ENGAGE: Jam Sessions - El Cajon

Be a mentor to 1-4 teen/young adults with special needs, such as autism, while they sing and play music.  Volunteer mentors provide encouragement, model expected group behaviors, give compliments, give directions, and help their mentees build friendships and practice social skills. Mentors are important because they help the students with special needs gain social skills (e.g. learning how to make eye contact, have a conversation, have self control, etc.) that are essential to living a meaningful life in their community.

No matter your level of musical experience, you'll have a great time shaking a shaker, playing a drum, signing along and much more. No musical experience is required and all equipment is provided. 

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with set up

• Help after team with the closing of the activity 

• Encourage participants and help with whatever they might need

Skills & Qualifications:

• No musical experience required

• Must be comfortable interacting one-on-one with teens or young adults with special needs

• Patience, a positive attitude, and willingness to model social behavior are essential

• Ability to lift and move music equipment (accommodations can be made for weight restrictions)

• Volunteers must follow specific dress code guidelines and be comfortable in casual attire

• Volunteers should be in good health and not display symptoms of illness (e.g., fever, cough, etc.)

Training Provided: 

• On-site training provided at the beginning of the shift

• Mentors will be guided on how to assist their mentees and participate in activities

• End-of-session reflection includes completing a journal entry and rating mentee engagement

Attire: Jam Sessions are casual as you'll be helping with loading/unloading and setting up equipment. However, please keep in mind that some of our teens/young adults are going through puberty and don't always know how to handle their changing hormones. With this in mind, here are Banding Together's guidelines:

• ​DRESS CODE NO'S:

Low-cut shirts

Short shorts or short skirts

Midriff shirts or other clothing options that show your belly or back

• DRESS CODE DO'S

Jeans, t-shirts, athletic gear, layers, etc. are all great choices
Footwear most anything goes but open-toe shoes, heels, etc. should be worn at your own risk (you'll be carrying equipment and our students could accidentally step on your toes)

​Physical Ability: Ability to lift and move musical equipment, chairs, etc. (They are able to accommodate weight restrictions)

Safety: In order to ensure the safety and health of their students and team, Banding Together will follow these recommended health exclusions, according to the discretion of Banding Together management. If you are displaying any of these symptoms, they ask that you not come to the Jam Session: fever, shortness of breath, nasal congestion/runny nose, cough, nausea/vomiting or diarrhea, headache, muscle/body aches, new loss of taste/smell, sore throat, or rash. Students, volunteers or staff with a 100.4-degree temperature or higher will be sent home. Sick students, volunteers or staff will not be allowed to participate in Banding Together's programs. Wearing a face mask when indoors at the Jam Session program is required

Note: We need volunteers with a great attitude, who are patient and comfortable working with their mentees one-on-one

About Banding Together

Founded in 2009, Banding Together’s mission is to bring music opportunities to individuals with special needs in our community. This is accomplished through key objectives that include providing: music therapy scholarships, free Jam Session programs, mentorships, and instruments.