Some Helpful Comments
from the Conductor, Dr. Jay Dunnahoo
It has been stated by a few of our regular concert goers that they believe it to be inappropriate to applaud during or between movements of a longer concert piece. Some conductors take offense at such bursts of appreciation, and strongly recommend that applause be held until completion of all the movements of the piece. Dr. Jay Dunnahoo, Conductor and Artistic Director of the Symphony of the Hills, comments:
“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 concert tended to write only three movements.
. . . come to a concert of your symphony — The Symphony of the Hills — and give us a listen. I am certain that upon comparison [with any other concert orchestra] you will be extremely pleased with our own regional orchestra here in the Hill Country.”
