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Duluth High School Department of Choral Arts' Formal Concert Etiquette

Refrain from talking or whispering
This is the first and greatest rule. This includes not only during your child’s performance, but during all performances.

Attire
Dressy attire is preferred. We ask that your attire be respectful of the event. Formal concerts are one of the few occasions left that might be called “special” in our increasingly casual world. Consider dressing nicely as a sign of respect. After all, the musicians are in tuxes and gowns.

Refrain from unwrapping noisy candy wrappers
Food or drink is always prohibited in an auditorium or performance hall. Also, please make sure that infants (or adults) do not rattle paper, programs or other items that may distract. Small children will be happier at home and so will the rest of the audience.

Turn off pagers, cell phones, and watch alarms.
Many times we are recording performances. However, even if the performance is not being recorded, no distracting noises to the performance are acceptable. We simply ask that you take care of personal business before or after the concert. Turn phones off completely. No texting or phones on vibrate please. Student phones that are seen during the concert will be taken up and given to an administrator.

Do not wave to your child or call out to them during the concert.
This includes when your child is performing and also when they are walking on and off the stage. No whistling, whooping or shouting ever at a formal concert.

Do not take flash photography or walk down the center aisle with your video camera.
Also, do not wander around the auditorium. Once the concert begins, we ask that you remain seated. If you like, you may take pictures on the stage following the concert.

Do not leave as soon as your child’s portion of the concert is over.
All of the students deserve a full audience for their performances.

Applaud at appropriate times.
Some music has several sections. Remember; do not applaud until the director’s arms have completely come down to his side. Applause is certainly appreciated and encouraged. You may also hear audience members shouting “Bravo!” or “Brava!” This is certainly acceptable and simply means “Well done!” Audience members may also stand (as in a “standing ovation”) when a performance is particularly noteworthy. However, loud screams, whistling etc… belong at rock concerts, not at formal performances.

Do not leave the auditorium during the concert
Use the restroom before the concert. In the DHS auditorium, doors will be locked after the concert starts. However, if you are carrying a screaming child, please leave quickly and quietly. A general rule for non-DHS venues is to NEVER enter the auditorium while a choir is on stage.

*To ensure the audience’s full enjoyment, we reserve the right to remove individuals who cause a disturbance during the performance. We also reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone who has displayed disruptive behaviors in the past.

To keep it simple, just remember this:
Don’t do anything that makes people notice you instead of the performance. Be courteous and use good judgment. Above all, do not talk or make noise while a choir is performing. On behalf of the students, thank you for attending tonight’s event and we hope you enjoy the performances!

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