Concertmaster

Position Summary

The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra seeks an accomplished violinist to serve as Concertmaster beginning with the upcoming season. The Concertmaster serves as the principal first violinist and artistic leader of the string section, working closely with the Music Director and General Manager to support the orchestra's artistic and organizational goals.

As the lead string player, the Concertmaster provides musical leadership during rehearsals and performances, prepares bowings for the violin section, collaborates with section leaders throughout the string section, and serves as a key artistic representative of the orchestra.

This is an annual independent contractor position for the orchestra season, which runs from September through May.

About the Orchestra

The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra is a regional community orchestra serving north-central Illinois through a season of symphonic, educational, and holiday performances. The orchestra brings together dedicated volunteer and professional musicians in pursuit of artistic excellence and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Perform as principal first violinist for all rehearsals and performances.
• Serve as the artistic and musical leader of the string section.
• Collaborate closely with the Music Director regarding interpretation, string technique, and ensemble performance.
• Prepare and distribute first violin bowings for orchestral repertoire well in advance of rehearsals.
• Communicate those same bowings and related performance considerations to the principal players of the second violin, viola, cello, and bass sections.
• Perform any required concertmaster or solo violin passages.
• Lead occasional string section rehearsals as requested by the Music Director.
• When requested, support the Music Director and General Manager in evaluating string-section personnel and seating assignments.
• Maintain professional standards of preparation, attendance, and musicianship.
• Participate in pre-concert tuning and other traditional duties associated with the concertmaster position.

Season Commitment

The orchestra season runs from September through May and typically includes five concert cycles:

• September concert cycle, often a “Pops” concert
• November concert cycle
• December holiday concert cycle, alternating holiday “pops” and Nutcracker each year
• March concert cycle, including two daytime educational performances for area schools
• May season finale concert cycle

Each concert cycle generally consists of four to six rehearsals and one public performance.

In alternating years, the orchestra presents a two-performance production of The Nutcracker as the December concert cycle. The annual commitment is typically around 35 services.

Regular rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at Illinois Valley Community College. A fifteen-minute break is provided.

The IVSO is a community orchestra, led in the majority by volunteer local musicians both on and off the stage, with substitute and occasional key positions on remunerated contracts—as such, we are a non-union orchestra.

Rehearsal and performance venues are located within approximately a 30-mile radius of Illinois Valley Community College.

Compensation

Compensation is paid on a per-service basis.

• Rehearsal and performance services are compensated at the same rate.
• Starting compensation ranges from $60 to $100 per service, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated artistic leadership.
• A flat-rate travel stipend of $30 per service is available for qualifying commuters.

Reporting Relationship

The Concertmaster reports to the Music Director and General Manager.

Attendance

The Concertmaster is expected to attend all scheduled services unless excused in advance by the Music Director or General Manager. In the event of an approved absence, the Assistant Concertmaster will serve as acting Concertmaster.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in music, with emphasis in violin performance preferred.
• Advanced violin performance skills and a high level of technical proficiency.
• Significant orchestral performance experience.
• Strong sight-reading, ensemble, and leadership abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with conductors, musicians, staff, and volunteers.
• Reliable transportation to rehearsals and performances.

Preferred

• Previous experience as a concertmaster, assistant concertmaster, or principal string player.
• Experience preparing orchestral bowings.
• Experience leading sectionals, coaching musicians, or mentoring developing players.

Application

Please submit your resume and 3 professional references via email to both [email protected] and [email protected]. 

Audition

Candidates will be contacted to schedule an audition on August 10th between 7 and 9 pm.

Audition finalists may be asked to play a trial concert cycle to complete the audition process and identify the IVSO’s next concertmaster.

The Concertmaster position is awarded on an annual contract basis. Contract renewal is contingent upon satisfactory performance and organizational needs. At the discretion of the Music Director, an audition may be required as part of the renewal process.

Classification

This position is an independent contractor engagement and does not constitute employment. The Concertmaster is responsible for all taxes and obligations associated with independent contractor status.

The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for musicians of all backgrounds.