FAQ's
Is the ASO for
me?
Absolutely! There are no
barriers to attending our concerts. Our main auditorium is
disability-accessible, and the diversity of the music
ensures that there is something for every taste. We’ve got
jazz, pops, casual classic concerts, holiday programs and of
course our classical series. If you have a special need, we
can probably find a way to meet it. Just let us know.
Can I bring my children?
Yes! You might first
introduce them to music at home - playing the radio or CD
player can make classical music just one more of the kinds
of music your children can enjoy. When they are mature
enough to sit quietly you might introduce them to the
orchestra by attending only the first half until they’re
ready for the entire program. If you’re unsure if they’re
ready, request a seat near an exit, so you can address their
needs without feeling embarrassed. We want to have young
people experience our music, so we discount tickets for them
on some of our concerts, and we offer Young Person’s
Concerts to area school children. Check with your child’s
teacher to see if the class is planning to attend.
How do I get
tickets?
You can
call the office, or check out the website at
www.aso.org.
You can reserve tickets and purchase them at the door or at
our offices in Rush Hall on the Adrian College campus.
How long will
it last?
A typical concert will be
divided into to halves of 30 to 40 minutes each. The Casual
Classics series is a little shorter. All of our concerts
have an intermission of ten to fifteen minutes.
What do I wear?
Anything you want, ANYTIME!
This isn’t a fashion contest! Wear what makes you feel
comfortable.
I don’t know much about classical
music. Is there anything I can to do prepare myself?
Honestly, you can just come
and enjoy the sound of the orchestra, but if you want to do
more, here are some suggestions. You could come to a Concert
Preview. It’s free to ticket holders and takes place an hour
before the classical concerts. Our conductor will talk a bit
about the programs and answer your questions. Or you can
read the Program Notes on our website or go to the section
by our conductor for his take on the music. Often the Public
Library will have this music on CD, and you could listen to
it beforehand. If you prefer, just come to the concert a
little early (maybe 15 minutes before it begins) and read
the notes which appear in our programs. Mostly, just listen
with an open mind.
When do I
clap?
No
musician objects to applause, but there ARE some practices
that have developed over the years. They are really quite
simple. If it is a single-movement work, like an overture,
applaud at the end. If there are several pieces played in a
series, like a concerto or a symphony, applaud after the
last movement. In jazz, you can applaud DURING the music,
for instance, after someone has improvised a solo. In opera,
you can applaud after an aria concludes. Don’t let this
concern keep you out of the hall, if in doubt, applaud with
everyone else. You can’t be wrong!
Anything else I should know?
Arrive a few minutes early,
so you can find your seat. Turn off your cell-phone. Relax
and have a good time! If you have a question or need, find
an usher or an ASO staff member. We’ll try to help!
Are you sure
I’m welcome?
Believe
us when we say we honestly want to share what we do with
everyone! Try us out, you’ll see just how welcome you are.
I still have a
few more questions. May I contact you?
Sure. Write us at sharon@aso.org
or call us at 517.264.3121. We’ll do our best to help.
