On concert etiquette

It is performance season for school choirs, bands and theater departments, but unfortunately Arkansans must have the worst manners and lack any sense of concert etiquette.

Folks, you don’t move around during a song like a teenage girl did at Jacksonville High School’s fall concert. Get in your seat and stay there until the choir or band groups change. Don’t let your kids run around and disturb others. Stop thinking about yourself and think of others.

Turn off the damn phones and ringers. If you must record, find a seat up front on the side aisles. Don’t block my view holding up your big iPad. Take your photos with flash in between songs as the kids get ready.

Teachers, you could help by banning videos. Do your own school recording and share it. Take a couple of minutes before each song to talk about the students and the song to allow photos.

If you have kids, sit in the back and by the doors so you are less of a distraction when you take out your fussing kids. Get your district to build a glass-window sound-proof cry room.

You’re at the performance to hear and enjoy the performers, not talk or play games on your phone. Folks behind you can’t hear or see if you put your heads together to whisper. Don’t be rude. Wait until the end of the group singing or playing if you can’t wait until the end of the show or intermission.

In short, act like you are at church for a funeral. Silence is golden. Your noise and immature distractions ruin the performance for the majority. KEITH WEBER

Jacksonville