Hall Management Support Group

This group is involved in managing and operating the competition venue and the supplementary prize concerts by serving as receptionists, hall attendants, and ushers. They are also responsible for the sales of the official program booklets.

Prior to the Competition, this group holds study sessions and hands-on training to ensure every member is thoroughly familiar with their role. Warm hospitality extended by this group is highly appreciated not only by the audience but also by all involved in the Competition.

Public Relations and Publicity Support Group

This group publishes a “MAP for the SIMC Contestants” (Japanese version and English version) filled with useful information for the Contestants’ stay in Sendai. The group also publishes a newsletter named “Concerto,” which covers the information related to the Competition from the viewpoint of the general public. Using “SIMC Volunteer Blog” and X (formerly Twitter), etc., this group also contributes greatly to the publicity of the Competition by providing information on the Competition, on the SIMC volunteers activities and on the City of Sendai.

Contestants Support Group

This group operates a space for communication, the “Koryu Salon,” with the aim of providing a place for Contestants to relax and interact with the public. Members of this group will provide translation services to answer questions from Contestants and introduce them to the attractiveness of Sendai City and Japanese culture. In addition, they translate and pass on encouraging messages from the audience. This group also provides support for competition operations, including announcements at the competition venue over the public address system and interpretation at the official practice venue and related events.

Homestay Acceptance Group

The Homestay Program is operated by this group to provide accommodation for those Contestants (including those from Japan) who finish competing in the Competition but wish to stay for a few days in Sendai. The group also supports operation of the Competition by serving as liaison-cum-coordinators in scheduling or in providing transportation to and from the venues, etc., to those Contestants who perform at the related concerts. Even when the Contestants are participating in the Competition, warm support is extended by the host family members to the Contestants, which provides them great encouragement.

The SIMC Volunteer Activities

On the occasion of past Prizewinners coming to Sendai, the members of this group welcome them as performers and organize special events and mini concerts under the name of “Volunteer Projects”.