What does the comm do? (Concert Master)

Continuing on with our series, this post will be about the Concert Master/Mistress

You can guess a CM's main responsibility from the name of the post itself, but besides the smooth running of performances (which is already quite a lot of work), our CM is also in charge of our ensemble's playing standards and other things as well! The CM has to ensure that all sections are balanced (in terms of stronger and weaker players) and work closely with our SLs, tutors, assistant conductor and our conductor for the music and also with the UCC crew for logistics of our performances.

What does a CM do?

• Member recruitment (auditions, section allocation, beginners' workshop)
• Ensure the ensemble's standards and smooth running of concerts (planning of rehearsal schedules, auditions, repertoire, stage plans/movements, production schedule bump-in)
• Liasing with tutors and conductor/AC (abt concert matters, repertoire, players' abilities, rehearsals)
• Coordination of external engagements/Guest players

Another thing that the CM has to juggle is the smooth integration of members of different playing strengths. He has to ensure that the weaker players are able to keep up with the main ensemble yet provide for slightly more challenging songs for members to improve their playing skills. Decisions to do with the concert are mostly made by him (together with tutors and Robert), and when it is the concert day, our CM's the boss. :)

(Kenneth actually sent me a really really long and detailed list, but I have summarized many of the points here.)

Qualities that a CM should have are very similar to those of P/VP candidates! -

The ability to communicate and work well with others is especially important to the CM, as he/she would have to with many groups of people to ensure the smooth running of the concert. An ability to see the big picture and also pay much attention to details is also essential in handling the logistics in the concert!

This entry is part of the What does the Comm do? series.

The committee is made up President, Vice President, Concert Master, Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, Property Managers, Publicity Secretaries.