HSO concert day information - for St Mary's church

Concert dress

• For men: DJ trousers with black shirt and clean/polished shoes.

• For women: All black, preferably with long sleeves, and either trousers or below-the-knee skirt; clean/polished shoes.

Concert day rehearsal 

• Attendance is mandatory so If you have problems on the day, please let us know.

• If you have volunteered to help set-up, the Concert Manager will have given you an arrival time.

• If you are not helping with the set-up (and unless told otherwise) please arrive by 2.00pm so that the rehearsal preceding the concert can start promptly at 2.30pm.

• Don't forget to bring your music, music stand, concert dress, and instrument! 

After the concert

• Please put your chair away after the concert.  

• Adhere to instructions given out by the Concert Manager regarding any other clearing-away requirements.

• Music is collected in boxes. Please put any music not required for the concert in the boxes in the afternoon, and ensure that all music is returned after the concert. Don't forget to take home your music stand - it's easily done!

Refreshments on concert day

There is a small kitchenette in the church that can be used.  There are lots of food stalls, cafes, and restaurants in town a few minutes walk from the church. 

On stage

• Please be ready 5 minutes before the start of the concert at the latest.

• Dressing rooms backstage are labelled and safe for instrument case storage.

• For the audience, the occasion begins as soon as they see us, so look confident when you walk onstage, moving swiftly and professionally to your desk. No talking on stage! Please go onto the stage in the order required for sitting, with first violins leading the way, followed by second violins, brass, woodwinds and finally lower strings

• Please be ready to stand when the conductor comes onto the stage (watch the leader for guidance), and smile at the audience. 

• After the interval, be backstage ready to start the second half promptly.

• At the end of the concert, when taking a bow, please face the audience, stand proud and resist chatting to each other (as it doesn't look good to the audience).

• After the conductor has left the stage, please cheer and encourage the leader to take a bow, then follow them off stage at the end.

• Put away your instrument and then return to pick up stands and help restore the church to its original layout (move chairs, help clear any rubbish, pack away the bar if we've had one etc.etc.). Many hands make light work!