Ordinarily, an orchestra leader is self-employed and the members of the orchestra
are employees. The leader selects the members, rehearses and directs them, holds out
to the public as being able to furnish a musical organization, and enters into contracts
to furnish music. The leader has the primary right to control the orchestra members
as to how, when, and where they work. Usually, the leader pays all expenses the orchestra
incurs. Quite often, the leader receives a lump sum for an engagement and, after paying
expenses and the salaries or hourly wages of the other members, suffers a loss or
realizes a profit from the undertaking. The orchestra may be a permanent organization
or it may vary in size and personnel depending on when the musicians or engagements
are available.
The purchaser of the music deals directly with the leader. The purchaser often does
not even know the names of the other members, but may be generally familiar with the
type of music they play. The leader may select, rehearse, and direct the playing of
the music. The purchaser retains only such control over the leader as to obtain the
desired result; that is, the privilege of making suggestions on the type or style
of music, number of musicians wanted, etc.