New To The Symphony?

If you’ve never attended an Aiken Symphony Orchestra performance, or even the symphony at all, we want you to feel as prepared and welcome at our concerts as our longtime patrons. Below is a list of frequently asked questions or, if you have a question that isn’t covered, please email us admin@aikensymphonyorchestra.com or contact our office at 803.220.7251.

SYMPHONY ETIQUETTE

What should I wear?
Symphonic music is a marvel that fills each listener’s soul. You are not required to dress formally to experience it in person! Although denim is rarely seen, it is important for our patrons to dress in a manner that makes them comfortable! You’ll see formal business attire (suit/tie for men, dresses for women) or more casual attire (khaki pants/golf shirt for men, slacks/casual dress for women).

Can I bring the kids?
We welcome children ages 5+ at our concerts. Tickets are required for children, regardless of age. Anyone who is a student under the age of 25 can take advantage of our $10 ticket price but these are only available for purchase at the box office an hour before concert time and are subject to seat availability (student ID must be presented). Learn more about ASO’s Education Outreach programs.

What if I arrive late to the concert hall?
Ushers are instructed to seat latecomers at the end of a movement, and will indicate when you may enter the hall to take your seat.

Are cameras and other recording devices allowed?
Cameras, audio recorders and video recorders are NOT permitted at concerts, as they may interfere with the musicians’ performance. Also, be sure to turn off or silence all cell phones, pagers, watch alarms, and other electronic devices before entering the hall.

ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA

What exactly is a symphony orchestra? What instruments are involved?
A symphony orchestra is a collection of up to 100 musicians who play instruments of four basic types:

Strings WHERE THEY SIT: In a semicircle directly in front of the conductor; they comprise more than half the orchestra.
Violins (the smallest/highest in pitch of the orchestral string instruments), Violas, Cellos, and Double basses (the largest/lowest in pitch)

Woodwinds WHERE THEY SIT: A few rows back from the conductor in the center of the orchestra.
Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, Bassoons, and other related instruments

Brass WHERE THEY SIT: Since they’re the loudest, you’ll see them positioned at the back of the orchestra.
Trumpets, Horns, Trombones, Tubas, and other similar instruments

Percussion WHERE THEY SIT:  Also found at the back of the orchestra near the brass section.

Some works use lots of different percussion; others may have a single musician playing the kettledrums, or no percussion at all.
Drums, Bells, and other auxiliary instruments

Why does the oboe start the warm-up?
The penetrating tone of the oboe is easy for all players to hear, and its ability to sustain pitch is very secure. The oboe plays the note “A,” and all the players make sure their “A” is exactly on the same pitch as the oboe’s. This ensures that they all are in agreement about the tuning before the concert starts.

Do I need to know anything about the music before I come?
No, but we encourage any interested patrons to arrive in time for “Illuminations” which is held an hour before each classical concert begins. This program is hosted by our maestro and offers insights into the evening’s musical selections, the composer, the soloist, and many other interesting information.

If that isn’t an option for you, the complete printed program, including information about the music and soloist, will be emailed to ticketholders a few days prior to the concert.  Take a moment to look through to learn more about the concert’s featured works!  You may also want to consider arriving about 30 minutes prior to the start of a concert and join members of our board in the lobby where you can learn more about ASO and the Friends of the Aiken Symphony Orchestra.