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The concertmaster/mistress, or concertmeister (from German Konzertmeister) is the leader of the first violin section of a symphony orchestra. (This is why they are also known, for example in the UK, as "the leader" of the orchestra.) Any violin solo in an orchestral work is played by the concertmaster (except in the case of a concerto, in which case guest soloists may be heard).

The concertmaster makes decisions regarding bowing and other technical details of violin playing for the violins, and sometimes all of the string players; and is in charge of leading the orchestra in tuning before concerts and rehearsals and other technical aspects of orchestra management.

The concertmaster in a standard wind band is the first-chair clarinet, and leads the ensemble's tuning. The first-chair clarinet concertmaster will, in common practice, play all solos for their instrument. Often the lead flautist will receive similar responsibilities to the clarinet concertmaster, depending on several factors such as age, skill and time spent in the ensemble. The concertmaster will, in both orchestral and wind band settings, also coordinate with other principals and section leaders, in most cases being their senior in terms of group pecking order.

The concertmaster will walk onto stage prior to performing, take a bow, and receive applause on behalf of the ensemble.

The concertmaster has the pleasure of being able to tune the orchestra or band at rehearsals and performances, and also comes on stage individually. It is usually required that the concertmaster is the most skilled musician in the section, good at learning music quickly, counting and observing the conductor for the rest of the section to follow.

In the absence of a clarinet, such as a jazz band or big band, the first trumpet player will lead the band.