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Remuneration: $200 per service, approximately 30 services per season
Audition Dates: Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview with the selection committee in May or June.
Finalist candidates will be invited to serve as concertmaster for 1 of Sinfonia’s 4 concert cycles in 2024-25 before a final decision is made by the selection committee.
Sinfonia Ancaster is the resident orchestra of the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre in Ancaster,
Ontario. Led by Music Director Jeffrey Pollock, the orchestra comprises approximately 50
community and professional musicians from the Hamilton area. The orchestra functions as a
not-for-profit charity. The paid positions of music director, concertmaster, and professional
coaches are integral to the orchestra. See www.sinfoniaancaster.com for more information.
Sinfonia Ancaster’s rehearsals are on Monday evenings.
Job Description
The Concertmaster, as first chair Violin I, holds the primary position of leadership for the
orchestra and is responsible for setting a good example of musicianship, preparation and
collaboration. The Concertmaster works with the Music Director and the Board of Directors to
support community relationships necessary for the growth of the organization. The
concertmaster attends all rehearsals, performs all concerts of the season, and provides
direction and support to the community musicians.
Responsibilities
• Reports primarily to the Music Director, with oversight by the Board of Directors.
• Assists the Music Director with musical and artistic decisions. These may include
selection of concert repertoire, guest artists, internal soloists and artistic initiatives.
• 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 violin
part.
• Provides leadership for musical issues of performance, specifically, bowing and
articulation for strings.
• Provides bowings for first and second violin parts four weeks prior to the first rehearsal
of each concert cycle.
• Leads string sectional rehearsals as required (not currently part of the schedule due to
space limitations).
• Maintains a local presence within the community by serving as a visible representative
for the Orchestra, serving as an advocate for the Orchestra and assisting in the
recruitment of orchestra personnel.
The concertmaster serves as a goodwill ambassador to all members of the orchestra,
but especially to new recruits.
• Participates in the musician audition process, if required.
• Attends all regular Monday evening and dress rehearsals (4-7 per concert).
• Available for all concerts (4 per year at this time) in the September to May season.
• Arranges for an appropriate substitute if unable to attend any service.
Qualifications
• A broad range of musical experience and proven ability to provide a performance
experience of the highest caliber.
• Thorough knowledge of the orchestral repertoire and styles, and orchestral concert
music.
• Leadership skills that encourage members of the orchestra, especially strings, to play at
their highest level; interpersonal skills that help bridge the Music Director’s artistic
vision and the performers’ execution of that vision.
• Experience working with community musicians.
• Willingness to support fundraising and participate in the promotional endeavors of the
Orchestra.
Compensation and Number of Services
$200 per service, approximately 30 services per season.
Application Process
Interested applicants are invited to send a cover letter describing your interest in the position,
your CV, and list of references to Dr. Jenn Brasch, President, at
president@sinfoniaancaster.com by May 1st, 2024. Applicants are also encouraged to submit
audio and video clips of their work with the application (max 20 minutes total).
Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview with the selection committee in May or
June. Finalist candidates will be invited to serve as concertmaster for 1 of Sinfonia’s 4 concert
cycles in 2024-25 before a final decision is made by the selection committee.
Approved by the Executive of the Board of Directors of Sinfonia Ancaster, March 21st, 2024.
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