If you are a first-time visitor to the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra and the Capitol Civic Centre, you may be unsure what to expect—and what’s expected of you. So we’ve assembled some practical thoughts that will help get you in the right frame of mind to enjoy an enlightening evening.

Symphony Do’s and Don’ts
It helps to know a bit about what to expect (and what’s expected of you) before you go. Here are some of the more common questions our first-time patrons ask and, more importantly, the answers.

What should I wear?
You’ll notice apparel ranging from business casual to after-five dinner wear. Though you won’t see many people in jeans, wear what is comfortable when dressing for the night.

When should I arrive at the Capitol Civic Center?
It is best to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled performance begins. This leaves time for parking, picking up tickets, visiting the restroom, and finding your seat.

If you are attending a Live Concert Preview, plan to arrive at around 6:30. Go directly to the Kadow Room.

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.

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

Do I need to know the music before the performance?
If may be that you will be introduced to a great piece of music you’ve never heard before, or listening to a superb performance of a piece you have known for years. Some regular concert goers do find they appreciate the performance more if they listen to a recording of the piece 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 the free Live Concert Preview before each concert in the Kadow Room greatly enhances their appreciation of the music, the composer, and the orchestra during the Co

May I bring my wireless phone or pager?
All electronic and mechanical devices, including pagers, cell phones, and wristwatch alarms, must be turned off before entering the hall. If you need to be reached in an emergency, please advise an usher and you will be located. Beeping cell phones and pagers can spoil a concert. If at all possible, please leave these devices at home.

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. If there are no lozenges in hand and you need to cough, please try to wait for the end of the movement.

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

May I take pictures at the Manitowoc Symphony performances?
The taking of photographs or the recording of Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra concerts is strictly prohibited. All cameras or recording devices just be checked at the box office prior to entering the concert hall.