Caution: Stepping up on the Soapbox

Okay! I'm fired up!!! This issue has been festering for a while. What is it you ask? It's the issue of the audience side of "Concert Etiquette" . How do you behave at a school band or choir concert? How do you permit your children to behave at a concert?

I've been noticing for the past few years (but it's been the rare person) that people talk while the students are playing/singing. But last night just tipped the scale for me. I have NEVER been at a concert with the most RUDEST people in attendance. I think EVERY "rule" on Concert Etiquette was broken.

The family in front of us ~ the Dad came in late toting a cup of coffee, Mom broke out the snacks (M & M's, Skittles, and a PayDay bar) for the kiddos, reading out loud Where is Waldo, letting one of their children get up and down to go visit a friend DURING the songs, etc., etc., etc. And what was with all the parents waving to their students? I'm serious, this one Grandma was waving the entire time during the first song! Another Dad, that was in the front row was waving at his child during the song. Um, hello, they are not in elementary school anymore people. And if you are the one that dropped them off, they know you are there!

Then there are the crying babies. Don't get me wrong, I haven't forgotten! I can honestly tell you that I took my baby out of the auditorium BEFORE they became an annoyance. When David was little, the sound of the trumpets scared him so out I went into the hall where I could still hear and David relaxed.

Did you know that the audience is as much a part of the performance as the student? Did you know that there are "rules" for attending a concert for the audience? Time for an education! Really they are just common sense and being polite to others around you.

• Clapping is the appropriate way to show appreciation for the performance rather than whistling or cheering.


• Please do not hum or clap along with the performers, unless specifically invited to do so.


• Parents should keep small children seated with them. If children become restless or fussy, please move them to the outer corridor.


• Enter the auditorium quietly. Once you have been seated, be alert to activity on the stage as the musicians take their place for the concert.


• When the conductor enters, it is customary to applaud politely. Whistling, yelling, or screaming is not appropriate at any time before, during, or after a concert.


• Never stand or move around while music is being performed. It distracts listeners around you, as well as the performers. If you must leave for any reason, wait until a piece is finished, and the audience is applauding. Also, return to your seat only between numbers.


• It is impolite to talk, or even whisper, while the music is being performed. Listeners and performers are also distracted by sounds from programs, candy wrappers, jewelry and other objects. Remain still, and be thoughtful of others by talking or making sounds only between numbers.


• It is impolite to wear hats or caps during a concert.


• It is impolite to eat or drink refreshments during a concert.


• Always say “excuse me,” if you must pass in front of someone while going to or from your seat.


• Watch the conductor when the music stops to decide whether or not to applaud. Some musical works have several parts or movements and the audience is expected to applaud only after all movements have been performed.


• Make certain that all pagers and cellphones are turned off prior to the start of any concert.

I felt SO sad for the three choirs that performed last night. And I was only there to make an announcement and presentation to a student.

Officially stepping off the box now!