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 ProgramUniversity of West Florida Department of Music and Faulkner Community College Department of Music

Kevin Mobbs, bass trombone

Alberto Hernández, piano

Wednesday, April 10, 2002 9:45 a.m.

Lecture Recital

Drei Leichte Stücke Paul Hindemith I. Mäβig sc hnell (1895-1963) II. Langsam III. Lebhaft Concertino Basso Richard Lieb (b. 1930) Song of Vermland Herman Sandby “Swedish Folksong” (1881-1965) Zwei Fantasiestücke Eduard Lassen II. Abenddreigen (1830-1904) Concerto Eric Ewazen I. Andante con moto (b.1954) II. Andante expressivo III. Allegro ritmico

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 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 brioII. Andante con motoIII. AllegroIV. 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

(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.

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.)