What does "second violin, first chair" mean?

Question: What does "second violin, first chair" mean!?

My niece plays the violin in her school band and she just got "second violin, first chair"!. I don't know anything about band, and want to congratulate her!. What exactly did she do!? Thanks!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

There are sections to a orchestra!. Each section is made up of a group of players!. The first violins are like sopranos in a choir!. second violins are like the altos!.
The instruments are the same, but seconds usually play a lower sounding note than the first!.
The groups she plays in would be called an "orchestra"
Congratulations to her on her accomplishment!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Well first of all, she's not in a "band!." Orchestra is not band, and there are no violins in the marching band or concert band!.

In an orchestra, there are two violin sections!. She got first chair (principle 2nd), in the second section!. It's a leadership position: she's the leader of the 2nd violin section!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Second violin, first chair means that she got first chair on the second part!. That's a great accomplishment!. I mean, sure she's not concert mistress (first violin, first chair), but that is a great chair to have!. Just because she's on second part doesn't make her playing worse than the first part- conductors choose chairs based on talent and first or second chair of anything means you're very good!.

So give her a big hug and say CONGRATULATIONS SWEETIE!Www@QuestionHome@Com

that is like being the co-captian of the violin section!. First violin first chair is usually the best player!. 2nd violin would be the next best!. Simply put she is one of the best violin players in her school band!.Www@QuestionHome@Com