FAQs
When should I clap? At the beginning of the concert, the concertmaster will come onstage. The audience claps as a welcome, and as a sign of appreciation to all the musicians.
What is the etiquette for clapping at concerts? ›
Etiquette varies. In a popular music situation applaud, yell, cheer, and even whistle at the end of a song. Sometimes at pop concerts but most assuredly at a jazz or blues concert, applaud at the end of a good solo that you appreciate, but not in the middle of the solo.
What is the dress code for symphony? ›
Typical orchestra attire for audience members involves dressing in formal or semi-formal attire, such as a suit with a tie for men and a dress, skirt, or elegant pants ensemble for women, to complement the formal setting of the concert.
How do you know when to clap orchestra? ›
So what should you do? We encourage the audience to clap when you are moved to do so! It's perfectly fine to clap in between movements if you enjoyed the music, or you can hold your applause for the very end of each piece.
Is it okay to wear jeans to symphony? ›
“Concerts are for the public,” McDaniel says. “So if you're wearing jeans, that's fine. If you're wearing a suit, that's fine. There's no specific dress code.” With that said, you might want to think twice about bringing your “Bassoons are the Best” foam finger.
When attending a concert knowing when to applaud is a necessary etiquette, do audience generally claps between movements of a multimovement work and why? ›
People "in the know" understand that traditionally, you aren't really supposed to applaud in between movements of a symphony, sonata or other multi-movement piece. But we want to be welcoming, so it has become more acceptable to applaud between movements.
What are some examples of poor concert etiquette? ›
Throwing Things at the Stage.
Never throw objects, such as drinks or debris, during a concert. This can cause harm to other concertgoers and disrupt the performance. Not to mention, it's just rude. In July, singer BeBe Rexha had to get stitches after getting hit by a cellphone during her New York show.
What is the first rule for proper concert etiquette? ›
1. Stop throwing things at the stage. This rule should go without saying, but unfortunately, some inconsiderate fools need reminding.
What can I do instead of clapping? ›
The finger snap signals the same passionate response without disrupting the speech. Snapping lets the speaker know the message resonates. Equate the snapping to social media's “thumbs up” or “heart” upvotes. Finger snapping is making a resurgence, as useful in coffee houses and bookstores as it is online.
What not to do at the symphony? ›
During the performance Once the concert has begun, we kindly ask that you be courteous and respectful to the performers and others around you. Don't talk, whisper, sing, hum, or move personal belongings.
Attending a symphony is a special and elegant experience, and it's important to dress accordingly. For men, a dark suit or tuxedo paired with a crisp white shirt and a tie is appropriate. Women can opt for a formal dress or a dressy blouse paired with a skirt or dress pants.
What not to do at a classical concert? ›
Attending a classical concert is more like attending a movie than it is attending a rock concert. You don't want to disturb the listening of others with movement, or talking, or texting, or dancing, or snapping photos or anything. Toe tapping is fine, but keep it to yourself. Air conducting is right out.
Why is it better to clap on 2 and 4? ›
In jazz swing, the accents hit on beats 2 and 4. These beats are key in creating that jazzy, bluesy, swinging groove. Seasoned jazzers will often consider clapping, taps, or overt accents on 1 and 3, a percussive faux pas.
How long does a symphony typically last? ›
A symphony is a big piece in several ways. Though it's divided into separate parts (usually, four individual movements), a typical Classical Period symphony can last between 25 and 35 minutes.
Do you clap after every song in a musical? ›
Etiquette varies. In a popular music situation applaud, yell, cheer, and even whistle at the end of a song. Sometimes at pop concerts but most assuredly at a jazz or blues concert, applaud at the end of a good solo that you appreciate, but not in the middle of the solo.
Should you applaud for an orchestra as it enters the stage? ›
Usually there is applause when the concertmaster enters the stage as well as when the conductor makes her entrance. During the actual performance you should only applaud at the close of a full piece of music.
When should you clap during an opera? ›
In opera, applause is usually reserved at the end of an overture (an orchestral piece at the beginning of an opera) and each Act, or at the end of a particularly great aria (solo) or ensemble.
What is the audience etiquette for an orchestra? ›
It is generally expected that audiences will hold their applause until the end of the entire piece and not clap between movements. ✎ If in doubt, an audience member should clap when everyone else does, or when the conductor turns around to take a bow and recognize the orchestra.
