Concert Etiquette Guide
Is it your first orchestra concert? Not sure when to clap? Feel a sneeze coming on? The following tips for novices and regular concertgoer's alike, will answer your most common questions.
What do I wear?
To put it simply, be comfortable. Although most people dress in casual business attire, many concertgoers tend to dress up a bit, while others may wear jeans. A good rule of thumb might be to wear whatever you would normally wear for work or dinner with friends.
Should I turn off my cell phone?
Cell phones, watch alarms, pagers, and other electronic devices should be turned off prior to performances. These devices could cause a disturbance and are a distraction to musicians and other concertgoers.
Can I chat with other patrons during a performance?
During a performance, even the quietest whispers can be heard and can prove to be a distraction to patrons and musicians alike. Please save your comments until intermission or after the concert, it will give you and your party much more to discuss.
How will I know when the concert is about to begin?
Just prior to the start of the concert, when all of the members of the orchestra are seated, the lights might dim, and the concertmaster will enter, stand and play the note A. The rest of the orchestra will then tune their instruments to match the concertmaster's violin. The next thing that will happen is that the conductor will enter the stage. He or she will bow to the applauding audience, turn around and begin the concert.
When should I applaud?
- As the concert is about to begin, the first applause is usually when the concertmaster enters the stage, and again when the conductor enters the stage.
At the beginning of the concert
- Most orchestras appreciate applause at any time during a performance, however, traditionally, you should wait until the end of an entire work to applaud. Why? Holding applause between movements is considered to be respectful to the performers’ concentration and mindful of musical continuity.
How do you know when it is the end of a piece? Many pieces have more than one movement which are usually annotated in the concert program. During the piece, the different movements will be separated by a short pause. Don't clap yet! Count the number of movements until you get to the number noted in the program — and then applaud after the final movement.
The conductor will also let you know when a piece is over. He or she will put his or her arms down to his/her sides and turn to face the audience.
Lastly, if you still aren't sure, take note of those around you.
During the performance
What if I have to cough or sneeze?
If you are experiencing a cold or allergies, please use a cough drop to ensure that the concert experience is as pleasurable as possible for you—and those around you. If you find that you have a bout of coughing or sneezing that you cannot suppress, kindly excuse yourself from the concert hall until you feel better.
Is it okay to bring food or drinks into the performance?
Neither eating nor drinking is permitted inside the auditoriums.
