Students are required to stay for each entire performance.  When not performing, the utmost respect must be shown while sitting in the audience.

When in the audience:

1. Silence all cell phones and beepers. Students may not have cell phones or electronic devices with them during a performance.  If a parent/other audience member must take an emergency call, please go outside to use your cell phone.

2. If possible, leave infants and very young children with a sitter. In many cases this is not possible, so if a child or infant becomes disruptive or continuously loud, it is appropriate for the parent to take the child outside until they have calmed down.

3.  Once the concert has begun, stay in your seat. Students may not leave during a performance.  If parents or other audience members need to leave, please wait until the end of a piece of music and then wait until the next break to return.

4.  Do not communicate with the performers immediately before or during the concert. While it is tempting to wave, point, or shout out, it is better to wait until the end to congratulate that performer on their good work!

5.  Applaud appropriately. Yelling or “Whooping” is great for athletic events, comedy shows, or popular music concerts, but that type of behavior detracts from the professional atmosphere that a school band/chorus/music concert tries to invoke.  In addition, applauds should always be held until a piece is completed.

When performing:

1.  Stay serious and calm. Adapt an attitude that is more serious and professional than your everyday, casual attitude.  You must remain focused in case there are sudden changes that the director must communicate to you.

2.  Do not attempt to communicate with friends or family in the audience. It is usually okay to smile if you make eye contact with a friend/ family member in the audience, but it is never appropriate to wave, point, laugh, or speak out to them.

3.  Exhibit good posture and sit/stand up straight even when not playing/singing. Part of a good performance includes a positive visual image.  If the audience sees that you have integrity and respect for music and your instruments, they will enjoy the concert even more.

4. Remain quiet throughout the concert. Do not engage in any conversation while the concert is underway, even if you think you are just whispering.

5. Be careful with your materials and stay after the concert to help. Be careful to not damage or lose any of your materials.  There is always other equipment that needs to be put away immediately following the concert.  Please offer a few minutes of your time after the concert to help.

6. Keep your concert dress/uniform looking neat at all times. Shirts tucked in, shoes tied, etc.  Your performance really begins from the time you leave your car and lasts until you return to your car.  Stay professional and look sharp from “door to door”!