What is Classical music?
The term ‘classical music’ is usually taken to refer to the music played by an orchestra playing different groups of instruments: strings (violins, violas, cellos and double basses), woodwinds (flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons) brass (trumpets, trombones, French horns and tuba) and percussion (a broad range of instruments including timpani, cymbals and drums). Use the binoculars to see how they are played and what they look like.

There is a large range of music played by orchestras and most concerts will include either or both, a ‘symphony’ or a ‘concerto’.  A symphony is a piece of music, which usually consists of three or four different sections known as movements.  Concertos are generally three-movement pieces, although it is not uncommon to find some with more movements. The concerto is written for the orchestra and with a solo instrument.  The Royal Philharmonic of London will perform Tchaikovsky’s, “Symphony No. 4 in F minor” and Bruch’s, “Violin concerto No. 1 in G minor.”

What is a Symphony Orchestra?
A ‘symphony orchestra’ is the generic term used to describe the largest type of orchestra typically requiring about 85 players.  This is in contrast to the smaller, ‘chamber orchestra’.

What exactly does the conductor do?
It is tempting to conclude that all conductors do is beat time!  This was how conductors came about in the first place.  Their role has expanded enormously.  A good conductor will have something to ‘say’ when he or she conducts and will manage to convey this to the members of the orchestra during the performance. The conductor will dictate the speed (tempo) of the performance, the dynamics (loud and soft) and how the music is played and interpreted.  A good conductor has the ability to gain the confidence of the musicians to follow the instructions.  This is one of the elements which make live performances exciting. 

What should I wear for the concert?
Please wear whatever you feel comfortable in, as there is no formal dress code for the concerts.  Many people do, however, wear smart clothes for classical concerts, perhaps because they are coming straight from work or the evening is an outing for a special occasion and attire becomes part of the event.

Is there a right or wrong time to apploaud during a concert?
It has become customary to applaud at the end of a piece rather than between the movements.  The reason for this is that it can be disruptive for some members of the audience and also for the musicians if the ‘mood’ is broken.

What happens if I am late for a concert?
Latecomers are usually admitted into the concert hall after the first piece of music, subject to the discretion of the venue’s ushers.  If you plan to purchase tickets or pick up tickets in Will Call at the Ticket Office in Stephens on the evening of the performance, allow plenty of time to avoid traffic congestion and long ticket lines.

Are the concerts suitable for children?
If children have been introduced to classical music and attend as a family, many programs can be enjoyed.  If familiar selections are being played with themes that would be easily recognizable, children would find these most pleasant to hear.  Consider the program and what is being performed to ensure an enjoyable evening for you and those around you.

How can I find out about more concerts?
There is a lot of information available regarding concerts and tickets. Visit the Ticket Office in Stephens for more specifics
along with brochures and fliers advertising upcoming events.  Visit www.center.iastate.edu or call 515-294-3347 to request information and brochures will be mailed to you. 

How long is a typical performance?
Generally symphony performances last about two hours including an intermission.  Times will vary depending on the selections.

Can I take pictures?
Cameras and other recording devises can create distractions for the musicians and audience members around you.  As a result, no still, video or tape recorders are permitted

What about other noises: coughing, cell hpones, pagers, etc.?
If you find you can’t stop coughing, there is nothing wrong with excusing yourself from the performance for the rest of the movement.  Telephone and paging equipment should be turned off or silenced prior to entering the performance area.  Guests wearing alarm watches should turn them off before the concert begins.  Following these rules of thumb helps you be sensitive to your neighbors and allows everyone a more peasant concert experience.