When should I arrive at the Belcher Center? ~ It is best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled performance begins. This leaves time for parking, picking up tickets, visiting the restroom and finding your seat. You will then also have time to experience pre-concert lobby events, such as the Fanfares in the Mabee Grand Lobby at 7:15 p.m.

 

What happens if I arrive late? ~ In consideration of the comfort and listening pleasure of the audience, patrons who arrive after the concert begins will be asked to wait to be seated until an appropriate pause between pieces.
 
 

What if I've lost my tickets? ~ Subscriber tickets will only be reprinted once if lost or misplaced and must be requested in person with valid identification at the Box Office. Ticket reprints will only be provided to patrons whose name appears on the account.

 

What if I need wheelchair seating? ~ Wheelchair seating is available at the Belcher Center. It is best to contact the Box Office ahead of time and have those seats reserved and your tickets held at the Will Call Window. 

What if I need to go to the restroom? ~ Please make all efforts to visit the restroom prior to the start of the concert or at intermission. If you must leave due to an emergency, please do so quietly with as little disruption as possible. Upon re-entering, please return to your seat when the orchestra has paused between selections.

May I bring my cell phone or pager? ~ All electronic and mechanical devices, including pagers, cellular phones and wristwatch alarms, must be turned off or set on vibrate before entering the hall. Beeping cell phones and pagers can spoil a concert.

What should I wear? ~ You'll notice apparel ranging from business casual to after-five evening wear. Though you won't see many people in jeans, wear what is comfortable when dressing for a night at Longview’s premier entertainment venue, the S.E. Belcher Jr. Chapel and Performance Center.

 

What about coughing noises? ~ Coughing can be an unavoidable problem, but there are ways to avoid coughing during the music. If you feel a cold coming on, please bring lozenges with you. Please unwrap the cough drop ahead of time. Unwrapping a cough drop during the music makes more noise than you might think. If there are no lozenges in hand and you need to cough once or twice, please try to wait for the end of the movement.

 

What about other noises? ~ It is customary not to talk while the music is playing. Being sensitive to your neighbors allows everyone to have a more pleasant concert experience. Remember, whispering counts as talking.

 

May I take pictures at the Belcher Center? ~ The taking of photographs or the recording of Longview Symphony concerts is strictly prohibited.

When should I clap? ~ Generally, it is considered proper concert etiquette to clap only after a selection is complete, and not after movements. You can look at your program book to find out how many movements a composition has. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the audience to clap before applauding or wait for the conductor to turn around to face the audience.

Can I cheer if I really like the performance? What if I don’t like it? ~ If you are moved to cheer for the orchestra or guest artists, please do so in the traditional way by calling out “bravo” for a man; “brava” for a female; or “bravi” for a group as you vigorously applaud at the end of the performance. The conductor and the guest artist will have a curtain call – leave the stage and return for bows – when beckoned by the audience’s applause. An encore is traditionally performed if the audience’s enthusiasm warrants it. If you don’t enjoy the particular piece, please applaud anyway. Many hours have gone into the performance and a polite acknowledgement is deserved. 
 

Does the Longview Symphony have a minimum age attendance policy? ~ The Longview Symphony does not have a minimum age attendance policy; however, all children, including infants, must purchase a ticket in the same area as the accompanying adult. Student discounts are available. Please provide a valid student ID.  
 

Can children attend? ~ While we encourage the love of classical music at all ages, to expect a very young child or infant to be still and quiet for approximately two hours is not realistic. The child will not enjoy the experience of a Longview Symphony concert and the experiences of those surrounding you will be diminished. You know your child best. You may have a budding Mozart who will be enthralled by the experience at age three – but if there is any doubt, hire a babysitter. 
 

Will I recognize the music? ~ It is very likely that you will recognize parts of many symphonies, concerti and choral works. Music written by the great classical composers is often used in movie soundtracks, television shows and commercials.

Do I need to know the music before I attend a performance? ~ No. One of the great joys of going to a Longview Symphony concert is being introduced to a great selection of music you've never heard before, or listening to a superb performance of a composition you have known for years. Some regular concert-goers do find they appreciate the performance more if they listen to a recording of the selection before the concert, so they can better anticipate their favorite parts, or listen to virtuoso playing of the more difficult passages. Many audience members also find that attending a live concert enhances their enjoyment of the music. Don't forget that there are always Opening Notes prior to each concert that provide a fun and informative way to know more about the music and the artists.