More than a Volunteer, Remembering Arlen Hale

He was often the first to arrive and was always dressed for the occasion. That might mean his signature vest and bow tie or a costume to match the spirit of the performance. Whether greeting patrons, helping backstage, or volunteering to stay overnight as stage security after a double-header performance, Arlen never looked for recognition. He simply looked for ways to help. 

Those who worked alongside him quickly learned they could always count on him. 

For years, Melissa Robison, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera front of house director, encouraged Arlen to take on a leadership role. To everyone around him, it seemed like an obvious choice. He was dependable, experienced, and deeply respected by volunteers and staff alike. 

Every time, he politely declined. 

But the truth was, Arlen never needed a title to lead. 

He welcomed new volunteers, answered questions, offered encouragement, and quietly taught others how things were done. He led by showing up, by serving faithfully, and by setting a standard that inspired everyone around him. 

“Sometimes leadership isn’t standing at the front of the room,” Robison reflected.“Sometimes it’s being the person everyone hopes will be there when they arrive.” 

The performing arts are built by countless hands working behind the scenes. While audiences applaud the musicians and artists on stage, there are also volunteers whose generosity makes every performance possible. 

Arlen understood that better than anyone. 

His kindness reached far beyond the tasks he volunteered for. Robison remembers him as someone who was always willing to help—whether taking the last boxes to recycling so she could get home to her family, finding a new way to hang a banner, or simply being a dependable shoulder during the busiest seasons. 

“He always said to me, ‘I don’t know how you do everything you do,’” she recalled. “The truth is, I only do it because of the community I have of people like him. He was my village.”