Concert Procedure and Dress Codes

NOTTINGHAM HARMONIC CHOIR – CONCERT STAGE PROCEDURE

Seating Arrangement

Seats are allocated within each voice part. Your Steward will tell you which row and seat number you have been allocated. At Southwell Minster you may be asked to sit in an area of the platform with no specific seat allocated. Your seat for the afternoon rehearsal is your place for the concert.

The Concert Manager or Seating Coordinator is responsible for seating so please be prepared to move if asked by either or by a Section Rep.

Presentation – Afternoon Rehearsal

Latecomers must wait for a suitable break before joining the body of the Chorus. If the Conductor releases the Chorus early but keeps the orchestra onstage, leave very quickly and in complete silence or remain until the orchestra finish.

Presentation – Concert

Professional – i.e. correct concert dress, no fidgeting with music, no bottles of water and no waving to the audience. No talking from when the first violinist stands to tune the orchestra.

Concert Dress

The dress code may vary from concert to concert, although there are 2 primary variations with further advice specifically for the carol concerts.

Please refer to the members’ page on the website where you will find a clear statement as to which dress code applies to our next concert.

Female Dress Code Version 1
Black, long-sleeved blouse (modest neckline, no transparent or translucent material) smart formal black trousers or full/ankle length black skirt, black shoes, black tights/stockings; for clarity, blouses should be button-through with a collar.

Red scarves are worn for most concerts. These will be available to buy in the run up to the concerts for £2. The sum is refundable for a scarf in good condition, in the event of leaving the choir. We also now have blue scarves – clear instruction will be given about which scarf will be used for each concert.

Male Dress Code Version 1
Smart formal black trousers, no jacket, black shirt with normal collar (not a wing collar), black neck-tie (not a bow tie), no visible braces, black shoes, black socks. No waistcoats or breast pocket handkerchiefs.

Male Dress Code Version 2
Black dinner suit (jacket buttoned), white shirt with normal collar (not a wing-collar), black bow tie, black shoes, black socks. No waistcoats or breast pocket handkerchiefs.

Carol Concerts:-

Female Dress Code Version 2
Black, long sleeved blouse (modest neckline, no transparent or translucent material) smart formal black trousers or full/ankle length black skirt, black shoes, black tights/stockings; for clarity, blouses should be button-through with a collar. Red scarves are also worn. It has become the custom to wear, if wished, sparkly jewellery or festive brooch, plus festive hats (Santa hats/reindeer antlers etc.) for final group items. Please, no flashing lights, as this can cause problems for audience members.

Male Dress Code Version 3
Smart formal black trousers, no jacket, white shirt with normal collar (not a wing collar), red bow tie, no visible braces, black shoes, black socks. It has become the custom to wear red bow tie and festive button-holes/Christmas Charity bells, plus fun festive hats (Santa hats/reindeer antlers etc.) for final group items. Please, no flashing lights, as this can cause problems for audience members.

All: Be sensitive to the wearing of perfume/aftershave for either rehearsals or concerts due to possible allergic reactions in others.

Music folder: All members must use a Nottingham Harmonic Society folder.

Posture:

  1. Performing: When standing ready to sing – music folder held open.
  2. Applause: When standing, music folder closed, flat against chest/middle, held with opening aperture in RIGHT hand, logo visible

Stands: Beginning of concert – STAND as the conductor comes on to the platform. (If not performing in that part of the programme remain seated unless instructed otherwise.) If singing is immediate e.g. in the first movement or immediately folder should be opened at the correct page. If conductor has indicated choir to sit before first entry music folder should remain closed as in Posture point 2.

Sits: Always QUIETLY

  • As indicated/cued in your copy
  • When the leader of Orchestra sits

Platform Procedure

  • Please do not obstruct the public stairways when queuing to go on stage.
  • Usually FRONT ROW leads on – folders should be under your outward facing arm with your hand on the open edge with the logo visible.
  • Please sit down when your row is complete.
  • STAND as one body when the conductor is first visible coming on to the platform and either sit when directed or REMAIN STANDING ready to sing.
  • If we are not singing in the first/second half, then we are “as audience” so remain seated at all times.
  • INTERVAL: Please DO NOT DELAY nor sit down. Ends of rows lead off immediately. Do not leave folders on seats/floor. Return your seat to the upright position. For Royal Concert Hall, please use two doors to speed egress of the choir. Note time interval starts and reassemble 15 minutes later (20min interval). You must not be late for going on. We cannot allow any delay of the choir assembly as this would impede the start of the second half of the concert. 
  • AT END OF CONCERT – please remain standing, close scores when applause begins – hold folders under RIGHT arm; hand on open edge, logo visible.
  • Sit when directed or when the leader of the orchestra sits.
  • Only applaud soloists etc. when you are seated.
  • EXIT – DO NOT DELAY nor sit down if stood. Folders under outward facing arm; hand on open edge, logo visible. Ends of rows lead off immediately. Return your seat to the upright position. For Royal Concert Hall, please use two doors to speed egress of the choir.