What is a principal player in music?

In music, a principal player is a musician who is the leader or concertmaster of a section or group of instruments within an orchestra or other musical ensemble. The principal players are typically the most experienced and skilled members of the ensemble and are often soloists or section leaders. They are responsible for leading their section in terms of intonation, dynamics, and articulation, and they often have a say in the interpretation of the music. The principal players may also be called "section leaders" or "concertmasters."