Children are not born knowing how to be a part of an audience—it is a learned behavior. The following are some helpful hints to offer children a better experience:

• Listen to a recording of the performer in small doses several weeks ahead of the concert so children are familiar with the music.
  
  
• Children can be better participants if they have been to the restroom, are well-fed and rested.
  
  
• Try to enter and exit the auditorium between songs, during applause. It is less distracting, not only to the audience but also to the performer.
  
  
• For safety reasons it is important that dancing and movement be done in the space of your seat.
  
  
• It is necessary to have at least one adult to every ten children in your group. Every group should have at least two adults--one to help with trips to the lobby or restroom.
  
  
• Be considerate. If a child is not comfortable with the experience, it would be appropriate to leave and not disturb the rest of the audience.
  
  
• Children may not appear to be actively engaged in the music, however, they are participating through observation and will probably be able to do a “play by play” the next day.
  
  
• Buying a recording at a concert is a way to relive the experience. You might also have an opportunity to have it autographed!
  
  
• Concert going can be a positive way to spend time together developing a lifetime interest in the arts.

--by Heidi Thumlert

Education Through Music, Inc. | P.O. Box 4274 | Stockton, CA 95204