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5 misconceptions about the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra:
1. Everyone wears tuxedos and evening gowns. Don't even think about
attending a concert without your diamonds or platinum cuff links!
2. Clap after every pause in the music. The musicians bask in the
sound of applause, right?
3. Classical music isn't supposed to be enjoyed - it's meant to be
appreciated.
4. Taking a cell phone call from your best friend during a Shreveport
Symphony Orchestra performance is considered "cool" - especially
if you squeal and giggle loudly during the conversation.
5. It's OK to take pictures during the performance - those bright
flashes only add to the concert experience.
What is classical music?
The term "classical music" can mean anything from a baroque
Bach Concerto to a romantic Brahms Rhapsody, anything from a fresh
Adams tone poem to a classical Schubert Symphony. Generally, classical
music is played by a symphonic ensemble made up 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.
Will I enjoy the concert?
Absolutely! Classical music is exciting, surprising, and oftentimes,
funny. When you join us in the concert hall, you'll find out 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.
Do I need to know the music before I attend a performance?
No. One of the great joys of going to a Shreveport Symphony Orchestra
concert is discovering a great piece of music you've never heard before,
or returning to a superb performance of a piece you haven't heard
in years. Some regular concert-goers do find they appreciate the performance
more if they listen to a recording of the piece before the concert,
so they can better anticipate their favorite parts, or listen for
virtuosic playing of the more difficult passages. And many audience
members find it enhances their enjoyment of the music if they take
the time before the performance to read the notes in the program about
the composer and the pieces that are to be played. On the Shreveport
Symphony Orchestra website, we post each concert's Program Notes two
weeks before the performance.
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 many more!
What is a symphony orchestra?
An orchestra is made up for four sections: strings, woodwinds, brass
and percussion. The instruments featured in each section include:
" Strings: violin, viola, cello, bass
" Woodwinds: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, English horn
" Brass: trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba
" Percussion: timpani, harp, xylophone
The 24 core members of the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra all earn
their living as full-time musicians. They rehearse and perform at
the Civic Theatre, the Strand, Couch Chapel at First United Methodist
Church, and Centenary College Hurley School of Music, and occasionally
tour in Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas. The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra
can also be heard on KDAQ (89.9 FM).
What exactly are seasons and series?
By season, we mean the months from September to May, when our regular
subscription concerts take place. Therefore, the 2002-2003 season
runs from September 2002 to May 2003. A series is a set of pre-selected
concerts that you can purchase as a package. If you purchase a series,
you become a subscriber (you have purchased a subscription). Subscribers
enjoy many benefits, including sitting in the same seats for every
concert in their series and ticket exchange privileges.
What's the difference between a concert and a recital?
At a concert, the entire orchestra will play, led by a conductor.
At a recital, only a soloist -- sometimes with a piano accompanist
-- performs. Recitals are very intimate, whereas concerts are intended
for larger audiences.
What should I wear to a Shreveport Symphony Orchestra concert?
Most people consider a concert by the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra
to be a special event, and tend to dress for the occasion - in suits
and ties, or "nice" dresses or pantsuits. Many people come
to the concerts from work, and are dressed in professional business
attire. Formal dress - evening gowns and tuxedos - are generally worn
only to gala Symphony events, such as the Constellation Ball. Though
you won't see many people in jeans, wear what is comfortable!
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. 5, 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 piece has. Usually,
there is a 15- to 30-second pause in between movements. So, in the
case of Beethoven's Fifth 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.
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra office staff can help answer all
your questions! There are two simple ways to reach us. Send us an
e-mail at info@shreveportsymphony.com, OR call us directly at 318-227-TUNE
(8863). The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra's website always has the
latest information. You can also sign up for the On-Line Newsletter,
our monthly e-mail full of in-depth information, ticket discounts,
etc.
What time do concerts begin?
Concerts normally start at 7:30PM at the Civic Theatre or Couch Chapel
at First United Methodist Church. The People's Concert and Picnic
Pops performances start at 7:00PM. Please check your tickets before
each concert to be sure!
When should I arrive?
We suggest you arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the concert is scheduled
to begin. That will give you ample time to find your seat, relax,
read the Program Notes, and watch the musicians as they take the stage.
Shreveport Symphony Orchestra concerts begin at the announced starting
time. Ticket holders who come late will not be seated in the hall
until after the conclusion of the first work on the program. Concertgoers
who must leave the hall before or during the playing of a piece will
not be reseated until after that piece is concluded.
In consideration of the performers and fellow concertgoers, we ask
that you remain in your seat until the concert has ended.
How long are concerts?
Concerts are usually around two hours and fifteen minutes including
intermission.
Are there provisions for people with disabilities?
YES. All Shreveport Symphony Orchestra programs are accessible to
people with disabilities. Persons requiring assistance are requested
to call the Box Office at 318-227-TUNE (8863) for advance arrangements.
Special seating and assistance are available for patrons in wheelchairs.
Please inform the ticket office when you order your tickets.
Where can I go before or after the concert?
The Shreveport downtown has many restaurants offering a wide range
of cuisine.
How can I learn more about the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra?
Click me to sign
up for the On-Line Newsletter, our free monthly online
newsletter with information about upcoming events, ticket discounts,
interesting people and tips on enriching your listening experience.
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