Monterey Symphony

Concert Dos and Don’ts

In order to maximize your concert experience, here are a few things to know about concert going. Some are for you, the teacher. Some are for you to review with your students. This learning experience is not only about the music, but also about making your students comfortable in attending concerts throughout their lives.

Talk to your students about proper concert etiquette:

• Symphony Orchestra concerts are usually dress-up occasions. Encourage your students to dress nicely for the concert. They’ll get the idea that this is special.
• Enter the hall quietly.
• Once seated students can talk quietly to those near them until the concertmaster steps onto the stage, then its time to listen.
• This is a listening experience therefore all noise should be avoided, such as talking, rustling papers, humming, etc.
• Students should use the restroom before or after the concert, but not during the concert.

Arrive no later than 15 minutes before the concert’s scheduled start time. If you are traveling a long distance, do allow enough time for your students to use the restroom before being seated.

Do use this Concert Preparation Guide to prepare your students for the concert. They will learn more and enjoy the concert more.

Teachers: as a safety precaution to those of you seated in the orchestra section, please be aware that the seats will fold forward. Watch that your students don’t lean on them or push forward on them with their feet or hands.

DO HAVE FUN, RELAX, AND ENJOY THE CONCERT. LEARNING WILL COME WITH ENJOYMENT.