CONCERT ETIQUETTE

When you attend a concert, an usher guides you to your seat.  Before the concert begins, the musicians walk on stage and warm-up, and review parts of the music they will play.  The musicians become quiet and the Concertmaster plays a tuning note.  Each musician will play the same note and make sure their note matches the sound of the Concertmaster's tuning note.

When the concert is about to begin, the lights in the area where the audience is seated will dim and the lights on stage for the musicians will brighten.  The musicians and audience become quiet.  Sometimes, an announcer will walk on stage and greet the audience, explain the first musical selection and introduce the Conductor.  The conductor enters, bows, stands on the podium, and begins the concert.

During the concert, listen carefully to the music and watch the musicians and the conductor.  While the music is playing, don't talk to your friends or move around in your seat.  Eating food or drinking beverages in a formal concert setting is inappropriate.

You can show your appreciation for what you hear by clapping when each musical selection ends.  You will know when the music ends because the conductor will turn and face the audience. The conductor and musicians will be pleased to hear your applause.

At the end of the concert, stay seated until the lights brighten again in the Concert Hall.  Follow the ushers' directions for leaving the concert hall.

Do's    Don't's

Follow the ushers directions.                     Don't talk to your friends while the musicians peform.

Listen quietly while the musicians perform. Don't eat food or drink beverages in the concert hall.

Show your appreciation by clapping after   Don't leave your seat during the performance unless

  each selection and at the end of the concert.      it is an emergency.

Wait for the audience lights to brighten before  

  you leave the concert hall.

Enjoy the concert.

When you return to your school, share your concert experience with your friends and teachers.  Tell them what you saw and heard.  Explain some of the facts that you learned about music and the band instruments.  Don't forget to tell your parents and family members about your experience at the concert.  Ask your parents to attend another concert by

The Allentown Band, America's Oldest Civilian Concert Band.