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
University 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
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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
(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.)