Concert Etiquette
By Luis Arellano, III
About Recordings...
If you can not readily determine whether the performance you are attending is being recorded, it is best to assume someone, somewhere in the auditorium, is recording it. To the extent possible, please avoid making unnecessary noise during selections, especially the quieter passages. Please - share that cough syrup!
About
Photos...
Aside
from the obvious effect on the video picture, flash photos sometimes put a
big pop in the audio track of home video recordings. The closer you are,
the worse. Many parents can't resist the desire to photograph their
students while they are actually playing or singing, but you will find greater
success in still pictures taken when they are at rest or posed, especially in
small groups with their family and particularly with their best friends. Wind
and brass instruments
especially tend to distort and obstruct facial features. Forget the flash
photos of vocalists singing high notes, your dentist can provide much better
detail. Action scenes are far more meaningful when taken with a video
camera. I have found that most student performers are quite comfortable
being videotaped, just don't get in their face with the camera. Flash
photos are especially unwelcome during the action of a theatrical
performance because of the distraction and for safety reasons. However, if
there is a prohibition on videotaping due to contract obligations, flash
photography may be your only choice. A considerate and cooperative
director will want to accommodate this desire to the extent possible.
Hints for photographers, writers and directors alike: A
well-produced theatrical presentation will have nicely-posed, built-in pauses at
the end of every important scene, during which parents and friends can shoot all
the flash photos their power packs can deliver. To the extent possible,
every performer should be in at least one such pose. Preferably, the pose
should not be strenuous for the performers to hold, or they will get
exhausted. Be aware that because of the nature of a live theatrical
production, many effects simply can not be successfully captured on film or
videotape. Examples: An attempt to photograph a very dark scene with a flash camera is
likely to spoil the effect for everyone by revealing details that are not
relevant. An attempt to photograph a player through a white mesh scrim will give
you a very clear picture of just the white mesh scrim.
Concerning
Applause...
Assuming
the performance is being
recorded, please
hold your applause until the last
note of each musical
selection
is completely finished.
In a large auditorium, it could take three or four seconds for a
loud note to completely fade. Don't
be afraid your
silence will panic the performers. Just make up for it when you finally do
applaud. Your thoughtfulness will increase
the lasting value of the recording and
greatly simplify the editing of tapes.
Some selections are performed in several "movements." It is customary to hold applause until the end of the final movement. If you are uncertain whether a selection is completely finished, watch the Director. A baton in the air usually means there is more. Otherwise, follow the applause of others who are familiar with the selection. Announcers can give us a clue by mentioning that the selection is in n movements.
Depending on the nature of the particular concert, selection and solo, it may sometimes be appropriate to briefly applaud soloists as they finish during the body of a selection. This is typical of jazz performances and informal events, but unless it’s so good you just can’t contain yourself, it is best to hold your applause to the end. Please extend due consideration in allowing the succeeding soloist to be heard, as his "spot" could be very brief.
Having said that, performers always appreciate spontaneous, hearty applause. It sets them at ease and encourages them to achieve even greater excellence in succeeding selections.
Copyright 1999-2000 Luis Arellano, III. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.
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