Music 1A Concert Protocol
Below are some guidelines to help you navigate through your concert-going experience and make it an enjoyable and successful event.1. Call ahead: either reserve tickets, or make sure there are still some available on the day of the program; a long drive to hear a concert may result in disappointment (and later panic) if you are hoping that tickets will be available at the door.
2. Arrive early: parking can be difficult at many venues. If you arrive late, you will not be able to get into the hall until the end of a piece, which could be a substantial wait, and a major part of the program.
3. Once the program begins, remain very quiet. DO NOT TALK DURING A PERFORMANCE! Respect your neighbor's desire to hear the music without distraction.
4. When taking notes during a performance, don't use a tablet--flipping pages will resonate through the entire concert hall. Instead, do so on index cards.
5. Do not try to write down every aspect of the music--just make a few notes that you can flesh out when you get home. Listen attentively, writing sparingly-- you may find that it is easier to make salient observations about the piece. Be sure to write a draft immediately when you get home, so that you don't forget the details.
6. When to clap? Concert pieces are often broken down into sections (movements). For instance, a Mozart symphony will have four movements that you can read on your program. There is usually a pause between movements (but not always). Do not clap during this pause. Wait until the conductor turns around to face the audience, or, if a smaller ensemble, the performers "release" the audience (put down instruments, get up, relax concentration, etc.).
- The best cue is to wait for the majority of the audience to begin applauding (sometimes there are false starts by people who aren't sure).