National Volunteer Week 2026 Feature Friday: Symphony House Manager Jan Davis
National Volunteer Week 2026 Feature Friday: Symphony House Manager Jan Davis - by Marie Petrie
Behind every performance is a group of volunteers making it all happen, and during 2026 National Volunteer Week, we would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our volunteers for your dedication to the Glens Falls Symphony!
This Friday, the Symphony is featuring one of those volunteers who makes all the difference on concert Sunday and beyond, House Manager: Jan Davis.
Jan has been with the orchestra for 10 years now, serving as house manager for the last several years. Jan’s commitment to ensuring patrons have a welcoming and memorable concert experience is invaluable. Through her efforts in the hall as well as the Symphony office space, Jan directly supports our mission of great music right here in our region, not only for our audiences but also for the youth and education initiatives that inspire the next generation of musicians and music lovers.
Spend a few minutes with Jan at the Glens Falls Symphony, and some attributes quickly become apparent: abundant intelligence, a warm smile, and a natural amiability. As Jan settles into their third season in the role of house manager, she couldn’t be happier.”As an usher and house manager, I have been able to see the enjoyment and sense of community that the GFS brings to those who attend a concert. In the office, I get to help a bit with the fundraising aspect with seasonal mailings. It’s also a great way to get to know other GFS supporters better. All of these opportunities help to give me a sense of purpose and happiness.”
Growing up in Garden City, Long Island, as the youngest of three girls in a musical household. Jan played the violin, along with her father, while her sisters played piano and percussion. In 1993, Jan moved to Queensbury to help my mother get settled into a new home, and never left. Jan spent years as a bookkeeper/administrative assistant before retiring in 2024. Jan has been volunteering with the GFS for 10 years now. While volunteering at The Charles R. Wood Theater, fellow GFS volunteer Chris Brannon mentioned that she had to leave early that day to go volunteer with the Glens Falls Symphony. “As soon as I got home, I looked into volunteering with the orchestra and sent an email to offer my services as a volunteer!”
Jan states that volunteers are important to many organizations, but especially to non-profits that need to keep their operating costs at a minimum. Besides ushering, Jan helps in so many ways, such as mailings, hanging posters, and housing symphony musicians, to name a few. “You will meet a great group of people who share a common interest. But of course, the best part is getting to hear the symphony!”
Jan has volunteered at the Charles R. Wood Theater for over thirteen years, while occasionally helping with the Adirondack Theater Festival, Wingfest, and Brewfest. Jan states, “We are so lucky to live in an area that supports so many facets of the arts. There is something for everyone all year long. We’ve got the world-class Professional Orchestra, the Hyde Museum, the Theater Festival, live music and art at The Shirt Factory, LARAC, the Park Theater, several dance troupes, plus all the Wood Theater brings!”
Jan shares that what she likes most about being part of the Glens Falls Symphony is how each performance is special in its own way, which Jan credits to Music Director Charles Peltz. “His love of music, knowledge, and enthusiasm is a gift to all who attend a concert.”
When asked what her favorite classic Symphony performance to date was, Jan shared that she loved the 2024 season finale; Mozart’s Requiem, which featured local choral program Adirondack Voices, who will join the GFS on Friday, July 3, in Crandall Park to sing with the orchestra as we prepare for America’s 250! As for pop concerts… Jan expressed how deeply she enjoys being with local star Tony DeSare when he performs with the GFS!
Jan serves with a special group of volunteers that bring the symphony to the Adirondack Park each fall, bringing orchestral music and storytelling to the rural school of the blue line and Washington County. Jan shares, “The joy and wonder in the faces of the school children, some of whom are experiencing a symphony performance for the first time, is so special. I’ve lost count of how many smiling faces thanked the other volunteers and me as they were leaving the auditorium. With cuts to so many school arts programs, it’s more important than ever to bring these programs to our schools and families. It gives me great pleasure whenever I’m a part of one of these opportunities and performances.”
When Jan is not busy volunteering, she enjoys spending time hiking, e-biking, snowshoeing, gardening, and attending concerts. Jan has two rescues, a dog and a cat, who bring her endless love and laughter. Jan’s late rescue pup, Expresso, crossed the rainbow bridge on Monday, April 20, 2026. This article is in honor of their beautiful and loving spirit.
Join Jan and the rest of the Symphony volunteer family and be part of this special organization!
Click here for more information
Or email info@gfso.org to sign up today!
The Glens Falls Symphony
PO BOX 2036
Glens Falls, NY 12801
518-793-1348