Concert Attire and Etiquette | Campolindo Instrumen

Performance Attire and Etiquette

Instrumental Music Concert Attire Requirements

Compliance with the formal concert dress code is mandatory for all performances. Please review the specific requirements for your student's ensemble below.

Performance Attire for Boys

Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and both Jazz Bands

Students in these ensembles are required to wear a full tuxedo,

which includes

Tuxedo jacket, slacks, and shirt (typically black/white)
Cummerbund, bow tie, studs, and cuff links
Buttoned shirts must be fully buttoned up
Black dress socks (crew-length or longer)
Closed-toe black dress shoes
No hats. Religious headwear is acceptable.

Concert Band

Students in band ensembles are required to wear formal Black & White,

which includes

Black, long-sleeved, button-down shirt (must be fully buttoned up)
All buttons and seams should be black and without visible labels
Black dress pants
A tie of any color (optional black coat)
Black dress socks (crew-length or longer)
Closed-toe black dress shoes
No hats. Religious headwear is acceptable.

Performance Attire for Girls

All Instrumental Music ensembles

Girls are required to wear the designated black concert dress and solid black, low-heeled shoes.

Existing Dresses: If your student already owns the required dress, you do not need to order a new one.
Neckline no more than two inches below the collarbone with a high cut back.
No skin should be visible at the midriff whilst seated or standing
Full-length or 3/4-length sleeves that fall below the elbow.
No translucent clothing.
Cello players have the option to order a tunic with long black pants, if desired, instead of the dress, but no leggings or excessively tight pants.
Closed-toe black dress shoes
No hats. Religious headwear is acceptable.

All required items may be purchased at the store of your choice.

Prohibited Attire

T-shirts, polo shirts, denim, leather, jersey, and other casual knit fabrics or items
Sneakers and other casual shoes
No skin should be visible at the midriff, feet, or ankles
Hair ornaments, and extraneous material such as feathers or fringe on the sleeves and collar
Conspicuous and/or obtrusive jewelry

Attire Ordering and Contact

Ordering information for tuxedos and dresses will be posted here when it becomes available.

Dress & Tux Donations

We welcome donations of concert dresses and tuxes that are still in good, usable condition. If you would like to arrange for pick-up of donated items, or if you have questions about Performance Attire, please contact us.

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Concert Etiquette: A Guide for Audiences

Welcome! To ensure every member of our audience and all our dedicated student performers have the best possible experience, please observe these guidelines regarding timing and musical traditions.

Theater Access and Intermission Timing

Late arrivals and mid-performance movement can be highly distracting to the musicians. Please help us maintain focus throughout the concert:

Late Entry: Once the performance has started, the main doors will be closed. Latecomers will be held in the lobby until the ushers can find an appropriate pause in the music (usually between pieces or major movements).
Late Seating: If you are admitted late, you may be directed to the nearest available seat to minimize disruption. You may move to your ticketed seat at intermission.

Intermission

Intermission is typically 15 minutes long. Please be mindful of the time:

Return Promptly: A chime or announcement will signal the five-minute warning. We kindly ask that you be seated before the house lights dim again, as the conductor may begin the second half of the concert promptly. Returning to your seat after the music has started may require you to wait until the next planned pause.

When to Applaud

Applause etiquette is all about musical tradition and varies depending on the type of music being performed:

Symphonic and Orchestral Performances: For classical pieces and works with multiple movements (sections), please hold your applause until the very end of the entire composition.
- Your Cue: Wait for the conductor to lower their baton completely, turn toward the audience, and visibly relax. If the baton is still raised, the piece is not yet finished, even if there is silence.
Jazz and Soloists: The tradition is to show appreciation immediately for strong individual contributions.
- Applaud Immediately: Feel free to applaud to recognize an outstanding soloist immediately after they complete their improvised solo.
Marching Band Tradition: John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever" is a unique exception. If the conductor turns around and starts clapping mid-piece (signaling the lively final section), you are encouraged to join in!