A Chat with Concertmaster Jorge Avila

Before the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra’s October 1^st concert, I had the privilege of speaking to the featured soloist and concertmaster, Jorge Avila, about the duties of the concertmaster. Mr. Avila has been the concertmaster of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra for 3 seasons, after being selected during a blind audition process. 

During a blind audition, the applicants stand behind a curtain, so that the judges can hear the applicants without ever seeing them, to ensure that the audition is fair.  However, in some cases the conductor of an orchestra can also appoint the concertmaster. The concertmaster does not have to re-audition every year, and as long as he/she does a good job, he/she can be concertmaster for essentially as long as they want.  

The primary job of the concertmaster is to help the conductor with all string-related issues, such as stylistic elements. Mr. Avila also leads the strings during rehearsals and the concert. 

Mr. Avila’s practice schedule varies daily, but he says that he typically practices anywhere between 1 and 4 hours, since he is so busy with rehearsals and other music-related activities.