So I know that I am supposed to be talking about what makes a show choir successful but, based on recent experiences, I feel the need to discuss proper concert etiquette. So, if you would please excuse my deviation from the usual topic, I have some things I need to say.
Many high school students learn there concert etiquette at rock/pop band concerts and then feel the need to apply what they learned there to formal concerts. Other students learn their etiquette from show choir competitions which is fine.... IF you are at a show choir competition. However, show choir competition behavior is NOT appropriate in formal concert situations of any kind. Let me clarify the differences in expected and proper behavior at varying events.
I don't think I need to go over proper behavior at a regular "boy band" type concert. You all know that such concerts consist of screaming, singing along, freaking out if there is a "he looked at me!!!" moment and fainting is sometimes to be expected. There are really no guidelines at these types of concerts just don't do anything illegal please? Other than that, have fun.
Now, at a show choir competition the accepted behavior is not quite as unruly as that describe in the previous setting but it is also far less prudent than the behavior expected at a performance of Handel's Messiah. At a show choir competition, it is acceptable and expected that you shout the name of the group and individuals you know at the beginning of the performance. You may also shout during high energy portions of the show and after soloists complete their solos. If a soloist is performing a very showy, high energy and exceptional solo, shout out in the middle of it if you feel so compelled; do not distract from the performer's spotlight but feel free to cheer him/her on. When costume or prop malfunction occur, the audience feels for whoever is dealing with the malfunction and cheers them on, because half of us have been there. We stand in the audience sending support to the struggling performer and practically, if not literally, praying that they will push through and keep up there performance. Standing ovations are expected at the end of every set, for every group, no exceptions. I do not care if the group stood with teddy bears and sang "I'm a Little Teapot,"; stand and cheer for them. There is a understood level of support and respect for fellow competitors in the world of show choir. We all know how difficult it is to do what we do so we cheer for and support each group that takes the same stage as we do, and we cheer as loud for them as if they were from our own school. Mutual support is a treasured aspect of competitive show choir. We all respect each other and it is expected that we show it. Any rivalry that exists does not exist once you step into the competition and does not resume until after you leave. The major thing on the list of Do Nots is this: Do NOT speak poorly of other choirs while at competition. Not a single negative word about anyone but yourself should be spoken at the competition. Save it for the bus ride home.
Now, in the past week I have been at two more formal events and have been mortified with behavior. At a formal concert DO: clap at the END of each piece, stand politely at the end of the performance, silence your phone and silence yourself. At a formal concert DO NOT: laugh at the prop malfunction of a performer (I was just at a dance performance at TDHS and there was a number in which the dancers used umbrella's as props. One dancer's umbrella broke and flipped inside out and the crowd, high schoolers, laughed throughout the rest of the dance. I was livid.), talk during songs, sing along with songs, text, answer phone calls, yell performers' names, laugh at anything you find funny (unless it is supposed to be funny, then you can laugh.), and DO NOT be one of those people who "does not get easily embarrassed" so therefore, asks questions and makes comments about everything during the performance in a loud voice that carries throughout the entire auditorium (yes this stems from experience).
I hope this clarifies some of the expectations of behavior at concerts and that from now on high schoolers, and in many cases parents, can stop being ignorant and rude at such events and start being mannerly, civilized citizens.
P.S. Sorry for my intensity on this subject. I have a huge pet peeve about disrespect and this is a terrible reality of the lack at of education about civilized customs in our society. Manners should not be disregarded or forgotten.
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