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FAQ

What should I wear to the concerts?

Most people wear what they might wear to church or to a nice restaurant. Make the evening elegant and special.

Can I bring my children?

We love to have young people at our concerts. Unfortunately, because very young children can sometimes be a distraction to those around them, we discourage bringing children under the age of eight. Children who are disruptive should be escorted to the lobby. Every child, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

When should I arrive?

We suggest you arrive at least 20 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin. If you are buying a ticket at the door, we recommend arriving 45 minutes before the scheduled start time.

How do I find my seats?

We have ushers at all performances that will show you to your seats. Please have your ticket stubs ready to show to them.

If I’m late can I still be seated?

Once the doors close and the concert begins, no one may enter the hall until after the first piece or at intermission.

Can I bring my cell phone/pager to the concert?

Yes, but they must be turned off prior to the start of the concert, as they are a distraction to those seated around you. Physicians may leave their pagers on vibrate. If your watch has an alarm, please turn it off as well so it will not disturb the music. Texting during the concert is not allowed.

Can I take pictures, videotape, or record the concert?

These devices can create major distractions for musicians and fellow audience members. We do not allow cameras or video or sound recording devices of any kind in the concert hall.  Telephones may not be used to record concerts. Credentialed members of the press are the only exception.

What if don’t know anything about classical music?

Just come and enjoy the sights and sounds! If you prefer to prepare a bit, here are a few suggestions:

  • Arrive in time to read the program notes in the concert program book. These are written by our own Heike Hoffer, oboist with the VSO and former UTPA faculty member. They are informative and can provide insight on the pieces to be played.
  • Listen to VSO Luncheon on KMBH-KHID Public Radio 88 FM at 12:15 Fridays. You will meet the conductors, soloists, and orchestra and chorale members and hear recordings from our past concerts
  • Listen to Norma Priolo’s radio show on KMBH-KHID Public Radio 88 FM at 2:00 pm on the Thursday before each concert. She will discuss each piece and play excerpts. Dr. Dabrowski usually makes a guest appearance.
  • Listen to recordings of the repertoire (pieces to be played) prior to the concert. You can find the list of pieces for the upcoming concert on the homepage and for the whole season on the homepage link called Concert Schedule. Check each event for program details.

When do I clap?

Knowing when to clap is easy if you keep in mind its purpose. You can applaud either to greet someone coming onto the stage or to show that you enjoyed what you have just heard.

At the beginning of the concert the concertmaster will come out to tune the orchestra. The audience will clap to greet him. Then the conductor will come out and ask the orchestra to stand. You may clap for both. Later, when the soloist comes out on stage you can clap to greet him or her.

For most pieces we play, it is appropriate to clap at the end if you enjoyed it. Larger works including concertos and symphonies consist of several “movements.” Movements are like chapters in a book. There will usually be a short pause between them, but the story isn’t complete until all the chapters have been read. The conductor may keep his back to the audience or hands raised between movements indicating that the piece is not over. When the piece is over the conductor will lower his baton completely and then turn to face the audience. It is customary that the audience clap only at the completion of the entire work. Please feel free to show your appreciation at the end of the piece. To find out the number of movements (and corresponding number of pauses) in a piece, turn to the program page in your program book. If you’re not sure, just wait until the rest of the audience begins clapping.

What if I have to leave during the performance?

Leaving during a performance is quite distracting to other listeners. We ask you to please wait until intermission or the end of the concert to leave the auditorium. However, if you need to leave during a performance, do so quickly and quietly. Please note that we cannot allow you back into the auditorium until the orchestra finishes the piece it is playing. If you need medical attention, one of our ushers can assist you in getting the help you need.

How long are the concerts?

Concerts usually last about two hours, with one 15-minute intermission in the middle.

What is intermission like?

Intermission is usually 15 minutes long. Take this time to grab a drink, use the restroom, stretch your legs, and visit with other concert-goers.

Are concessions sold during the concert?

At the UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium a reception is held in the lobby prior to each concert, and during each intermission. All drinks and food must be left in the lobby. When we perform at the McAllen Civic Center, snacks and drinks, including wine, are sold in the lobby before the concert and during intermission. We request that you enjoy these in the lobby before the music starts as it distracts others.

Are we allowed to bring food and drink to the concert?

No. No food or drinks from the outside are allowed at any of our concert venues.

Can I smoke?

No, smoking is prohibited.

How can I subscribe?

You can order season subscriptions by telephone (956) 661-1615, fax (956) 661-1617, or mail. We are also happy to have you drop by the symphony office.
See Where We Are Located.

Can I buy tickets on-line?

Yes! Most performances are available on-line. Visit our Concert Schedule page, and look for the “Buy Now!” link.

Can I pick out my seat when I purchase my tickets?

Using the on-line ticket purchase option,  you can use the seating area diagram to choose your seats. The ticket office will give you the best available seats in that area. If you have a more specific request (e.g. aisle seat, handicapped accessible seating, etc.), please attach a note to your order or call and speak in person to our staff. We will make every effort to accommodate your request

When will I receive my tickets?

Subscription tickets will be mailed in September. If you have any questions, feel free to send email or call (956) 661-1615.

I want to bring a group to a concert. What should I do?

Groups of 15 or more can receive a 10% discount for most performances. For more information, please call (956) 661-1615 or email Monica Folk.

I’m too busy to commit to a whole season of performances. Do you have to be a subscriber to come to VSO&C concerts?

No! Single tickets are available for all the Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorale concerts. You can order single tickets over the phone up until the day before the concert, or you can buy tickets at the door when available. We also provide discounted tickets to as few as three concerts in the season.

If I buy individual tickets for a concert, how can I pick them up?

Tickets will be ready for you at the will-call box in the lobby on the evening of the concert.
Alternatively, you are always welcome to drop by the symphony office to pick up your tickets.
See Where We Are Located. We would prefer not to mail your tickets to you, as they are often lost in the mail.

What if I can’t use my tickets?

Please consider donating your tickets back to the VSO&C for resale. We will send you a receipt for your contribution if tickets are received before 1:00 pm on the day of the concert. Please, make sure to include your name and address. Ticket donations can be made by calling (956) 661-1615. On the other hand, you may want to pass them on to friends or acquaintances so that they can enjoy an evening at the symphony.

I’ve misplaced my tickets. What should I do?

When you arrive at the auditorium, please go to the will-call table in the lobby, and we can provide you with replacement tickets. Please arrive a few minutes earlier than usual to attend to this. If possible, we would appreciate if you would take care of this a day or more before the concert by calling (956) 661-1615. Then we will have the tickets ready for you at the will-call box.

If the concert is sold out, what can I do?

In the event of a sold-out concert, the ticket office will offer Standing Room Only seating. These tickets do not have seats assigned but do guarantee entrance to stand at the back of the auditorium. Immediately before the concert begins you will be allowed to take any available seat. If a late-comer arrives with a ticket for that seat, you must relinquish it.

If you have any questions that were not answered here, please feel free to contact us at (956) 661-1615 or
email Monica Folk.

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