About Your First Concert

If you have never been to an orchestra concert, you may not know what to expect. What you can expect to enjoy yourself! This is the time to let go of any preconceptions you have about the classical music and open yourself up to the experience.

Learn the truth behind these common symphony myths!

MYTH #1: IT'S TOO EXPENSIVE.

You can attend an ETSO concert for about the same amount of money as it takes to grab a burger and see a movie. New subscribers and students receive a 50% discount on subscription tickets, bringing prices as low as $10 per ticket. Sign up for SymphonE-News to receive exclusive discounts via email.

MYTH #2: I WON’T RECOGNIZE ANY MUSIC.

Chances are that you will recognize more than you realize. Many of today's popular songs, television shows, and movies include or are taken from classical themes, like the “Lone Ranger” theme (Rossini's William Tell Overture), the Bugs Bunny cartoon "What's Opera, Doc?" (Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries), United Airlines television commercials (Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue), and many more.

MYTH #3: MY SCHEDULE IS TOO HECTIC.

An ETSO subscription offers you flexibility. Can't make a concert? Exchange your tickets for tickets to another subscription concert, or donate your tickets back to the ETSO for tax credit. Exchanges and donations can be made up to 72 hours prior to the performance.

MYTH #4: I WON'T KNOW WHEN TO CLAP.

Clap whenever you feel moved. Your applause means everything to our musicians. When in doubt, wait for others around you to clap and chime in!

MYTH #5: PEOPLE WEAR EVENING GOWNS AND TUXEDOS TO CONCERTS.

Contrary to what many people think, formal attire such as tuxedos and evening gowns are not required at Symphony concerts. As a general rule, "business casual" is always a safe bet. We invite you to dress comfortably, because, after all, we're all here for the music.

MYTH #6: I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CLASSICAL MUSIC.

You don't need to have a degree in music to appreciate it. But if you are interested in knowing more, the ETSO provides several opportunities. Visit our website at www.ETSO.org and read our program notes online or subscribe to SymphonE-News and receive program notes directly in your email a couple of weeks before each concert. Our program notes will give you an in depth look at the composers and music featured in the upcoming program. The public is invited to attend "Noon Notes" with Music Director & Conductor, Per Brevig and the featured guest artist the Friday before each subscription concert. "Noon Notes" takes place in the choir room at Green Acres Baptist Church, from noon to 1 pm where you will enjoy the light-hearted lecture about the following evening’s programming. For a concert evening event, attend Jim Yancy’s pre-concert lecture in the opera classroom, of the UT Tyler Cowan Center prior to each subscription concert performance. The lecture begins 45 minutes prior to every subscription concert. For more information about any of these special opportunities, please contact the ETSO office at 903.526.ETSO.

MYTH #7: ETSO CONCERTS CATER ONLY TO WEALTHY, OLDER ADULTS DOES NOT NEED OUR SUPPORT

The East Texas Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit organization that targets all segments of the population, including children through our Young People's Series (Family Concert and School Concert), education programs, and Symphony Explorer program, adults with special needs through our free open rehearsals the day of each concert, and diverse programming such as our Season Finale last season featuring Mariachi Champaña Nevin and this season’s February 23 concert, featuring a muti-media presentation of Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” and music from Star Wars. All of our concerts appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds, from lifelong fans to young music students to casual listeners and we are always looking for new ways to serve our community.

These special opportunities and events are made possible by the support of individuals in the community, businesses and special gifts. Ticket sales cover only about 25% of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra’s annual concert production costs. It is through your support that the ETSO can continue its mission to inspire, enrich, and enlighten the lives of East Texans.

MYTH #8: I CAN’T BRING MY KIDS

Although we do not recommend very young children attending the concerts, we do recommend that if your child is interested in music that you bring them along. School age children from 2nd to 9th grade are invited to attend the Symphony Explorers pre-concert "Connections" lecture with string instructor Archie Jones to learn more about the composers and music that will be featured that evening. "Connections" begins promptly at 7 p.m. before each subscription concert in Room FAC 1021 of the Cowan Center.

Very young children will enjoy the annual ETSO Young People’s Series Family Concert. Your children will be thrilled this holiday season when the "The Polar Express" rides into town November 17 at Caldwell Auditorium, Tyler. To learn more about Symphony Explorers and this season’s Family Concert, visit www.ETSO.org or call the ETSO office at 903.526.ETSO.

MYTH #9: THE ORCHESTRA IS COMPRISED OF AMATEUR MUSICIANS.

Musicians of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra are all accomplished professionals. Some live and work in Tyler. Others drive in from DFW or Shreveport to perform with the ETSO. Many teach music and play with other ensembles. As Henry Fogel, president and CEO of the American League of Orchestras proclaimed from stage in January 2007, "You have a gem, right here on this stage."

MYTH #10: I WON'T BE ABLE TO SOCIALIZE WITH FRIENDS

Come early or stay late and make an evening of it. Have dinner with your friends or attend a pre-concert lecture. The ETSO is one of the best values in town for a fun night out with friends or a romantic evening with that special someone.