What are the first chairs in an orchestra?

The concertmaster sits to the conductor’s left, closest to the audience, in what is called the “first chair,” “first [music] stand” or outside of the US “first desk.” The concertmaster makes decisions regarding bowing and other technical details of violin playing for the violins, and sometimes all of the string players …

Where does first chair sit in orchestra?

First chair, or principal player, is second only to the conductor or maestro in an ensemble. It is the chair quite literally closest to the conductor in each section.

Why does the conductor shake hands with the first violinist?

Why does the conductor shake hands with the concertmaster at the beginning and end of each concert? When the conductor shakes hands with the concertmaster, it is a gesture of greetings or thanks to the entire orchestra. It is a custom of respect and a symbol of cooperation.

What is the most important instrument in an orchestra?

Violins
Violins are well-suited to playing melody, making them one of the most important instruments in the orchestra. Firstly, they are the highest string instrument, so their bright tone rises above the rest of the string section. Secondly, they are played with a bow, unlike woodwind or brass instrument which rely on air.

What does Second chair mean in an orchestra?

Second chair means that you’re still very good at your instrument. You don’t have the same leadership responsibility as first chair. Sure you might be called upon when they are sick once or twice a year. Instead, you have to follow first chair’s lead, even if you don’t fully agree.

What is the hardest orchestra instrument to play?

The violin often tops lists of the most difficult instruments to play. Why is the violin so difficult to play? It’s a small instrument with strings that are played with a bow. To play the violin correctly, you have to hold it in the right position while maintaining good posture.

Who sits at the front of the orchestra?

Concert Master / Mistress The most important violinist in the orchestra. He or she will sit in the front seat directly to the left of the conductor. It is the duty of the concert master to tune the orchestra before a performance.

Which section is the largest in the orchestra?

The string section is the largest in the orchestra. It is comprised of instruments that derive their musical sound from the vibration of tuned strings. The orchestra contains two large groups of violins, plus groups of the violin’s larger, lower-pitched relatives: the viola, the cello, and the double bass.

What does the first chair in an orchestra mean?

That means that the person in that chair has an opportunity to teach the rest of the section how to do certain things. For example, an orchestra: the first chair would be the example of the bowing and fingering.

Who is the first chair in a band?

Note: For those of you who weren’t in band, first chair or section leader is the top person for each instrumental section. It carries the responsibility of playing the most difficult part and also leading the rest of the section. Second chair plays the same part as first chair without the additional leadership responsibility.

Who is the first chair in the percussion section?

The principal (=section leader or first chair) sits in, precisely, the first chair — closest to the conductor, and closest to the audience. In the percussion section, the principal percussionist will decide who’s going to play which part in a particular piece, and will take the critical part him or herself,…

Who are the principals of Berlin strings first chairs?

There are players, and then there are principals: Add depth and detail to your arrangements with the principals of Berlin Strings First Chairs. These hand-picked specialists will add definition to your string ensembles, making melodies sing.