Since the range of the violin is quite large, and its range works so well for a wide range of melodies, many song writers write two or more parts for the violin in their music. There are few orchestral pieces not written for at least two violin sections.

Considering that, almost every orchestra splits their violinists up among a first violin section and a second violin section. The first violin section is typically given music that uses higher octaves, and is often considered the lead role among the two. The first chair of the first violin section is typically considered the orchestra's concert master.