The St. Louis Civic Orchestra is seeking a skilled, collaborative, and community-minded violinist to serve as Concertmaster beginning with the 2026–2027 concert season.
This is a contracted Concertmaster position with a long-established St. Louis community symphony orchestra. The Concertmaster is a key artistic leader within STLCO and works closely with the Artistic Director, String Principals, Music Committee, Orchestra Administrator, and Board leadership to support musical excellence, strong section leadership, and a positive rehearsal environment.
About the St. Louis Civic Orchestra
The St. Louis Civic Orchestra is a long-established community symphony orchestra serving the St. Louis region. STLCO brings together dedicated musicians who share a commitment to high-quality symphonic performance, community engagement, musical growth, and the continued enrichment of the region’s cultural life.
Position Summary
The Concertmaster serves as the principal leader of the first violin section and a musical partner to the Artistic Director. The role includes performing as Concertmaster at rehearsals and concerts, leading string preparation, coordinating bowings and articulations, supporting auditions and recruitment, and helping strengthen the overall performance level and cohesion of the string sections.
The ideal candidate will be an excellent violinist, a reliable colleague, a clear communicator, and a constructive leader who understands the unique strengths and needs of a community orchestra.
Primary Responsibilities
Performance and Attendance
The Concertmaster is expected to:
- Attend all regular rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and concerts.
- Perform as Concertmaster for STLCO concert programs.
- Arrive prepared and model excellent rehearsal etiquette, musical preparation, and professionalism.
- Communicate promptly with the Artistic Director, Orchestra Administrator, first violin section, and String Principals in the event of an unavoidable absence.
- Assist in identifying an appropriate substitute if unable to perform at a concert.
String Leadership
The Concertmaster will:
- Lead the first violin section musically and professionally.
- Work with the Artistic Director and String Principals on bowings, articulations, phrasing, and other string-specific performance decisions.
- Communicate bowings and musical decisions clearly and promptly to the first violin section and other String Principals.
- Help foster a constructive, welcoming, and musically focused environment among string players.
- Support consistency and cohesion across the string sections.
Sectionals and Player Development
The Concertmaster will:
- Lead first violin sectionals as needed, with an expectation of approximately two to three sectionals per season.
- Use sectionals to prepare challenging repertoire, develop ensemble precision, and support the technical growth of the section.
- Coordinate sectional scheduling in collaboration with the Artistic Director, Orchestra Administrator, and first violin section members.
Roster, Recruitment, and Auditions
The Concertmaster will:
- Help maintain awareness of first violin personnel and recurring attendance concerns.
- Work with the Orchestra Administrator as needed to support player communication and retention.
- Participate in the audition process, particularly for violin and string applicants.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to the Music Committee Co-Chairs, Artistic Director, and audition panel regarding prospective players.
- Assist with recruitment efforts when openings arise in the string sections.
Additional Artistic Support
The Concertmaster may also be asked to participate in STLCO artistic initiatives, including adjudication for the Florence Frager Young Artist Competition.
Qualifications
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong violin performance ability and orchestral experience.
- Prior leadership experience as Concertmaster, Associate Concertmaster, Principal Second Violin, section leader, chamber musician, teacher, or equivalent.
- Excellent preparation, reliability, and communication skills.
- Ability to lead respectfully and collaboratively in a community orchestra environment.
- Familiarity with orchestral bowing practices and string section leadership.
- Willingness to work closely with the Artistic Director, String Principals, Music Committee, Orchestra Administrator, and Board leadership.
- Commitment to STLCO’s mission, musicians, and community.
Compensation and Time Commitment
This is an independent contractor position.
The expected time commitment is approximately 15 hours per month from September through May, including rehearsals, concerts, preparation, bowing coordination, section leadership, audition support, sectionals, and related communications.
Compensation is $350 per month from September through May.
This compensation covers the full scope of Concertmaster responsibilities. There will be no separate or additional compensation for extra duties or services unless separately authorized in writing by STLCO.
Audition Process
Applicants should submit:
- A resume or CV.
- A required video playing sample, including:
- A solo excerpt selected by the applicant.
- Orchestral excerpts, which will be provided by STLCO after applying.
After review of application materials, selected finalists will be invited to audition live.
Live auditions will take place in connection with STLCO’s orchestra auditions on:
Sunday, August 25, 2026
St. Paul’s Evangelical Church
St. Louis, Missouri
Finalists will be contacted to schedule a live audition time.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should email application materials to: stlouiscivicorchestra@gmail.com
Please include the subject line:
Concertmaster Application – [Applicant Name]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled or until the August 25 audition date. STLCO encourages interested candidates to apply as early as possible.
The St. Louis Civic Orchestra welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. STLCO is committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative musical environment.
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