Concert Etiquette

What to Expect and How to Behave at FWCO Concerts

We sincerely appreciate your attendance at FWCO concerts and hope that you enjoy the performance. Remember that ours are LIVE PERFORMANCES. Your enjoyment of the performance, as well as that of others, is directly impacted by each audience member’s experience. Please respect these standard rules of concert etiquette.

 

Please Turn Off Cell Phones/Pagers

Cell phone noises are a rude distraction to other concert attendees and to the performers. Texting, updating your Facebook page or playing games on your phone is also disruptive. Trying to cover your phone will not work...the lights shine brightly in the darkened concert hall.

 

No Food or Drinks Inside the Concert Hall

Eating and drinking during concerts is inappropriate. If you anticipate the need for a throat lozenge or mint, please unwrap it beforehand, since noisy wrappers are a distraction as well.

 

When Is It Appropriate To Applaud?

Generally, the best rule of thumb is “don’t be the first one to clap.” Usually, long symphonies are divided into distinct “movements,” and the conductor will keep his hands raised during the silence between movements so the audience knows that the piece is not yet over. At the end of the piece, the conductor will slowly lower his hands and the audience will then recognize the musicians for their performance.

 

Golden Rules for Audiences:

  • Go easy with perfumes and colognes. Many people are highly allergic.
  • If you bring a child, make sure etiquette is a part of the experience. Children love learning new things.
  • Unwrap all candies and cough drops before the concert begins.
  • Note to lovebirds: when you lean your heads together, you block the view of the person behind you. Leaning forward also blocks the view.
  • THOU SHALT NOT TALK, or whisper, or hum, or sing along, or beat time with a body part.
  • Force yourself to wait for a pause or intermission before filing through a purse or bag.
  • The old standby: DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU.
  • Don’t do anything that makes people notice you instead of the performance. Be courteous. Use good judgment.