Concert Etiquette

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Etiquette, also known as decorum, is the code that governs the expectations of social behavior, the conventional norm. The Greek equivalent of etiquette was protokollon, protocol, the written formula for ceremonial events. Etiquette is about fitting into the norm for a particular group. Screaming at an arena concert may be the norm for that venue while perfect quiet might be the norm for a classical music ensemble. Both are correct in their environment. This guide focuses on the classical side of concert etiquette which might be less familiar to many people.

Contents

1 Basic Concert Etiquette
2 Dress
3 Arrival and Timing
4 Silence
5 Shushing
6 Applause
7 Leaving Early
8 Electronic Devices
9 Children's performances
10 Bringing Children to Concerts
11 Photography
12 Sickness
13 Perfumes and Colognes
14 See also

Basic Concert Etiquette

For the most part, the practice of good concert etiquette is nothing more than an exercise in common courtesy. Classical concert goers generally expect quiet in the audience to avoid performance distractions. Common things to avoid include:

Eating
Whispering or talking of any kind
Tapping
Humming/singing
Wearing obstructing clothing

Dress

Although the dress code for "classical" concerts has become more relaxed over time, it is most appropriate to not wear jeans, shorts or sneakers. Men's dress code can range from a suit and tie to dress pants with a collared shirt. Women's dress code can range from a dress or skirt and blouse to dress pants and a blouse.

Arrival and Timing

Arrive before the posted concert time. This will allow time to locate a good seat and look over the program in advance. Those arriving late should wait at the back of the hall until an appropriate break in the musical program e.g the end of a movement or work when the audience applauds. It is not appropriate to attempt to be seated while the music is being performed. Ushers should keep people outside until a break.

Silence

Musical (and non-musical) comments should be held until after the musicians have left the stage, which will happen at breaks between sections of the program, intermission, or the end of the concert. Whispering and unsolicited laughter disturb others and can be heard for several rows in a quiet hall. The concert has officially begun when the lights dim and that is when to stop talking. Talking may resume when the lights come back up or during applause. Extra caution should be made to avoid tapping or humming, as these things are easy to do without thinking about it.

Sucking on candy or chewing gum during a concert can be acceptable, especially if it prevents coughing. However, the sound of unwrapping such items can be just as distracting as coughing itself.

Shushing

Although it is annoying when other audience members are talking or whispering during a performance, it is equally as distracting to hear someone "shush" them. Sit tight and hope they finish what they have to say quickly.

Applause

Know when and where to applaud. Unless it is the final movement of a work, or the last song of a set, one should be sure NOT to applaud. This can be determined by looking at the printed concert program. Multi-movement works are indicated by several successive tempo indications underneath the title of a work.

Example program:

"Symphony No.40 in G Minor, K.550 W.A. Mozart"

Molto allegro

Andante

Allegretto

Allegro assai

:(applause here)

3 Songs Franz Schubert

"Erlkönig"

"Heidenröslein"

"Der Wanderer"

:(applause here)

If unsure of when to clap, it is best to wait for others to start the applause before taking part.

Leaving Early

Concerts usually last between one and two hours. If someone must leave, they should do so as quietly as possible, under the same rules as arriving late.

Electronic Devices

One can only assume electronic noises are in error. Most of the devices that go off are owned by people who thought they had them turned off. Everyone should double check their mobile/cell phones, pagers and watches.

Children's performances

Rules of etiquette do not change when parents are viewing a child on stage. Polite parents wanting to record their child's performance should sit at the back wall of the hall for taping and use an eye piece and not the LCD screen. Negative comments on the performance or performers should be held until after the performance, and in private. It is very likely a parent or other relative of the child is nearby.

Bringing Children to Concerts

Like pagers, children may "go off" unexpectedly. This is a difficult thing to ignore and is disruptive to performers and the audience. If children are brought to a concert, then they should behave like the adults around them. The standard is totally quiet, not "some noise". A small disturbance of a child being removed (from the rear aisle seats reserved for this condition) is preferable to a whole concert of wrestling with them to be quiet. If they can't keep quiet then they are not ready for grown-up concerts.

Photography

Photography is prohibited at most concerts, but some arenas or kids concerts do allow it. The organisers should be checked with ahead of time, as cameras may be confiscated on entrance to the arena or hall. Note that the illumination of an LCD camera screen may disturb many perople. If cameras are allowed, a photographer should prepare for getting the best photos with the least disturbance. A quiet camera is preferable, as is shooting just as the applause begins. The performers will usually hold a pose for a moment at the end of a piece as the applause begins. This photo op moment will allow photos to be taken while allowing others to enjoy the concert. Fast film like 400 ASA or greater will allow photos to be taken without a flash. Most photographic flashes are limited in their range anyway. Never take photos during quiet parts of a performance.

Sickness

If someone falls ill during a concert, they should leave as quietly as they can. They should not return unless they are better and then only at intermission. Someone who cannot keep from coughing or sniffling should stay home.

Perfumes and Colognes

Wear as little perfume or cologne as possible. The scent from one person merges with that of hundreds of others.