So you're first-time attendee, don't worry about it. The following are answers
to frequently-asked questions about Symphony-going, designed to make your first
trip to the Kansas City Symphony a pleasant one.

What is classical music?

The term "classical music" can mean anything from a Bach Concerto to
a Brahms Rhapsody, anything from an Adams tone poem to a Schubert Symphony. Generally,
classical music is played by a symphonic ensemble comprised of strings (violins,
violas, cellos and basses), woodwinds (clarinets, oboes, flutes and bassoons),
brass (trumpets, French horns, trombones and tubas) and percussion (drums, xylophones
and bells), or some combination thereof.

Will I enjoy the concert?

Absolutely! Classical music is exciting, surprising, and oftentimes funny. When
you join us in the concert hall, you'll learn why Haydn called it the "Surprise"
Symphony, you'll hang on every note of the third movement of Beethoven's Ninth
Symphony, you'll giggle at Ives' Three Places in New England, and you'll be in
awe of Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra.

Do I need to know the music before I attend a performance?

No. One of the great joys of going to a Kansas City Symphony concert is being
introduced to a great piece of music you've never heard before, or listening to
a superb performance of a piece you haven't heard in years. Some regular concert-goers
do find they appreciate the performance more if they listen to a recording of
the piece before the concert, so they can better anticipate their favorite parts,
or listen for virtuoso playing of the more difficult passages. And many audience
members find it enhances their enjoyment of the music if they take the time before
the performance to read the notes in the program about the composer and the pieces
that are to be played. On the Symphony website, we post each concert's Program
Notes two weeks before the performance.

Will I recognize any music?

Odds are you'll recognize far more than you realize. Many of today's popular songs,
television shows and movies include or are taken from classical themes, like the
Lone Ranger theme (Rossini's William Tell Overture), the Bugs Bunny cartoon "What's
Opera, Doc?" (Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries), United Airlines commercials
(Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue), and many more.

What is a symphony orchestra?

An orchestra is made up for four sections: strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.
The instruments featured in each section include:

• Strings: violin, viola, cello, bass
  
• Woodwinds: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, English horn
  
• Brass: trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba
  
• Percussion: timpani, harp, xylophone

What exactly are seasons and series?

By season, we mean the months from September to June, when our regular subscription concerts take place. Therefore, the 2006-2007 season runs from September 2006 to June 2007, with concerts taking place almost every week in the Lyric Theatre, Yardley Hall at JCCC and the Church of the Resurrection. A series is a set of pre-selected concerts that you can purchase as a package. If you purchase a series, you become a subscriber (you have purchased a subscription). Subscribers enjoy many benefits, including sitting in the same seats for every concert in their series and ticket exchange privileges.

What's the difference between a concert and a recital?

At a concert, the entire Symphony will play, led by a conductor. At a recital,
only a soloist -- sometimes with a piano accompanist -- performs. Recitals are
very intimate, whereas concerts are intended for larger audiences.

What should I wear to a Kansas City Symphony concert?

Most people consider a concert by the Kansas City Symphony to be a special event,
and tend to dress for the occasion - in suits and ties, or "nice" dresses
or pantsuits. Many people come to the concerts from work, and are dressed in professional
business attire. Formal dress - evening gowns and tuxedos - are generally worn
only to gala Symphony events, such as Opening Night or Symphony Ball.

When should I clap?

Generally, it is considered proper concert etiquette to clap only after a piece
is complete. This means that, for example, if you're listening to Beethoven's
Symphony No. 9, which has four movements, it is appropriate to clap after the
last movement. You can look at your program book to find out how many movements
a piece has. Usually, there is a 15- to 30-second pause in between movements.
So, in the case of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, you know you're hearing the Finale
after three pauses. If all else fails, you can always wait for the rest of the
audience to clap before applauding.

Can I exchange my tickets?

ABSOLUTELY! Once you receive your tickets in August, your tickets can be exchanged
for any other Classical, Pops or Family concert up until the day before a performance.
You will need to pay the difference if exchanging for more expensive tickets.
Exchanges are always subject to availability.

Suppose I lose my tickets?

NO PROBLEM - We can have a new set waiting at the box office upon your arrival
to the concert hall. Call our box office at 816-471-0400 and a customer service
representative will assist you.

Who can I contact with questions or concerns?

The Kansas City Symphony customer service representatives can help answer all
your questions! There are two simple ways to reach us. Send us an e-mail at info@kcsymphony.org,
OR call us directly at 816-471-0400. The Kansas City Symphony's website always
has the latest information. You can also sign up for E-Notes, our monthly
e-mail full of in-depth information, ticket discounts, etc.

What time do concerts begin?

Friday and Saturday night concerts normally start at 8 p.m. at the Lyric Theater
or Church of the Resurrection. Sundays at the Lyric and Yardley Hall performances at JCCC start at 2 p.m.
However, times may vary for special performances so please check your tickets.

When should I arrive?

We suggest you arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin.
That will give you ample time to find your seat, relax, read the Program Notes,
and watch the musicians as they take the stage. Kansas City Symphony concerts
begin promptly at the announced starting time. Ticketholders who come late will
not be seated in the hall until after the conclusion of the first work on the
program. Concertgoers who must leave the hall before or during the playing of
a piece will not be reseated until after that piece is concluded.

In consideration of the performers and fellow concertgoers, we ask that you
remain in your seat until the concert has ended.

How long are concerts?

Classical, Pops & Holiday concerts are usually around two hours and fifteen
minutes including intermission. Family Concerts are one hour or less with no
intermission.

Are there provisions for people with disabilities?

YES. All Kansas City Symphony programs are accessible to people with disabilities.
Persons requiring assistance are requested to call the Box Office at 816-471-0400
for advance arrangements. Special seating and assistance are available for patrons
in wheelchairs. Please inform the ticket office when you order your tickets.

Are audio aids available?

YES. The Phonic EarŪ Easy Listener FM Listening System, a wireless, portable
sound enhancement system for the hearing-impaired, is available from the Kansas
City Symphony House Manager in the inner lobby of the Lyric Theater.

What about other noises -- coughing, cell phones, pagers?

It is always best to turn off cell phones and pagers before entering the concert
hall. Noises such as a pager going off or a cell phone ringing are very distracting
to the conductor, the musicians and your fellow audience members.

Coughing is an unavoidable problem. But, there are ways to avoid coughing during
the music. If you feel a cold coming on, please bring lozenges with you. Or,
grab some free from our dispensers placed throughout the lobby. Any usher can
direct you to them. The next step is crucial: unwrap them ahead of time. Unwrapping
a cough drop during the music makes more noise than you might think. If there
are no lozenges in hand and you need to cough once or twice, please try to wait
for the end of the movement.

If that's not possible you can try to bury your
cough in a louder section of music, rather than coughing in the midst of the
most delicate pianissimo. And, either way, a handkerchief or scarf will further
help to muffle the disruption. If you need to cough more than a couple of times,
there's nothing wrong with getting up and excusing yourself from the Hall for
the rest of the movement. Following these guidelines helps you be sensitive
to your neighbors, and allows everyone to have a more pleasant concert experience.

Can I bring the kids?

Children under eight are not encouraged to attend our regular subscription concerts
-- the programs tend to be too long for children. However, while our subscription
concerts are perfect for adults, kids and their families will enjoy our Family
Concert Series, including The Magic of Christmas.

Where can I go before or after the concert?

The Kansas City downtown has many restaurants, offering a wide range of
cuisine, in every price range.

How can I learn more about the Kansas City Symphony?

Click me to sign up for E-Notes, our free monthly online newsletter with
information about upcoming events, ticket discounts, interesting people and
tips on enriching your listening experience.

What are Concert Comments?

Concert Comments are interesting and informative talks held before most Kansas City Symphony concerts. Hosted by Steven Jarvi, Bruno Walter Assistant Conductor, or Frank Byrne, Executive Director, and often featuring the guest artist, these talks also provide information that may help you better understand and appreciate the music you hear. If you plan on attending Concert Comments you will need to be at the theater on hour prior to performance time.