You Are Part of the Concert
The audience, as well as the musicians, are participants in every concert. When you participate in listening to the music, you will be taking an important part by sharing this experience with others in the audience and with the musicians on stage. Formal concerts are much different from rock concerts or sporting events, and require you to know some specific concert manners. In order to make a concert enjoyable for everyone, here are some tips to remember:
- Enter the auditorium quietly. Once you have been seated, be alert to activity on the stage as the musicians take their place for the concert. At an orchestra concert, the concert master begins by tuning the orchestra. The audience must be quiet while the orchestra tunes.
- When the conductor enters, it is customary to applaud politely. Whistling, yelling, or screaming is not appropriate at any time before, during, or after a concert.
- Never stand or move around while music is being performed. It distracts listeners around you, as well as the performers. If you must leave for any reason, wait until a piece is finished, and the audience is applauding. Also, return to your seat only between numbers.
- It is impolite to talk, or even whisper, while the music is being performed. Listeners and performers are also distracted by sounds from programs, candy wrappers, jewelry and other objects. Remain still, and be thoughtful of others by talking or making sounds only between numbers.
- It is impolite to eat or drink refreshments during a concert.
- Always say “excuse me,” if you must pass in front of someone while going to or from your seat.
- If you must cough or sneeze while the music is being performed, always try to muffle the sound with a tissue or handkerchief. Wait until the piece is finished if possible.
- Watch the conductor when the music stops to decide whether or not to applaud. Some musical works have several parts or movements and the audience is expected to applaud only after all movements have been performed.
- Please do not hum or clap along with the performers, unless specifically invited to do so.
- If very young children become restless and disrupt others' ability to listen, please take them from the auditorium until they are quiet.
- Show your appreciation for the performance by clapping after each selection. Whistling and cheering are not appropriate at a formal concert.
- If you always remember these simple rules, and use your own good manners, you can feel confident attending a concert anywhere.
|
|
