Concert and Rehearsal Etiquette

[Mark]

Is anyone aware of a book on concert and rehearsal etiquette for musicans, in particular young musicians?

[TubaRay]

I am not aware of such a book. If there is, I'd like to read it. Is there a standard for both concert and rehearsal etiquette? This could certainly make for an interesting debate.

[dopey]

if you interchange dope head, with arrogant cocky trumpet player.. then ya we have one of those.. Though he dropped when some freshman beat him @ chair test

[TubaRay]

Bloke, I'm pretty sure it is a requirement of all community bands and orchestras that they have at least one person who fits your description. Without such a person, it may not be possible to charter/incorporate, etc.

[tubaman5150]

Does every community band/orchestra have one dope-head in it - who shouts out questions to the director and instructions (regardless of whether they are considered the principal player) to their section at all of the rehearsals..

Myself and many others would consider this poor rehearsal etiquette.
I have had the unfortunate experience of dealing with many folks who would straighten out the rest of ensemble concerning what they feel is "proper" musicianship. This is often coupled with their inability to play their own part. You always see this person whip out a tuner during rehearsal to justify their own inflexibilty with pitch.
I'll never understand the capacity of certain people carry on tirades about issues they themselves are most guilty of.

[Dean E]

Is anyone aware of a book on concert and rehearsal etiquette for musicans, in particular young musicians?

Garrison Keillor's story about his violinist wife is full of good advice, written in Keillor's captivating style showing his love for musicians and performers. It's posted on Smartgroups TubaEuph forum. You have to register to log on to the TubaEuph forum.

[jlbreyer]

I understand the bit about not talking to the tuba player, but I can still resent it, can't I?

[JayW]

This is a little insert that a friend of mine put in his programs before his senior recital...It is a little off topic, but I think you all should find some humour anyway. I appologize for some mispellings, I scanned it to MS word....and some of the words got a little messed up. I tried to fix some, but you should still get the point
CONCERT ETIQUETTE
Clapping
The question of when to clap at a concert seems to be a matter of cconcern for many
people who are new to classical music. The truth is, applause is always gratefully
received by artists at any lime, and in earlier days, audiences applauded at the end of any
portion of'a piece that moved them. These days, however, the applause is usually saved
for the end of a full piece; it is considered respectful of the performers' concentration to
hold one's applause until then.
So, when do you clap? Here arc a few simple ways to help you figure this out.
One way is to count the number of movements in a piece. Glance at the pages of your
program before the beginning of a piece, and look for the movements (which are often
indicated with different tempo murking.s) listed beneath the title. Since performers will
almost always pause between movements, you would know, for example, that you have
arrived at the final movement if you have counted three pauses in a piece made up of four
movements.
Another way to determine when to clap is to use this helpful bit of "insider" information:
In concertos, sonatas, and symphonies, the final movement is often, though not always, a
fast tempo movement, following one that is much slower.
Of course, a sure-fire way to figure out the appropriate time to applaud is to wait for the
rest of the audience to begin, and then join in!
Coughing
If you feel the onset of a cold or allergies, we would suggest that you use lozenges to
maximize your comfort and listening pleasure.
With lozenges in hand, kindly note an important next step: unwrap them ahead of time.
If you cannot suppress a cough, please try to use a handkerchief or scarf to muffle the
sound. Also note that it is perfectly acceptable and extraordinarily polite, actually to
excuse oneself from the auditorium.
Electronic Devices
Perhaps a downside to (he acoustics of the auditorium is that even disruptive noises are
heard throughout the space. We therefore kindly request that, before a concert begins,
you check to make sure that you have turned off your cellular phones, pagers, watch
beepers, and any other electronic devices thai could emit a potentially unwelcome sound.
Late Seating
If you arrive after a performance has begun, please wait until the appropriate pause in the program to enter the auditorium.
:

[JayW]

If anyone would like to see it in its original form, I have scanned it as a .jpg file that i will gladly send to you.

[Paul S]

I understand the bit about not talking to the tuba player, but I can still resent it, can't I?

I think it is for the Violinists best interest.

Last week while in the green room waiting to go onstage with my orchestra, I was using a relaxation technique which had been passed on by Ron Bishop of the Cleveland Orchestra. Our new Concertmistress, wondering what in the world I was doing, began talking to me about it and within a few seconds of trying it relaxed so much she fell to the floor apparently now too relaxed. Our principle 2nd violinist, as he helped her up, said "this is why you never talk to the tuba until AFTER the concert."

Paul "who thinks Garrison Keillor is always dead on target!"