The Hanover (PA) Symphony Orchestra announces an opening for CONCERTMASTER. This is a permanent position that is available at the start of the 2025-2026 season.

Orchestra Description: The Hanover Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra consisting of approximately 60 musicians. Members include students (age 13 and up), semi-professional, retired musicians and dedicated amateurs. Hanover is situated in a picturesque valley in the southwestern portion of York County; 50 miles northwest of Baltimore, MD and 40 miles southwest of Harrisburg, PA. The concert season consists of a minimum of three performances with potential for one or two more. Our orchestra members, benefactors and audience are from the greater Hanover area and surrounding communities. Our mission is to foster the love of music through entertainment, encouragement and education. 

Job Title: Concertmaster/Concertmistress Date:  July 2025
Reports to: Music Director
Supervises: String Musicians
Job Description: The Concertmaster/Concertmistress, as first chair Violin I, holds the primary position of leadership by example for the orchestra and is responsible for setting the standard of musicianship, preparation and leadership. Additionally, the concertmaster/concertmistress maintains a local presence in the community, working directly with the Music Director and the Board of Directors to develop community relationships deemed necessary to the growth of the organization. 

Responsibilities: 
  • Dictates bowings and articulation for the string section, ensuring a unified sound. 
  • Communicate with the Librarian to obtain the music 4 weeks prior to rehearsal and provide bowings two weeks prior to the first rehearsal for each concert cycle. 
  • Plays solos as dictated by the music or requested by the Music Director.
  • Lead the Orchestra in tuning for rehearsals and performances, setting the overall pitch and overseeing the pitch of the whole ensemble.
  • Works with the Music Director to help the orchestra understand the vision for the music and translate into practical use for the musicians.
  • The concertmaster/mistress will serve as a goodwill ambassador to all members of the orchestra, but especially to new recruits. 
  • Participates in the musician audition process; provides input to the Music Director for the ongoing evaluation and seating of individual musicians. 
  • Attends all rehearsals and concerts.
  • Assist in identifying an appropriate substitute in situations of unavailability. 
  • Reports directly to the Music Director with oversight from the Board of Directors. 
  • Leads string sectionals as directed by the Music Director. 

Qualifications: 
  • Bachelor's degree in music performance or education (Master of Music preferred) 
  • Demonstrate exceptional musical skills, experience in orchestral and solo settings, and leadership qualities. 
  • Possess a deep understanding of orchestral repertoire and exceptional solo playing abilities
  • Strong communication and leadership skills to guide their section and collaborate effectively with the Conductor.​


This is a paid position receiving a small stipend in the fall and in the spring.

The winning candidate will be selected through an audition process:
Audition is by invitation ONLY and will take place on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Audition requirements include:
* SCALES - Bb Major and G Chromatic (both scales are to be performed 3 octaves; 4 pitches per bow; eighth notes at quarter note = 120 BPM
* SOLO REPERTOIRE - Beethoven: Violin Concerto; movement 1 & Brahms: Violin Concerto; movement 3
* SIGHT-READING as chosen by the Selection Committee.

TO BE CONSIDERED TO RECEIVE AN EMAIL INVITATION TO AUDITION ON AUGUST 10, PLEASE EMAIL A 1-PAGE RESUME INCLUDING PAST PERFORMING AND TEACHING EXPERIENCE TO: [email protected]

ALL RESUMES ARE DUE TO THE HSO (via email)  BY 9:00 pm ON TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2025. EVERY CANDIDATE WHO SENDS THEIR RESUME TO THE HSO WILL RECEIVE A REPLY EMAIL FROM THE HSO INFORMING THEM OF THEIR INVITATION STATUS NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2025. IF YOU RECEIVE AN INVITATION TO AUDITION, YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE ON THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING OF AUGUST 10, 2025.

THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP AUDITIONS SCHEDULED FOR ANYONE UNAVAILABLE ON THE ASSIGNED AUDITION DATE - SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, 2025.