A concertmaster is the lead violinist in an orchestra, sitting in the first chair closest to the conductor. The concertmaster serves as a bridge between the conductor and the musicians, helping translate the conductor's vision into reality.

Before a concert begins, the concertmaster walks onto the stage, signals the oboe player to sound a note, and leads the entire orchestra in tuning their instruments. During rehearsals and performances, the concertmaster makes important decisions about bowing (which direction the violinists move their bows) so the whole string section moves together in perfect synchronization.

The concertmaster also acts as the orchestra's representative and leader among the musicians. If the conductor wants to try a passage differently, the concertmaster might offer input from the musicians' perspective. When there's a violin solo within a symphony, the concertmaster usually plays it.

This position requires exceptional musicianship and leadership. A concertmaster must play their own part flawlessly while watching dozens of other musicians, catching mistakes, and helping maintain unity across the entire ensemble. In a way, the concertmaster is like a team captain who's also the star player, responsible for both their own performance and helping everyone else succeed. Symphony orchestras typically pay their concertmasters significantly more than other musicians, recognizing both their skill and their responsibility.