First Timers Guide

What should I wear?

There is no dress code for a Brass Band of Battle Creek concert. For evening concerts, many patrons come from work in business-appropriate attire or dressed for a night out.

When should I arrive?

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the concert start time. This will give you enough time to park, find your seat, look over the program, and relax before the program begins. Don’t forget we have BBBC merchandise and CDs available for purchase in the lobby. You may want to build in some shopping time! Doors to seating will open 30 minutes before the concert start time.

How do I find my seat?

W.K. Kellogg Auditorium has two levels of seating: Main Floor and the Balcony. Access to all seating is available from the main lobby of the auditorium. Ushers are available at each seating entrance to help direct you to your seats. Please note: there is not an elevator for patron use. The only way to access the balcony is the staircases located on each side of the lobby.

How long will the concert run?

BBBC concerts can vary in length depending on the music being performed. Most concerts last around two hours with one intermission.

How long is intermission?

For BBBC performances intermission generally runs fifteen minutes. Lights will flash briefly to signal the end of intermission and give you time to return to your seats before the performance resumes.

When do I clap?

There are a few traditions that have developed as live music performances have evolved over the centuries, including when to applaud. These days, audiences generally applaud to greet performers and to show appreciation after a performance. Most people clap at the beginning of a concert when the band enters the stage-and then again when the concertmaster enters to tune the band-and again when the conductor takes the stage. Once the music starts, there may be a brief pause between movements, but people usually reserve their applause until after the final movement of each piece. The conductor will lower the baton all the way, signaling that the piece is over. At that point, applause is most welcome. Often there will be a soloist, or group of musicians, that will step forward and perform during a piece of music. Applause is welcomed after they complete their performance and return to their seat.