Orchestras require a variety of roles beyond performers, including conductors, instructors, and administrators. Performers are divided into sections, each led by a section director, and tutti players are responsible for implementing changes. The conductor manages the dynamics of the piece, while the repetiteur works with individual musicians on technique and musical development. Other roles include archivists, administrators, salespeople, and accountants.
Most people think of an orchestra as being made up of the musicians seen onstage during performances. In reality, however, it takes many different types of people to make orchestral performances successful. There are several orchestra jobs available as performers, conductors and instructors, as well as several odd jobs.
Of course, many orchestra jobs are in the performance arena and can be classified by instrument or voice. The different instruments and voices will be divided into sections, each headed by a section director. The director is responsible for leading the members of his section and plays or sings any solos for that instrument or voice. The director of the first violin section is called the concerto master or concerto leader and has additional responsibilities, including occasional rehearsals. These positions may be advertised as soloists or as directors.
Orchestral jobs, as well as section directors and soloists, are called tutti players, which is Italian for “together.” These players are responsible for learning music in time for rehearsals and implementing changes requested by the section leader or conductor as needed. When a lead or soloist position opens up, tutti players may be given the opportunity to audition for the position.
Another highly visible part of the orchestra is the conductor. The conductor is responsible for ensuring that the entire orchestra stays together during performances and for managing the dynamics of the piece. To do this, he or she must have a good understanding of each instrument’s part and how the various parts fit into the whole.
Less visible, but still highly important to the orchestral process, especially in opera, is the repetiteur. The word Repetiteur is French for “repeater” or “assayer”. This person works with individual musicians, especially voice soloists, on technique and musical development, and may be called upon to lead rehearsals. Repeaters must be highly qualified musicians and teachers.
There are some other orchestra jobs that are not necessarily directly related to performance. Most metropolitan orchestras have a library of recordings, programs, scrapbooks and other media that must be maintained by an archivist. This person should have a knowledge of music and be skilled in library maintenance. Orchestras also require administrators, salespeople, accountants, and other general business people. Having knowledge of music and the orchestral process is an asset for anyone applying for one of these types of work.
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