CONCERT ETIQUETTE FOR MUSICIANS

Our concerts are part of the learning experience and should be thought of as part of the instruction that we provide. Certain standards are asked of every concert participant.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE OF THE CONCERT DAY: Concerts are held on Sundays at 4 p.m. at the Washington Center. On these days, each group will have a dress rehearsal earlier that afternoon. Concert dress is not required for dress rehearsal.

1. Always enter the Washington Center from the alley behind the theater.

2. While backstage, conduct yourself in a responsible and helpful manner. Use the time to warm up your instrument or practice quietly. Your conductor or teaching artist will tell you when and how your group should go to the stage.

3. After your group’s dress rehearsal is finished, you may leave the Washington Center if you have permission from your parents. However, all musicians must be back to the Center by 3:30 p.m. to be ready for the actual concert in concert dress.

4. Like the dress rehearsal, you will get specific instructions from your conductor or teaching artist when it is your group’s turn to go to the stage to play in the concert. Leave all electronic devices and purses backstage or with your parents.

5. Alley doors will be locked after concert begins. Please plan to meet your parents in the lobby after the concert.

6. Musicians stand in respect when the conductor comes on the stage. No gum chewing or talking. Sit when indicated by the conductor. Sit up, feet flat on the floor, and watch and listen carefully, tune carefully. At the end of the piece, watch the conductor and sit until you are asked to stand up.

7. When your group is done playing, you will exit the stage as instructed and go sit in a designated area in the theater to listen to the remainder of the concert. Conservatory musicians may sit in their designated section during the first half of the concert, since they do not perform until after the intermission.

8. Please be quiet and courteous, both as you go from the stage to your assigned seating, and while you listen to the concert. If you have your instrument with you, please make sure it is also quiet and safe. If you have any questions about what to do with your instrument, ask your conductor or teaching artist.

9. Concerts usually last 2 hours. Typically, during the first half the Brass Choir, Debut Orchestra, and Academy groups perform. There is a 15-minute intermission, then the Conservatory Orchestra performs during the second half of the concert.

CONCERT TICKETS & DETAILS

SEASON TICKETS: Tickets are available for purchase in the fall through the Washington Center Box Office at 360.753.8586 or at WashingtonCenter.org. Be aware there is a $4 Washington Center facility fee for each ticket. Tickets for upcoming concerts go on sale in September for the following dates:

•Sunday, November 5, 2023, 4 p.m.

•Sunday, March 3, 2024, 4 p.m.

•Sunday, May 19, 2025, 4 p.m.

Reserved seating only. Please purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line the day of the concert. Do not purchase a ticket for your SOGO musician(s). Performing musicians have designated seats with their orchestra when not performing on stage.

GROUP SALES: Group rated tickets for groups of 15 or more in C section seating only must be purchased in advanced through the SOGO office.

EVENT TICKETS: SOGO event tickets are sold exclusively online at StudentOrchestras.org or at the door*.

Saturday, December 9, 2 p.m. Brass Choir HO HO Purchase tickets in advance. Adults/Seniors $10; Students $5; Family 4+: $26.

*At the door Adults/Seniors $13; Students $8; Family 4+: $35.

MESSIAH SING-ALONG: FREE and open to the public. Monday, December 18, 7:00 p.m. at the Washington Center.

MUSIC EDUCATOR TICKETS: Music teacher may receive two (2) complimentary tickets to each concert. SOGO sends a formal invitation to school music departments announcing the ticket offer.

CONCERT ETIQUETTE: Concerts are a time for your musician to shine. Your support and having you in attendance to hear their accomplishments is very important. We have a few suggestions to help you enjoy your experience:

1. We encourage young children to attend the concerts, but if they become distracting during the concert, quietly exit to the lobby. There is a monitor to view the concert until the child has calmed down.

2. Non-flash photography is allowed at the Washington Center; video is not allowed. The public is invited to view the post-concert video on YouTube.

3. Please remember to turn off all electronic devices during the performance.

4. Staying for the entire concert is standard etiquette and is appreciated by all. Every musician has worked hard and the concert programming is intended for your listening pleasure. SOGO concerts usually last 2 hours.

5. Alley doors will be locked after concert begins. Please plan to meet your child in the lobby after the concert.