What to Expect at your first concert

Getting your ticket

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the symphony office. There are several sections of reserved seating, and some general admission seating tickets. If you purchase a reserved seat, you should sit in your assigned seat (that you purchased). If you purchased a general admission seat, you may sit anywhere in the general admission section for which you purchased a ticket.

You may pay for your ticket using cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Many options for getting your pre-purchased ticket to you are available, and the staff at the symphony office are willing to help you find the one which best suits your needs.

What to wear

Wear what you want. There is no dress code for our concerts. In the west, we value comfort, so you may dress up or down as you feel most comfortable.

Getting there

All of our concerts are in the John Welsh Auditorium at Natrona County High School. There is reasonable on-the-street parking, or you may feel more comfortable parking your car in the lot to the west of the school.

You should allow a little extra time for your first concert to get your bearings. If you purchase your ticket in advance, try to arrive by 7:20 to allow yourself time to find your seat. If you purchase your ticket at the door, allow extra time by arriving at 7:10 or even earlier.

The concert begins

You may choose to use the time before the concert listening to the musicians warm up on stage, chat with friends (or make some new ones!), read the program you will be given to learn something about the pieces or the orchestra musicians, or simply relax before the evening's entertainment begins.

The first piece of music

The concert begins with the lights in the auditorium dimming, and someone from the orchestra may offer a few announcements prior to the concert. The "concertmaster" (first chair first violin) will come on stage, and you may applaud as she enters. She will then direct the orchestra in the process of tuning the instruments. Once the musicians have tuned their instruments, the conductor will come on stage, and you may welcome him with applause. He may share a few words of interest about the pieces on the concert, and then the music will begin.

To clap or not to clap

You may feel lost as to when to clap; rest assured, the musicians deeply appreciate all appreciation you express with applause.

Intermission

Usually, about halfway through the concert, an intermission is taken. You may use that time to get up and stretch your legs.

After the concert

A concert lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours, including the 15 minute intermission. You may be moved by the experience and want to tell the musicians how much you enjoyed it. This is welcome and appreciated. You may want to join your fellow concert goers for a reception following the concert where you will have an opportunity to meet the conductor, soloist, and the musicians.

We want you to enjoy your first concert experience with us. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the symphony office and ask.