Symphony of the Hills: Programs - Attending A Concert

Programs | Children's Concerts | Scholarships | Attending | Glossary

Some Helpful Comments

Letter to the Kerrville Daily Times
October 24, 2008

I read with interest Marguery Fitzugh's letter in the October 24, 2008 edition of the Kerrville Daily Times regarding what she viewed as inappropriate applause during the recent KPAS concert featuring the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra. I was out of town that weekend and unable to attend the concert. A former KPAS board member told me that during the concert she was approached by what appeared to be an executive with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra who also was upset because of the applause at inappropriate times. He stated that the applause caused delays in the performing of the multi-movement works and was upsetting to the musicians.

As conductor of your symphony --- The Symphony of the Hills --- I can promise you that our orchestra is not disappointed when it receives applause. We do, however, strive to help our less experienced concert attendees understand when it is appropriate to applaud. Watch the conductor for visible clues regarding applause. I keep one arm suspended in the air as a sign that the selection is not yet complete. Another clue is to hold applause until the conductor turns and faces the audience. The printed program will provide the information one needs in determining whether or not to applaud. When listening to musical selections with more than one movement it is customary to wait until the entire piece has been heard before applauding. A symphony written by Mozart or Beethoven, as an example, will have four movements. Composers of later symphonies and concerti tended to write only three movements.

I am very pleased that a good-sized audience attended the two concerts by our sister orchestra from San Antonio and hope that each attendee enjoyed a concert of great music. My wish is that now you will come to a concert of your symphony --- The Symphony of the Hills --- and give us a listen. I am certain that upon comparison you will be extremely pleased with our own regional orchestra here in the Hill Country.

Jay Dunnahoo
Conductor and Artistic Director
Symphony of the Hills

The Symphony is operated by the Symphony of the Hills Association, a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.

Photographs by Chuck Talpey, Gerry French and Jim Adams, unless otherwise noted.