MSO Concertmaster
Applications due by April 15, 2024
PDF - Full Job Posting
The Marquette Symphony Orchestra seeks a permanent Concertmaster to begin in the 2025-2026 season. The orchestra will have finalists for the position audition during the 2024-2025 season. This will include a live audition of orchestral excerpts with the music director and serving as acting concertmaster for a concert.
Applicants should submit a resume and video audition (requirements below) to Marquette Symphony Orchestra Operations Manager Betsy Grugin by April 15, 2024 at bgrugin@yahoo.com. Finalists will be notified by May 15, 2024.
Below is a list of the video audition requirements:
• A Mozart concerto, exposition from 1st movement with cadenza
• A second contrasting concerto, exposition from 1st movement with cadenza
• Three orchestral excerpts:
Mendelssohn – A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Scherzo
Brahms – Symphony No. 1, solo from mov. II
Tchaikovsky – Suite from Swan Lake, solo from Pas d'action
Below is a full description of the Concertmaster position:
The position of Concertmaster, an at will position, is described herein. The musician holding this position is responsible to and subject to direct supervision of the Music Director & Conductor and is expected to show due respect to any guest conductor.
The Concertmaster is expected to lead by example regarding musical preparedness and artistry, professional decorum and diplomacy. The Concertmaster thus assists in maintaining the artistic quality of the orchestra.
The selected and assigned musician shall continue in the position of Concertmaster until such time as they are replaced as per the discretionary authority of the Music Director.
Compensation shall be based on a rate per service, documented as part of the musician’s Contract for Services.
It is the responsibility of the Concertmaster to:
Perform the solo violin passages in orchestra compositions and assign section divisi passages as required.
Provide bowings in a timely manner to facilitate action by the librarian. This includes putting bowings in string parts prior to duplicating.
Supervise the tuning of the orchestra at all services by requesting the “A” from the principal oboe and proceeding until satisfied the orchestra is in tune. In the absence of the principal oboe, the Concertmaster shall be prepared to sound an “A” tuned to 440.
Lead sectional rehearsals for the first violins or other string sections as requested.
If possible, conduct the orchestra in rehearsal, as requested. This may include conducting the Sunday night string rehearsal if needed or possible.
If possible, assist with auditions for new string players in the orchestra.
If possible, serve on MSO’s Artistic Advisory Committee (AAC) to advocate for string player needs and ensure repertoire is appropriate to playing abilities.
If possible, play in the MSO String Quartet
Listen to orchestra musician concerns and share with the AAC.
Consult with the Music Director and Orchestra Operations Manager, as requested, regarding such artistic matters as violin section member hiring, termination, seating and the employment of substitute musicians and the general quality of orchestral performance.
Assume other such responsibilities as are traditionally delegated to the Concertmaster of a symphony orchestra.
The Board of Trustees reserves the right to revise this position description as necessary.
Pay: $28/hour with average concert week pay of $430 + mileage and lodging if traveling from outside Marquette County.