More than likely, since the beginning of civilization, most every mom has tried to prepare their child for public behavior by teaching a few basic manners; 1) don’t talk with your mouth full, 2) your sleeve is not a napkin, 3) elbows off the table, 4) don’t interrupt others while they are talking ... and so on.

Well, believe it or not, the civilized world has a list of “do’s and don’ts” when it comes to attending public functions ... more specifically, high school music concerts.

Here are some handy tips concert-goers can “clip and save” for their next cultural experience:

1) When the National Anthem is played or sung, it is appropriate for the audience to rise (and remove head wear) as a simple act of respect for those who have contributed to the welfare of our country.

2) Shut off your @#$% cell phone. The only “no-brainer” to this point of protocol is why it would need further explanation....

3) The audience’s job is to offer genuine appreciation to the performer(s) ... most commonly through applause after the selection is completed. Incoherent screaming of names by concert goers is reserved for rock concerts where you don’t have to turn your cell phones off and there are no rules of etiquette. Applauding after a “solo” while a piece is still in performance is a tradition limited to the jazz world ... which is where the practice needs to stay.

4) Audience participation is by the invitation of the conductor only. Clapping in time with the music is a noncontributory, nonmusical distraction, particularly when the audience hasn’t been attending rehearsals to practice their part! In the case of its unwelcome deployment during the playing of “The Stars and Stripes Forever” or “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” it is sacrilege.

Your mom knows just how hard bad habits are to break! Make her proud with improved behavior at your next cultural experience!

Steve Campbell

Ottumwa