SF Civic Symphony - Concertmaster

We are seeking a Concertmaster to lead and inspire our accomplished volunteer orchestra. Working hand-in-hand with Music Director Paul Schrage, this artistic leader will help define our musicality, performance standards, and vibrant culture. In recent years, SFCS has performed Mahler Symphony 1, Gustav Holst’s Planets, collaborated with a number of soloists and our performances at Herbst Theater have seen our audience grow to over 800 attendees. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The San Francisco Civic Music Association is currently seeking a concertmaster for the San Francisco Civic Symphony (SFCS). The concertmaster has an important role in the organization, as leader of the string section and advisor to the music director on string related matters. We are seeking a concertmaster who will become a longstanding member of the orchestra, provide professional standards of playing when leading the ensemble while fostering an environment of joyous and fulfilling music making. Specific duties include:

• Perform all Concertmaster and principal first violin duties for rehearsals and performances, barring emergencies, illness, or scheduled and approved time off. 

• Establish and mark comprehensive bowing and articulation details for all violin parts and partner with string principals for all string bowings. Collaborate with section principals and musicians to ensure musical unity and cohesiveness. 

• Assist the music director with music education to musician members of the ensemble by direct instruction during rehearsals, arrangement of various sectional rehearsals, and sharing of musical resources, historical background and composer biographies.

• Assist the music director with the musical and artistic decisions including programming for the ensemble, and to work with the members to acquire music for performance.

• Serve as an advocate and representative of the Association, supporting its mission, values, and inclusive culture while participating in committee work and other Association activities as requested.

Running from September through June, the SFCS season features four Sunday afternoon performances at 3:00pm, hosted at the Herbst Theatre.

Each concert set is preceded by 8 rehearsals, held at our rehearsal space near Duboce Park on Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm to 10:00pm.

Concerts will take place on October 18, February 7, April 18, and June 13 for the 2026-2027 season. Please note that any missed rehearsals require prior approval from the music director.

Pay is $4800 per season

To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and links of 2 videos (live performances or excerpts) to cm_hiring@sfcivicmusic.org
Visit our website: www.sfcivicmusic.org for more information and to apply directly.  

WHO WE ARE:

Established in 1931 by Mrs. Sigmund Stern and Josephine D. Randall, the San Francisco Civic Music Association is the West Coast's oldest community orchestra. It operated under the city's Recreation and Parks Department until becoming a completely independent, volunteer-led nonprofit in 2002.

The San Francisco Civic Symphony is the pioneering ensemble of the San Francisco Civic Music Association. Dedicated to making live orchestral music universally accessible, the Association fosters an inclusive, welcoming space where musicians of all skill levels can collaborate, learn, and grow. Through free public concerts and deep community engagement, the organization champions respect, lifelong learning, and community service.