for the masses??

Well, my friend and I attended a concert this evening. With this concert came the almost requisite talker throughout. Quite obnoxious if I say so myself.

I tried the ol' turn around and give a dirty look, but it wasn't very effective. There was a girl sitting next to the talker who saw me - she wasn't talking, but well, as the old adage states: Fly with the crows, get shot with the crows.

Have you ever been in one of these situations, and wanted to do something about it? Tonight, someone did! We (remember, I went with a friend) both were quite excited/pleased/happy that someone said something. It was done quite effectively and dramatically, too. It almost made up for all the other moments of talking/opening candy/typing on your computer with the screen lit up/insert other concert faux pas here. Almost.

I would quote to you what passed, but I don't have the talent for remembering the words that passed, and therefore would not do it justice.

Yes, there were moments in Music History where it was okay to talk during concerts. But, anyone who knew that would know that those times were past.

I recently gave a recital where there was a particular girl talking the entire time. Why is it always the person who has the voice most likely to carry?? Anyway, the piece that I was performing is difficult emotionally and it was quite distracting and insulting. As I was there, baring my soul to the audience, there she was, not even with enough courtesy to write it down. Everyone IS provided something to write upon. In this venue, I was able to look directly at her, but she was oblivious even to this.

The other faculty member that was the at my recital noticed my look at the offender. She promised that her General Music classes were going to receive a lecture on concert behavior.

Anytime something like this comes up, it always makes me wonder which I would prefer: a large audience filled with a mix ranging from those who are die hard oboe fans to the talkers, or a smaller audience filled with only those who want to be there. There is something exciting to performing in front of a large audience. It's exciting to share yourself with that many people. Yet, you do feel insulted when people would rather be somewhere else. Go that someplace else. I won't think less of you - in fact I'd be more inclined to think better of you. You know your limits, you know what you can handle.

For example, I can't handle too much football. I am learning, slowly, but learning nonetheless to appreciate. And I can appreciate a well played game. I watched last years Boise State triumph and found myself holding my breath in anticipation, rooting for the underdog. And when the last play came, and the opponent (Ohio??) was beaten, the excitement was palpable.

I also know that I probably couldn't handle a live football game yet, unless I was with a group of friends who knew my circumstances and were willing to help me out with the football world.

This is my transition to those who want to go to concerts. Yes, you should go. Go with a friend that belongs to the music world. If none of your friends belong there, ask the person in the seat next to you to explain things to you. It's similar to being at a fancy dinner: if you don't know what to do with the fancy fork, hold back a bit and watch what your neighbor does.

There are also instructions, usually, on the program. A brief list include the turning off of alerts on electronic devices, not talking (many times the recitals are being recorded for applications to further education), and not clapping between movements.

If you follow this simple suggestions, you will have at the very least a learning experience. If you're not careful, you may even enjoy yourself.