How to Attend a Wind Ensemble Concert

Gaining a familiarity with wind ensembles and the music they perform will give you a greater appreciation for classical and other forms of music. Here's are suggestions for attending a wind ensemble concert.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Expand your knowledge of wind ensemble music by picking up a few CDs or listening to MP3 files on the Internet. A deeper understanding of great wind instrument performances will help you get more out of the concert.
2. After you have listened to a few performances that catch your ear, learn about the musicians. Professional wind ensembles will also have listings of their concerts posted on their Web sites.
3. Buy tickets for a wind ensemble concert and find out about parking or transportation to and from the event.
4. Wear dress clothes to the concert. Most wind ensemble concerts are formal events and require semiformal dress.
5. Enjoy the wind ensemble concert. You may be treated to champagne during the intermission.
6. Let the ensemble know you enjoyed the performance. Give them a short round of applause at the end of each piece and a sustained round of applause at the end of the evening.

Tips & Warnings

• If you know anyone who plays a wind instrument, ask him or her to come with you to the concert. You may be able to get a bassoon fanatic to be your guide for the evening!
• Respect the right of others to enjoy the wind ensemble performance. Turn off your cell phone, or set it to vibrate before the show begins.