safe, welcomed and supported.
Choir Buddy and Health Buddy volunteers usually attend weekly, as they sing as part of the choir and build relationships with members over time.
Kitchen Team volunteers may attend weekly, fortnightly or monthly, depending on the needs of the choir and the volunteer team.
We will talk this through with you during the application process so you understand what is involved before making a commitment. We understand that sometimes you will have holidays, appointments and won’t be able to come every week, and there’s flexibility with that.
Why volunteer with Upbeat Arts?
Volunteering with Upbeat Arts is a chance to be part of something deeply human.
Each week, our choirs bring people together through music, conversation, shared lunch and community. For many members, this weekly routine provides connection, confidence and a place to belong. As a volunteer, you help make that space possible.
You may find that you gain just as much as you give: friendship, purpose, joy and the feeling of being part of a warm creative community. There are many benefits to volunteering.
As a volunteer, you may experience:
- a sense of belonging and connection
- new friendships and social connections
- the joy of being part of music, food, creativity and community
- the satisfaction of helping create a welcoming space for others
- opportunities to learn, grow and contribute in a meaningful way
- the uplift that comes from sharing kindness, conversation and care
Many of our volunteers tell us they gain just as much as they give. At Upbeat Arts, volunteering is not just about helping. It is about being part of something meaningful, together.
Ready to volunteer with us?
We would love to hear from you.
If you are interested in volunteering with one of our choirs, please complete our volunteer application form and let us know which location and role you are interested in.
Once we receive your application, a member of our team will be in touch to talk through the next steps.
Not sure which role is right for you? Please contact us and we can talk it through with you.
