Myths Exposed!
Excuses heard in dark alleys…
"But I don't own a tuxedo!"
"I don't know enough - I'm not an EXPERT."
"But I'm not rich. Aren't orchestra concerts only for the upper-crust?"
Allow us to clear some things up. We want you to know you are welcome and appreciated at every concert. Your experience is important to us, even if symphonic music is new to you.
Myth: You have to get "all dressed up" to attend a concert.
Reality: We think people enjoy concerts most when they are comfortable. Formal attire is Not required at Orchestra concerts. You'll see concert goers in suits, vests, sweaters, skirts, khakis, slacks… everything!
Myth: Only the "Experts" can truly appreciate great music.
Reality: There are no Experts! Everyone experiences music in a very personal way and no two people will have identical reactions. Though some people choose to study music as a hobby or profession, we believe their opinion is just as important and valid as yours.
Myth: Serious concerts are only for the rich or well-heeled.
Reality: Great music attracts people from all walks of life. True, Orchestra audiences are a discerning group who appreciate the best in music. but the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes audience is diverse and welcoming to all
First-Timers' Guide/FAQ
We're so glad you're coming to hear the orchestra. As a first-time attendee, we want you to know what to expect when you arrive. So, we've put together some tips designed to make your first trip to the orchestra a pleasant one.
What is classical music?
Will I enjoy the concert?
Will I recognize any music?
What's the difference between an Orchestra concert and Chamber Music?
How long are concerts?
What should I wear?
When should I clap?
What about other noises - coughing, cell phones, pagers?
Are there provisions for people with disabilities?
Suppose I lose my tickets?
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
How do I get to the concert?
1. What is classical music?
The term "classical music" can mean anything from a Bach Concerto to a Brahms Rhapsody, anything from an Adams tone poem to a Schubert Symphony. Generally, classical music is played by a symphonic ensemble composed of strings (violins, violas, cellos and basses), woodwinds (clarinets, oboes, flutes and bassoons), brass (trumpets, French horns, trombones and tubas) and percussion (drums, xylophones and bells), or some combination thereof.
2. Will I enjoy the concert?
Absolutely! Classical music is exciting, surprising, and quite often funny. When you join us in the concert hall, you'll learn why Haydn called it the "Surprise" Symphony, you'll hang on every note of the third movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, you'll giggle at Ives' Three Places in New England, and you'll be in awe of Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra.
3. Will I recognize any music?
Odds are, you'll recognize far more than you realize. Many of today's popular songs, television shows and movies include or are taken from classical themes, like the Lone Ranger theme (Rossini's William Tell Overture), the Bugs Bunny cartoon "What's Opera, Doc?" (Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries), United Airlines commercials (Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue), and many more.
4. What's the difference between an Orchestra concert and Chamber Music?
At an Orchestra concert, the entire symphony orchestra will perform, led by a conductor. In Chamber Music, only a few musicians perform together. Chamber Music concerts are very intimate, whereas orchestra concerts are intended for larger audiences.
5. How long are concerts?
Normal concerts are usually about two hours including an intermission.
6. What should I wear to hear the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes?
Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Contrary to what many people think, formal attire -- like tuxedos and evening gowns -- is not required at Orchestra concerts. You'll see concert goers in suits, vests, sweaters, skirts, khakis, slacks, everything!
7. When should I clap?
Generally, it is considered proper concert etiquette to clap only after a piece is complete. This means that, for example, if you're listening to Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, which has four movements, it is appropriate to clap after the last movement. You can look at your program book to find out how many movements a particular piece has. Usually, there is a 15- to 30-second pause in between movements. So, in the case of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, you know you're hearing the Finale after three pauses. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to clap before applauding. Another good sign is when the conductor either turns around or steps off the podium (the elevated "box" she stands on).
8. What about other noises -- coughing, cell phones, pagers?
It is always best to turn off cell phones and pagers before entering the concert hall. Noises such as a pager going off or a cell phone ringing are very distracting to the conductor, the musicians and your fellow audience members, and are considered to be quite rude. Another alternative is to set the device on vibrate, so that if an important call is received, one can retreat to the exterior of the hall to take care of the issue. Coughing is an unavoidable problem. But, there are ways to avoid coughing during the music. If you feel a cold coming on, please bring lozenges with you. The next step is crucial: unwrap them ahead of time. Unwrapping a cough drop during the music makes more noise than you might think. If there are no lozenges in hand and you need to cough once or twice, please try to wait for the end of the movement. If that's not possible you can try to bury your cough in a louder section of music, rather than coughing in the midst of the most delicate pianissimo. And, either way, a handkerchief or scarf will further help to muffle the disruption. If you need to cough more than a couple of times, there's nothing wrong with getting up and excusing yourself from the Hall for the rest of the movement. Following these guidelines helps you be sensitive to your neighbors, and allows everyone to have a more pleasant concert experience.
9. Are there provisions for people with disabilities?
YES. All performance venues have made accommodations for music-lovers with disabilities. Please click the links below for more information about our primary concert locations.
10. Suppose I lose my tickets?
NO PROBLEM - If you contact the box office (607) 734-8191 at least two days before the performance, we can have a new set waiting at the concert.
11. Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
We're ready and able to help important audience members like you. There are two simple ways to reach us. Send an e-mail to info@osfl.org or call (607) 936-2873. Please note that all programs and artists are subject to change. You can also sign up for our email newsletters, SymphonEmails, to receive pre-concert information and special discounts.
12. How do I get to the concert?
Need a ride? We can help! We provide transportation for each concert. For concerts at the Clemens Center in Elmira we have a bus pick up concert-goers in the Wegman's parking lot on Bridge Street in Corning one hour before the start of the concert. For concerts at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning we have a bus pick up concert-goers in the Wegman's parking lot on Clemens Center Parkway in Elmira one hour before the start of the concert. The cost to use our transportation is $4 round trip. You must call (607) 936-2873 to reserve a seat on the bus before 4pm on the Friday before the concert. Call or e-mail the office with any questions. Remember: RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!
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