An important part of attending performances, as a performer or an audience member, is understanding and practicing proper concert etiquette. We want to remind each singer and her family of the importance of showing consideration to other performers when we are the audience. Here are the guidelines to remember or learn:

• Listen attentively to other performers in the same way you would want them to listen to our choir.
• Show your support and appreciation through applause at the end of the piece, but NOT between movements. Watch the conductor’s hands. Applaud when they are lowered.
• Do not distract other listeners by talking, writing notes, fanning yourself with your program, wiggling, or playing with your hair, etc.
• Never get up to leave, move, etc. while a person or group is performing for any reason other than physical emergency. Although moving about freely may be acceptable in some other group settings you attend (church service, outdoor concerts, or ballgames), it is very rude at a concert! Music takes tremendous concentration, and those performing need and deserve our respect.
• Stay for the entire concert. Imagine how you would feel if everyone got up and left after their group performed, and we were last! We all are busy and this is why concert information is sent home with a dismissal time—so that you can block the entire time needed for the concert. Requests for exceptions to this rule should be very rare, and must be submitted to your conductor by a parent before the day of the concert.

Our choirs’ visual impression can enhance our performance or ruin it. You will be impressive both individually and as a group if you sit tall and sit still while listening to others! This can be hard, especially for some, but take it as an opportunity to relax and enjoy the gifts of sound and sight as well as the emotions that music can evoke!

Many of our concerts are recorded for use in the production of a CCGC CD. Please remember that any noise that is made while the singers perform will be picked up by the microphones. Parents: We would appreciate your consideration in removing crying children and coughing individuals from the auditorium. Please do not talk or rustle programs during the performance. Do not applaud until the song is over and the conductor’s hands are lowered.

The word “etiquette” has been given a negative meaning by people who are only interested in following the rules without understanding their reasons. Etiquette is meant to be a set of guidelines that have been proven to show consideration to others. We are proud to have girls who are considerate and respectful. We realize that some of you may not be familiar with these very important guidelines. Please review and follow them.