FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
RULES OF THUMB WHEN ATTENDING A LIVE PERFORMANCE
The Southwest Florida Symphony always has frequently been asked questions about what to expect when attending a live concert — what to wear, bringing children, parking. The following are the most FAQs with some helpful tips to make your concert experience more enjoyable for you and those around you.
Picture this unhappy scenario: You have purchased your tickets in advance to get the best available seats, dressed in your best for this special occasion, and have been happily reading the concert program from your seat 15 minutes before the performance begins. Then, ten minutes into the program, a family of four climbs over you; a cell phone rings in the distance; an audience member begins an incessant coughing fit; and the person in front of you whispers to her companion while unwrapping a piece of candy.
While all of these distractions happening together is unlikely, any one of these occurrences can distract one’s enjoyment of a live performance. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your concert going experience, with hopes that the above scenario never becomes part of your experience.
Curtain Calls and Encores
When in doubt, do not do anything that makes people notice YOU instead of the Performers!
Clapping & Showing Appreciation
Young Children…
To Bring Or Not Bring Them?
We love our children, but some can only handle so much sitting/quiet time. If your child unexpectedly becomes distracting to others, the courteous thing to do is take them out of the concert hall to alleviate their restlessness, and not to let it continue with repeated attempts to quiet them while others are trying to enjoy the performance. Snapping fingers, playing with pens, turning book pages, tapping feet and/or fingers – all of these are distractions. If you do bring a small child, let a box office staff person know at the time you buy your tickets, and they can help find seats to best accommodate your needs.
Cameras & Recording Devices
Cameras and other recording devices, including camera cell phones, are prohibited in most concert halls, and ours is no different. The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra strictly prohibits the use of all cameras and recording devices.
Cell Phones, Beepers & Digital Watches
We all know how distracting they are and most likely we have been victims of these devices going off at the worst times. Please don’t let it happen to you! A good way to remember to turn them off: when you turn off your car’s engine, turn off your device.
Talking, Whispering, Coughing & Candy Wrapers
Even the quietest whisper can be heard in a resonant concert hall. Try to refrain from commenting on the music until the end of the piece. It will give you more to talk about at intermission!
If you have to cough, try to muffle it with your hand or handkerchief. If you can, wait until the end of a movement or during a loud section of the music to muffle that cough. Bring cough drops, but don’t unwrap them during a performance – it can be just as distracting as the cough itself. If coughing persists, discreetly excuse yourself for a few moments for it to subside.
Show Up On Time
Please try to arrive one-half hour before the performance starts. This allows enough time to find parking, use the restroom, and find your seat and there are ushers located in the hall who will assist you. If you arrive late due to circumstances beyond your control, wait until applause to find your seat. Climbing over anyone while music is playing is rude behavior, unless there is a real emergency.
Dressing & Grooming
While tradition dictates that the musicians dress in tuxes and gowns, audiences dressed that way are pretty much a thing of the past. Many people still view a concert as a special occasion to dress up. However, please keep in mind that what you wear is far less important than your coming to the concert. On your first visit, expect to see some in their “Sunday best” and others more informal. So please, dress in clothes that make YOU feel comfortable, and you will fit right in!
Good “Scents”
Because you are in a closed space with a lot of other people, for many who do not tolerate perfumed scents very well for a variety of reasons, concerts are a good time to leave your sweet smelling scents at home. Clean clothes and good grooming are all that is needed to make a great impression on your surrounding concert mates.
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The Mission of the Southwest Florida Symphony is to perform outstanding orchestral music for the enrichment, entertainment and education of the broadest possible public. Fulfilling this mission is only possible through the generosity of our supporters. Visit our CONTRIBUTE page to learn more about how your gift can make a difference in the cultural landscape of our community and beyond.