What Is Concert Etiquette?
Pennsville Music Department's concert season is almost here! Below is some information about how to have the best experience while attending a concert event.
Concert etiquette refers to the proper way to attend a performance. This applies to all students, performers, and non-performers (parents, family, etc.). These guidelines are considered ‘standard practice.’ They enable everyone involved (performers and audience members) to enjoy the concert experience in a formal atmosphere free of distraction and disrespect. The following are accepted guidelines for attending a concert:
Be seated prior to the start of the program. If entering or leaving the concert hall after the program has begun, do so only during applause or when the performers are changing position.
Remain quiet during the musical performance. Talking, whispering, and other noises made with your voice, program, candy wrappers, etc. can be extremely distracting to both the performers and fellow audience members. When bringing small children to a concert, they should be under the constant supervision of those responsible for their presence.
All cell phones and other electronic devices should be silenced. In addition, audience members should refrain from using flash photography during a performance, as it can be distracting to the performers and other audience members.
Remain seated until intermission or the end of the program. Drinks of water and restroom breaks, during a performance, should be done only in case of emergency.
Applaud only at the end of each program selection. There should be no applause during a piece of music, unless directed by the conductor (ex. after a solo section in a Jazz piece). You will know when it is time to applaud by watching the conductor, who will lower his/her hands and turn to face the audience. Although these concerts are designed to be entertaining, they are not a venue for loud yelling, calling out to the performers, or other inappropriate displays of enthusiasm. As excited as you may be, please refrain from yelling or making other noises, which might detract from the formal atmosphere of the event.
Stay and enjoy the entire program. Performers devote countless of hours of hard work preparing for their concerts. They deserve your full attention throughout the entire program, even if the performer you have been watching has completed their portion of the evening. In other words, please stay and enjoy the entire concert!
PMHS Orchestra
In October, the group completed their first playing test that included excerpts from concert music March of the Nutcracker and Two Mozart Canons.
The group is working on a recruitment video for the 6th and 7th/8th grade Orchestras showcasing the benefits of being in the Orchestra and music program at Pennsville Memorial High School.
Strolling Strings: The group began rehearsals in October and we are working towards December performances for the Woodstown Candlelight Tour and Superintendent Roundtable Breakfast.
Pennsville MS Orchestras
6th grade: Beginners have been reinforcing skills learned in September and building on their rhythmic knowledge with the addition of eighth note patterns.
7th & 8th grade: Students have been studying the 2 octave D major scale. The concert music has introduced/reinforced the notes C, G#, Bb, and Eb.
Playing Test: All students would have completed their October playing test on parts of their concert music.
Small group lessons: Students have gained responsibility by communicating with their classroom teacher and keeping up with missed work. On the flip side, they have been communicating with me if their classroom is having an assessment and they need to miss their lesson.
Looking Ahead
11/9 - End of Marking Period 1
11/9 - HS Tri-M meeting after school
11/10-11/14 - No school
11/16 - HS Strollers perform @ Sharptown Luncheon
11/17 - 7th/8th gr. after school rehearsal 2:15-3:10, MS 218
11/24, 11/25 - No school
11/29 - 7th/8th gr. after school rehearsal 2:15-3:10, MS 218
11/30 - HS Tri-M meeting after school
12/2 - HS Strolling Strings perform for Superintendent's Roundtable Breakfast (during school day)
12/2 - HS Strolling Strings perform for Woodstown Candlelight Tour, First Baptist church in Woodstown, 6:00pm-7:00pm.
12/6 NHS Inductions practice (School day)
12/7 - HS Strolling Strings NHS Inductions performance
12/7 - 7th/8th gr. after school rehearsal 2:15-3:10, MS 218
12/12 - 7th/8th gr. after school rehearsal 2:15-3:10, MS 218
12/13 - MS Orchestra Concert
12/14 - Tri-M meeting after school
12/14 - MS Choir Concert
12/15 - HS Orchestra concert
12/20 - MS Band concert
12/21 - HS Band & Choir concert
12/23-12/30 - No school
Composer/Musician Birthdays
6 - John Philip Sousa
10 - Ennio Morricone
14 - Aaron Copland
18 - Carla Maria von Weber
22 - Benjamin Britten
23 - Manuel de Falla
I wanted to include a video of John Williams arrangement for 50 Years, A Salute to Film Composers.
HS Academy Students take note of how seamlessly he transitions from movie to movie. He conducted the Boston Pops Orchestra in this performance.