AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
DO
Dress appropriately.
Sit still
Listen attentively
Try to learn and remember something about the music heard
Show appreciation by applauding at the end of each performance
Stifle coughs and sneezes
DON'T
Eat or drink
Chew gum
Shuffle the program or other papers
Talk
Giggle
Whisper
Mime
Gesture
Wiggle
Sleep
Leave until the program is over
PERFORMER ETIQUETTE
DO
Dress appropriately
Be prepared to announce repertoire
Take a few minutes to get situated before beginning
Adjust the bench
Smile or look pleasant when facing the audience
Bow whenever there is applause. Performers who do not bow are being rude to audience members who show their appreciation through applause.
DON'T
Make faces when a mistake is made
Look into the audience or around the room while playing
Roll eyes, grimace, etc. when standing to face the audience
Forget to bow
Draw attention to oneself when walking back into the audience and being seated
RULES OF GOOD 'ARTS'MANSHIP
Submit applications on time and with complete information.
Clear your calendar of other activities and distractions on the date of the performance event.
Do not ask for or expect special favors regarding scheduling, etc.
Treat event personnel with respect and courtesy. These people are always volunteers, and have often donated much time and energy to this cause.
Should you need to withdraw from an event, notify event personnel as soon as possible.
Be familiar with the rules of the event and follow them. Do not expect exceptions to be made. Should you break a rule, be prepared to accept the consequences.
Treat fellow competitors with courtesy. Be gracious in wishing them luck and in commending their performance.
Be supportive of fellow studio members. Avoid petty remarks and negativity.
Be refined in your stage deportment, and be gracious to the judges and the audience.
Likewise, be courteous when others are performing. Know the rules of etiquette and never make distractions.
Criticizing adjudicators, teachers, and/or event personnel, and suggesting impropriety on the part of others are trademark comments of the sore loser. At all costs, avoid these common traps.
Realize that by registering for any competition, you have agreed to accept the decisions of the judge(s). Do this, regardless of your own opinion and that of those around you.
Making excuses for mistakes is unprofessional. Avoid blaming the instrument, performance facilities, audience, injuries, illness, room temperature, body temperature, nerves, etc. etc. etc. for mistakes in
your performance.
In ensemble performance, never blame your partner.
Avoid using the term perfect in describing performances, yours or otherwise. In the arts, there is rarely if ever such a thing.
In a recital situation, attend the entire recital. It is extremely rude to stay for your performance only.
Be a good sport when things do not go in your favor, and be gracious when they do.
Realize that all competitions are full of surprises. Be prepared for anything.