Concertmaster Auditions
We are pleased to announce auditions for the position of Concertmaster.
As Verde Valley Sinfonietta co-founder and distinguished violinist Marion Maby steps down to serve on the Board of Trustees, audition appointments for a new Concertmaster are now being scheduled. You are invited to email your bio and contact information to: info@VVSinfonietta.org.
Verde Valley Sinfonietta is a paid chamber orchestra of experienced musicians. Participation is by audition and direct invitation. With rehearsals & performances in Sedona, Sinfonietta musicians come from throughout northern Arizona. Now in its 11th year, Sinfonietta’s four-concert 2015–2016 season continues its mission of presenting live performances of the very best in music literature for small orchestra.
Please use the following links for printable PDF copies:
Concertmaster Position Responsibilities & Compensation
Concertmaster Compensation:
The concertmaster salary compensation is $80 per service. An additional travel stipend applies for those driving from Flagstaff and the Prescott area.
Expectations:
The concertmaster is responsible for setting a good example of musicianship, preparation and leadership.
The concertmaster will be called upon occasionally to solo with the orchestra in works mutually agreed upon with the conductor, and to play solo passages in the 1st vln.part.
The concertmaster is responsible for coordinating the bowing and articulations of all the strings. Within 2 weeks of receiving the music the concertmaster will put in bow markings for the 1st violin parts, scan them and send to string principals with instructions to adapt for their respective sections (and distribute in time for section players to practice in the bowings).
The concertmaster will study the music scores and watch/listen to recorded performances in the process of deciding on bow markings.
If necessary, the concertmaster will communicate changes in bow markings to section leaders during rehearsals. (This will be kept to a minimum.)
The concertmaster is responsible for seeing that the orchestra tunes to the oboe A prior to rehearsals and performances, and after rehearsal/concert breaks.
The concertmaster will communicate to the conductor any music-related questions from the 1st. vln. section, and, if necessary, from the principals of other sections, either during rehearsal or after rehearsal, as appropriate.
The concertmaster will lead sectional rehearsals of the 1st and 2nd violins, if the conductor schedules sectionals.
The concertmaster will serve as good will ambassador to all members of the orchestra, but especially to new recruits.
The concertmaster will be expected to communicate with the Board of Trustees when the Board asks for orchestra representation in Board decision-making.
Conductor-Concertmaster Relationship:
Audition Details: At Your Audition…
Your audition will be heard by Verde Valley Sinfonietta Music Director & Conductor Russell Fox, and departing VVS Concertmaster Marion Maby. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to relax and prepare yourself for your audition. For any questions or further information, please call: (928) 554-5489
All auditioning concertmaster candidates will be asked for the following:
As Verde Valley Sinfonietta co-founder and distinguished violinist Marion Maby steps down to serve on the Board of Trustees, audition appointments for a new Concertmaster are now being scheduled. You are invited to email your bio and contact information to: info@VVSinfonietta.org.
Verde Valley Sinfonietta is a paid chamber orchestra of experienced musicians. Participation is by audition and direct invitation. With rehearsals & performances in Sedona, Sinfonietta musicians come from throughout northern Arizona. Now in its 11th year, Sinfonietta’s four-concert 2015–2016 season continues its mission of presenting live performances of the very best in music literature for small orchestra.
Please use the following links for printable PDF copies:
- Concertmaster Auditions Flier
- Concertmaster Position Responsibilities
- Concertmaster Audition Details
- 2015-16 Concert & Rehearsal Schedule
- 2015-16 Concert Repertoire
Concertmaster Position Responsibilities & Compensation
Concertmaster Compensation:
The concertmaster salary compensation is $80 per service. An additional travel stipend applies for those driving from Flagstaff and the Prescott area.
Expectations:
The concertmaster is responsible for setting a good example of musicianship, preparation and leadership.
The concertmaster will be called upon occasionally to solo with the orchestra in works mutually agreed upon with the conductor, and to play solo passages in the 1st vln.part.
The concertmaster is responsible for coordinating the bowing and articulations of all the strings. Within 2 weeks of receiving the music the concertmaster will put in bow markings for the 1st violin parts, scan them and send to string principals with instructions to adapt for their respective sections (and distribute in time for section players to practice in the bowings).
The concertmaster will study the music scores and watch/listen to recorded performances in the process of deciding on bow markings.
If necessary, the concertmaster will communicate changes in bow markings to section leaders during rehearsals. (This will be kept to a minimum.)
The concertmaster is responsible for seeing that the orchestra tunes to the oboe A prior to rehearsals and performances, and after rehearsal/concert breaks.
The concertmaster will communicate to the conductor any music-related questions from the 1st. vln. section, and, if necessary, from the principals of other sections, either during rehearsal or after rehearsal, as appropriate.
The concertmaster will lead sectional rehearsals of the 1st and 2nd violins, if the conductor schedules sectionals.
The concertmaster will serve as good will ambassador to all members of the orchestra, but especially to new recruits.
The concertmaster will be expected to communicate with the Board of Trustees when the Board asks for orchestra representation in Board decision-making.
Conductor-Concertmaster Relationship:
- Whenever possible, the conductor will involve the concertmaster in recruitment and selection of string players and in auditions, if scheduled. The conductor will forward to the concertmaster the credentials of all string recruits when they are hired.
- The conductor will consult with the concertmaster in deciding the seating of the string sections for each program.
Audition Details: At Your Audition…
Your audition will be heard by Verde Valley Sinfonietta Music Director & Conductor Russell Fox, and departing VVS Concertmaster Marion Maby. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to relax and prepare yourself for your audition. For any questions or further information, please call: (928) 554-5489
All auditioning concertmaster candidates will be asked for the following:
1. Prepare some music of your own choosing to be played unaccompanied, keeping your selection under 5 minutes, please.
2. Be prepared to play both of the following excerpts drawn from this coming season’s repertoire. Click the titles for printable PDF copies.
Excerpt #1: Holst: Intermezzo (Movement 3): St. Paul’s Suite
Excerpt #2: Mozart: Symphony No. 8, Finale (Movement 4) Pickup to A, to B
3. Be prepared to play a short excerpt from sight. It will not be anything terribly difficult – We are simply interested in verifying your rhythmic security and sense of musical styles.
4. Prepare to play the following 3-octave scales from which we will select one or two at your audition.
A Maj, E Maj, Db Maj;
Melodic minor scales – c, f, b
5. Please prepare to leave with us a copy of your resume covering your education credentials and performance experience. Thank you. We sincerely look forward to meeting you and hearing your audition.
Our 2015-16 Season Repertoire Includes
Mozart: Overture to Cosi fan tutte, K. 588
Holst: St. Paul’s Suite, Op. 29/2
Respighi: Ancient Airs & Dances, Suite No. 2
Beethoven: Symphony No. 8, Op 93
Khachaturian: Adagio – Spartacus Suite No.2
Fauré: Masques et Bergamasques, Op. 112
Rossini: Overture to La Cenerentola
Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 26
Schubert, Bach, Haydn, Berlioz & Tchaikovsky
