Welcome to Classics for Kids and the world of classical music. If you are attending your first orchestra performance you may be interested in the answers to some of these frequently asked questions:
What is classical music?
Classical music encompasses many styles of music spanning over 700 years. Written for a group of musicians who play musical instruments:
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Winds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
Brass: French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
Percussion: Timpani, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Xylophone, Gong, Harp, Piano, and many more
Classical music is categorized by the year that it was written
- Before 1400 – Medieval – characterized by Gregorian chant, mostly religious
- 1400-1600 – Renaissance – increase of secular music, madrigals, and art song
- 1600-1750 – Baroque – known for its intricate ornamentation
- 1750-1820 – Classical – balance and structure
- 1820-1900 – Romantic – emotional, large, programmatic
- Beyond 1900 – 20th Century – limitless
What is a symphony orchestra?
An orchestra is made up of four sections: strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.
Will young children enjoy the concerts?
Classics for Kids concerts are created to educate and entertain young children. With a singular focus on children’s orchestra concerts,Classics for Kids works very hard to ensure that its young audiences have an enjoyable concert experience leading to an appreciation of classical music that can last a lifetime.
What is Theatre Etiquette?
The following are suggestions for proper theatre etiquette. Note that the audience has a role to play. Audiences in general, will receive better performances if they are involved in the story and are supporting the performers, not distracting them.
- Enter the theatre in an orderly fashion. Ushers will seat you.
- Do not eat or drink in the theatre.
- When the lights are dimmed all talking stops. There is absolutely no talking during the performance, unless encouraged to do so from performers.
- In the case of a musical program, the conductor will appear on stage, the audience applauds and the program will begin.
- During a classical music performance the audience does not applaud between movements.
- Whistling is unacceptable.
- Feet stay on the ground, never on the seat in front.
- Use the restrooms before the performance, when possible.
- At the end of a performance the audience will show its appreciation by applauding. If the performance has been especially good, an appreciative audience will stand.
Do I need to know the music before I attend the concert?
No. Young audiences will enjoy being introduced to the music. Children may appreciate the performance more if they listen to a recording first or read a corresponding book and learn about the music and the composer prior to attending, but it is not necessary.
How do I purchase tickets?
School Groups: Teachers please call Classics for Kids at 619-291-3111
Families: Call 619-291-3111 or purchase online. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office one hour before the concerts. Order early for the best seats.
What should I wear?
Most people consider a concert to be a special event and do dress up a little for the concerts.
Can you give me directions to the theatre?
Balboa Theatre
850 4th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
Joan B. Kroc Theatre
Click here for directions
CA Center for the Arts, Escondido
Click here for directions
When should I arrive?
We suggest you arrive about 30 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin.
Where should I park?
Complimentary parking is available at the theatres. Please allow time to park.
Can I bring my cell phone or camera?
Classics for Kids requests that you turn off all cell phones, pagers, beeping watches and other electronic devices during the performance.
No photo taking or use of recording devices is allowed in the theatre at any time.
When do I applaud?
Audiences applaud to greet the conductor and concertmaster (the violinist that sits in the first chair of the first row of the orchestra). The audience does not generally applaud between movements but Classics for Kids understands how excited young audiences are to show their appreciation.
How can I learn more?
Program notes for each concert will be posted on the Classics for Kids website two weeks before the concert date. Notes will have information about the composer and the music that will be played.
Most of the music performed during our season is available for sale. Recordings may be available at libraries and may be listened to on the internet.
Check out some of these great books that correspond to Classics for Kids concerts by clicking here.
Educators and parents can learn more by visiting our Educational Resources Page.
How can I get involved?
To add your name to our mailing list to keep you up to date about our concerts and activities click here.
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