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

CONCERT ETIQUETTE Dress – What TO or NOT to wear Applause – When – How Audience Participation – When Other

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

Example Program

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

Multi-Movement Works To 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

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 (1 st 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.

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

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.)

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

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)

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.)