CONCERT ETIQUETTE

1. CONCERT ETIQUETTE • et·i·quette:. • The practices and forms prescribed • by social convention or by authority.

2. CONCERT ETIQUETTE • Dress • What TO or NOT to wear • Applause • When • How • Audience Participation • When • Other

3. Concert going 101 • Program: • Handed out at entrance of performance • Gives important information for the event • Titles and composers of compositions • Performers names • Interesting Notes about the music/performers

4. Example Program

5. Tempo Markings Numbering systems No. Opus K. Key (C minor) Descriptive titles Descriptive Name (“Surprise Symphony”) Symphony Sonata Concerto Rondo Instruments used Etc. Program Markings

6. Multi-Movement WorksTo Clap or Not To Clap, That Is The Question • Many Classical pieces contain more than one Movement (or section/chapter). • Clap ONLY after the last movement • For Example: Symphony No. 5 in C minor(Ludwig von Beethoven) I. Allegro con brio II. Andante con moto III. Allegro IV. Allegro

7. Applause • Stage Entrances/Exits • Try to applaud until the performer (s) enter/leaves the stage • With large ensembles, the entrance is for the Conductor, concert master (1st violin-orchestra or clarinet player-band) • Conclusion of the concert. • Stage calls: At the conclusion of concerts, performers often return to the stage to acknowledge the audiences applause. Applaud until the performer has entirely exited the stage. • Standing ovations: Done when simple applause won’t do. Stand when you feel the music warrants such praise and/or when the majority of the audience stands. • After all movements of Multi-movement works (Look for the Movement Listings in the program) • In Jazz: clapping or otherwise acknowledging a soloist is expected even as the music plays on • Take the cues from the performer on when to clap. • When in Doubt, Don’t.

8. Dress • Jazz: • Casual dress is generally acceptable • Some people will dress “Sunday-go-to-meetin” • Classical: • Casual dress has become more accepted (especially at school sponsored events) • Professional events require more formal attire: shirt/slacks, coat/tie, evening dress, etc. • Head coverings (caps, hats, etc.) for men are always in bad form

9. OTHER • Other: • Enter/exit performance area ONLY before/after the concert or during applause. • NO talking during music. • Cell phones off. No texting, etc. • Keep all noise to a minimum (coughing, papers, candy wrappers, etc.)

10. JAZZ CONCERTS • Dress: • Casual dress is generally acceptable • Some people will dress “Sunday-go-to-meetin” • Applause: • Stage entrances and exits • After improvised solos • At the conclusion of pieces • Audience Participation: • Expected: Audience response fuels Jazz performances • Your participation must not infringe on other’s listening • Clap after solos • Tap foot • Vocal calls

11. CLASSICAL CONCERTS • Dress: • Casual dress has become more accepted (especially at school sponsored events) • Professional events require more formal attire: shirt/slacks, coat/tie, evening dress, etc. • Head coverings (caps, hats, etc.) for men are always in bad form • Applause • When in doubt, Don’t • Stage entrances: Conductor, concert master, soloists • CONCLUSION of pieces: • Stage calls: At the conclusion of concerts, performers often return to the stage to acknowledge the audiences applause. Applaud until the performer has entirely exited the stage. • Standing ovations: Done when simple applause won’t do. Stand when you feel the music warrants such praise and/or when the majority of the audience stands. • After all movements of Multi-movement works (Look for the Movement Listings)

12. Classical Concerts • Audience Participation: • Rare • Other: • Enter/exit performance area ONLY before/after the concert or during applause. • NO talking during music • Keep all noise to a minimum (coughing, papers, candy wrappers, etc.)