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eating during a concert

14K views 34 replies 24 participants last post by  Heck148 
#1 ·
As a wind player, I had always been taught not to eat before I played so that my horn would not be gunked up.

Now I sing in our orchestra chorus. Tonight to my amusement, I watched the tuba player unwrap two packs of cheese crackers with peanut butter (the bright orange ones), place them carefully in two stacks on his stand (six crackers each) and eat them during the concert. He did follow each one with a swallow from his water bottle. ;)
 
#7 · (Edited)
I don't have any experience with tuba but it doesn't seem like the kind of instrument that you can soak in the bathtub like you can a horn, trumpet, or trombone. And proportionately, I'm sure it's much more expensive to professionally clean.

I'm not sure what it was all about, but the second trombone took a picture of the scene on his cellphone, and then the tubist asked him to take a picture of it on his cellphone. Yes, PetrB, this is a professional orchestra. :eek:

It may well have been a case of not enough notes, but I didn't watch for this. It was after intermission. I won't name the piece because I am 100% positive we were the only orchestra in the world performing the piece last night and there's only one tubist in the orchestra.
 
#8 ·
The poor fellow may be diabetic and did not have time for a decent meal before the concert. Diabetics, if their blood sugars get too low can pass out. Peanut Butter = energy. They feed racing greyhound dogs peanut butter before a race in some areas.

But if that is not the case here, no food should be allowed on the performing stage ... water bottles are okay, but snacks are not, unless there is a medical reason.

I will not eat anything at the organ console ... makes for sticky keys.
 
#9 ·
I will not eat anything at the organ console ... makes for sticky keys.
I really should remember that when using this laptop - I'm sure there's a piece of a tortilla chip wedged under one of the characters.
 
#16 ·
Eating during a classical concert is highly inappropriate.

As is this activity,

 
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#18 ·
I'm not sure about brass and wind instruments, but as a cellist, I have no problem with eating during performances. If there is a microwave backstage, I will usually bring along last night's leftovers and tuck in between pieces or during long rests. There is no risk of clogging up the cello, and if I spill anything, I can just wipe down the instrument at the end of the concert.
 
#21 ·
I think Cornelius Cardew may have approved, especially if it could be heard. :lol:
 
#25 ·
At a performance of The Nutcracker a few years ago I had a seat where I could see the whole orchestra pit. The celesta player not only pulled out a Snickers bar and ate it during the performance, but spent most of the rest of the performance doing a crossword puzzle. Granted, his only part was in the Sugar Plum Fairy, so he had nothing much to do the rest of the time.
 
#33 ·
Come back, Lunasong - wind instruments have been far too antiseptic since you're not here with more cautionary tales.
 
#34 ·
A fellow first clarinetist in the band I play in usually comes to the concert with a coffee (or coffee type) drink, then plays the concert.
I was told sometime in the distant past not to eat or drink anything before playing--especially if it's a wooden instrument. So I have always brushed my teeth before any playing and consumed only water until the clarinet is away.
I'm really not sure this isn't just an old wives tale though.....
 
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