Concert Etiquette

Attire

People come to the Evergreen Chamber Orchestra concerts in all kinds of attire. Some people like to get "dressed up" for a concert, others come more casually. The truth is - the best way to dress for a concert is the way in which you will enjoy it the most (without being a distraction to others, of course.)

Arriving Late / Leaving Early

If you have to arrive after the concert has begun or leave before it is finished, we understand. However, in order not to distract the audience and the performarers, it is preferable to enter or leave at the conclusion of one of the selections (or, if necessary, during a break between movements).

Concertmaster's and Conductor's Entrance

The first chair violinist of the orchestra is known as the "Concertmaster". There is no real corollary in the concert band except the first clarinetist. But the practice of applauding when the concertmaster enters the stage is unique to the orchestra. The concertmaster supervises a final tuning of the orchestra before performance of the first musical selection. Then, of course, it is traditional to applaud when the conductor enters.

Music

Many of the musical selections performed in concert have several parts called “movements'. Typically these selections are titled “symphony”, “concerto” or “suite”. The set of movements, taken as a whole, comprise the musical selection. Even though the music may pause, the piece is not over until the final movement is completed.

Each of the different movements in a piece will normally have it's own name such as “Andante”, “Scherzo” or “Allegro con Brio”. Those names often are actually directions to the performers about the tempo or character in which the music is to be played. By paying attention to the name of the movement and comparing it to the music you hear, you can get an idea of what unfamiliar terms mean.

It can be fun to follow the progress of a piece of music through is various movements. But keep in mind, sometimes one movement will flow into another with a change of character but without a distinct break.

Applause

Performers love to hear your applause. Your expression of appreciation is our greatest reward!

It is important for applause to come at the right time so that the performance is not interrupted. Always wait until the musical selection is finished before you applaud. Usually, at the end of a piece, the conductor will put his or her hands down and visibly relax, indicating “the job is done”. If you don't see this, chances are there is more to come.