Concert Etiquette

The performance aspect of orchestra is one of its most gratifying experiences. The orchestra students work very hard during the year to attain a high level of musicianship, and it is important that the audience shows good concert etiquette in appreciation of that effort. Unfortunately, good concert etiquette is often overlooked. Here are 10 guidelines to follow to insure that everyone has a good concert experience.

1. Sit quietly and wait for the concert to begin. You may talk softly while you are waiting.

2. Do not talk or make noise during the performance. The musicians are putting forth their best effort and they hope their audience is doing the same.

3. Sit quietly. Moving around in your seat can be very distracting to the performers.

4. Keep concert programs quiet during the performance (try and turn pages quietly).

5. Hold your applause until each piece is finished. Sometimes pieces have several movements. Traditionally, you are to hold your applause until the last movement is finished, then you applaud.

6. It is important that you attend the entire concert. All the musicians have worked hard to be heard and it is only fair that each ensemble have a full audience.

7. Cell phones should be turned off or to mute. Watches set to beep on the hour should also be turned off. Such noises are distracting to everyone. Listening to iPods or using your smart phone during the performance is impolite to the performers.

8. Please use discretion in taking photos. Flash photos during a performance are extremely distracting for all.

9. Parents should keep small children seated with them and not allow them to move around during the concert. If very young children become restless and disrupt others' ability to listen, please take them from the performance area until they are quiet.

10. Model good concert etiquette to anyone at the performance.