Volunteering at Birch Creek
The Birch Creek Associates Volunteers
Birch Creek is grateful to have a loyal and dedicated volunteer group – known as The Associates – helping with a variety of duties on campus. For over 30 years, they’ve supported Birch Creek’s educational mission by helping with campus beautification, ushering at concerts, staffing the concession stand, assisting with registration, tending to our gardens, doing office work and preparing the campus for students, faculty and patrons. The Associates also raise money for scholarships, equipment purchases and capital projects. We invite you to become a part of these great friends and valued supporters of Birch Creek!
Discover Your Part to Play!
Sign Up Online
Download a printable version of the Volunteer Form and mail it to Birch Creek.
Current Volunteers
Contact us at Associates@BirchCreek.org or call (920) 868-3763 with any questions regarding volunteering at Birch Creek Music Performance Center.
JOHN BELMONT, President - Associates Volunteers
John Belmont’s career began in music education after earning a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from DePaul University. He became a middle school band director in Brookfield, Illinois, and continued his academic path by completing a master’s degree in Educational Administration at Northern Illinois University. His professional focus then shifted from the classroom to administration when he was appointed principal of an elementary school in Berwyn, Illinois. With further postgraduate coursework at Loyola University, John advanced to the role of Superintendent of Schools in Berwyn.
"I believe it was my years of playing music professionally and teaching music that taught me the true meaning of dedication, teamwork and collaboration," he says. "Music inspires you to work together for the greater good. The true mission of Birch Creek Music Academy is to encourage talented young men and women, learning the art and craft of being a musician in a nurturing, caring and supportive environment. For me, it's a thrill to be a part of that mission."
If you haven't had the chance to meet John or work with him, the next time you're on campus and see him, take a moment to say hi. You'll be glad you did!
ERIC WOLF, Communications Team Lead
Eric Wolf leads communications for the Birch Creek Associates Volunteers and currently serves as a one-person team. He enjoys the role and takes pride in crafting the weekly email updates that keep volunteers informed and engaged.
Eric and his wife, Barb, have been married since 1988. They have two children and two grandchildren, who, as Eric says, “make me feel like a kid again.” His connection to Door County goes back to childhood—he’s been visiting since he was eight years old. While his permanent home is in Dane County, east of Madison, Eric and Barb now spend their summers at their home south of Egg Harbor.
Before retiring, Eric worked for nearly 30 years in corporate communications, focusing on marketing and copywriting.
Each summer, he also volunteers as an usher or in the concession stand. “For me, it's fun to actually meet some of the patrons and hear them talk about how much they are impressed with Birch Creek,” Eric shares. “I always love it when I'm talking to someone who is at Birch Creek for the first time and they keep saying, ‘Wow! I never made it here before. These kids are amazing!’ I just smile and agree… These kids really ARE amazing!”
DAVE CHRISTENSEN, Merchandise Team Leader
Based in Jacksonport, Dave Christensen brings a wealth of experience to Birch Creek and its dedicated Merchandise Team. His background includes serving as a high school band director, managing the Band & Orchestra Department at a music store in Green Bay, and working in retail sales at On Deck Clothing in Fish Creek. This diverse skill set makes him a natural leader for Birch Creek’s five-member merchandise crew.
But the work goes far beyond selling T-shirts and mugs. “Our main goal is to offer quality merchandise that creates excellent profit margins,” Dave explains. "The profits from merchandise sales equal more funds for student scholarships."
If the last name rings a bell, it’s because Dave’s wife, Mona Christensen, has served as Birch Creek’s Executive Director for the past decade. She will retire at the close of the 2025 summer season. The couple has two adult children, Paul and Elise.
Outside of Birch Creek, Dave plays bass guitar with his church’s Worship Team Band in Sister Bay, enjoys biking the Cave Point area, takes in concerts across Door County, and ensures his home firewood supply is always ready for winter.
When asked about his favorite Birch Creek memory, Dave reflects: "My best memories are seeing and hearing the students year after year, grow, learn, and keep music alive and healthy for everyone to enjoy."