FAQ & What to Expect
What to Expect
What is Will Call?
Will call is an option to have your tickets held at the Box Office Lobby, to pick up on your performance date.
What Should I Wear?
Most people consider a Shoals Symphony at UNA concert to be a special event, and tend to dress for the occasion in professional business attire. However, we find that music is most enjoyed in a comfortable setting, and would prefer that you come as you are. We want you to enjoy our concerts without the worry of your attire.
Suppose I lose my ticket?
Not to worry! We can have a new set waiting at the box office upon your arrival to the concert hall. Call our office at 256-710-1623 and someone will assist you.
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
For general questions please contact us at info@shoalssymphony.org or call 256-710-1623. For other inquiries please contact Cain Yarbrough at 256-224-2145 or operations@shoalssymphony.org. We want you to have a wonderful experience!
How long are concerts?
Concerts vary between one hour and thirty minutes to two hours and thirty minutes in length, but most average to two hours and fifteen minutes including intermission.
Are there provisions for people with disabilities?
Yes. All Shoals Symphony at UNA programs are accessible to people with disabilities. Persons requiring assistance are requested to call the Office at (256) 710-1623 for advance arrangements. Special seating and assistance are available for patrons in wheelchairs. Please inform the ticket office when you order your tickets.
Will I recognize any of the music?
You might. Classical music is all around us: in commercials, movie soundtracks, television themes, cartoons, retail shops, and even some elevators! Popular music often quotes classical melodies, too. While you’re listening in the concert to a piece you think you’ve never heard before, a tune you’ve heard a hundred times may jump out at you. Whether or not you’ve heard the music before the concert, as you listen, you’ll notice that each classical piece uses its own group of several tunes over and over, in different ways. You’ll start to “recognize” these melodies as a work progresses.
What if I don’t know anything about classical music? Should I study before attending?
There’s no need to study. The music will speak for itself. Just come and enjoy!
Over time, many frequent concertgoers do find their enjoyment is deeper if they prepare for a concert. This can be simple, like reading the program notes beforehand; or it can be more involved, like listening to recordings of the music to be performed in the days before they attend a concert. You may also want to attend our Pre-Concert Lectures, see the next FAQ for more info.
What are Pre-Concert Lectures?
Pre-Concert Lectures are interesting and informative talks that take place 45 minutes before most Shoals Symphony at UNA performances, located in the UNA Department of Music Recital Hall. Hosted by Music Director Daniel Stevens or Director of Operations Gwen Schajatovic, they often feature the expertise of musicologists Alan Flowers or Whitney O’Neal, and/or guest artists performing that day. These talks provide information that will help you better understand and appreciate the music you will hear in the performance that day.
What about other noises–coughing, cellphones, tablets?
It is always best to turn off cell phones and tablets before entering the concert hall. Noises such as a tablet going off or a cell phone ringing are very distracting to the conductor, the musicians and your fellow audience members. Texting is distracting as well during a performance, so please refrain. Coughing is an unavoidable problem. But, there are ways to help avoid coughing during the music. If you feel a cold coming on, please bring lozenges with you. The next step is crucial: unwrap them ahead of time. Unwrapping a cough drop during the music makes more noise than you might think.
Can I bring the kids?
We want your entire family to enjoy our events. Classical masterwork concerts can tend to be too long for children 6 and under, however we encourage you to bring them to any portion of the program. Some families with the youngest children step out during intermission. Our outdoor and film concerts tend to keep the attention of children of every age (assuming you feel comfortable with the film rating from PG to PG-13).
Where can I go before or after the concert?
The Downtown Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield areas have many restaurants, offering a wide range of cuisine, in every price range. We also have some restaurant and hotel partners to recommend on our sponsor page.
FAQ
Is the Shoals Symphony a recognized 501(c)(3) organization?
Yes. The Shoals Symphony is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gift in support of the SSO is tax deductable as allowable by law. To donate to the SSO contact 256-710-1623 or donate online!
I'd like to audition for the Shoals Symphony, who should I contact?
Please contact Personnel Manager, Connie Johnson at personnel@shoalssymphony.org
This is my first time attending, what should I expect?
Visit our what to expect page here.
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
For general questions please contact us at info@shoalssymphony.org or call 256-710-1623. For other inquiries please contact Cain Yarbrough at 256-224-2145 or operations@shoalssymphony.org. We want you to have a wonderful experience!
I would like to volunteer, who should I contact?
Please contact Cain Yarbrough at operations@shoalssymphony.org or call 256-224-2145. Thanks for your interest in volunteering!
