GCU Concert Dress and Etiquette
Dress for Concerts
Except for the summer concert or for concerts of Christmas music, Concert Dress is:
Gentlemen - black dinner suits, white shirt, black cummerbund (if desired), black bow-ties, black shoes and socks;
Ladies - long-sleeved, high-necked, long (i.e ankle length) black dresses or long-sleeved, high necked, black blouses and ankle length black skirts or smart ‘evening style’ trousers with black shoes, black tights/stockings/pop socks and small black handbags.
NO black jeans or black leggings should be worn and NO sparkling jewellery for any choir members please.
Music folders and Leos
All choir members should use the black choir music folder and the ladies must wear a Leo medallion on a plain black ribbon; both folders and Leos can be obtained from GCU.
For the summer concert, dress for gentlemen may be all-black (black shirt, black trousers, shoes and socks but no bow ties) and for concerts of Christmas music a touch of colour may be added to normal concert dress for all members who will be advised in advance of this.
Platform Behaviour
Unless directed otherwise, the Choir should process on to the concert platform in an orderly manner. Hold the music folder on the side nearest the audience so that the name Goldsmiths Choral Union is displayed.
Remain standing until given the signal to sit. Absolutely NO waving and/or pointing to friends/family in the audience. Once seated on stage, please keep chatting to a minimum. Stand at the entrance of the conductor and soloists and sit and stand during the performance as previously instructed or as indicated by the conductor.
At the end of the concert, remain standing with music held in the right hand by the singers side. Sit when the conductor and soloists leave the platform and as the leader of the orchestra sits (if there is one).
NEVER applaud the soloists, orchestra or conductor WHILST STANDING - the applause of the audience is as much for you as for them. Enjoy it! You may applaud other performers when the choir is seated.