MUSIC AT BUNKER HILL - Blog

A Simple Guide to Concert Etiquette

Fri, 01 May 2026 13:29:10 GMT

A Simple Guide to Concert Etiquette

Classical music concerts deliver a powerful experience to audiences. Especially in our hall, you can see every gesture, hear every breath, and follow the looks and cues that keep performers together.

You may have a feeling of anxiety the first time you attend a chamber music concert. "What if I wear the wrong outfit, clap at the wrong time, don't understand the movement list, haven't heard of those composers?"

Classical music has a long tradition, and knowing some basic practices will help you feel comfortable when you attend for a first time.

Standard attire is business casual or church-appropriate clothes. While there are no real rules, you may feel more comfortable if you are dressed like other attenders. Please don't come in a tuxedo or evening gown!

At your first classical music concert, be a follower. When others get quiet for the first note, relax for a brief time between movements, get up for a stretch during intermission, you can do likewise.

There are customary times to applaud and the people around you will be your guides. Most classical pieces have several "movements" which are listed in the program. They can be in a contrasting tempo or have a different mood than surrounding movements. It is appropriate to wait until all movements have been payed to applaud. String players may raise their bows at the end of a rousing movement. Other musicians may indicate in a subtle way that that they have completed the piece, there are no more notes, and your may clap. When in doubt, DO NOT make your best guess. Look around and follow the lead of others.

Many of us learned the three Bs in elementary music class: Bach, Beethoven, Brahms. As you attend more concerts, take notes on how the music makes you feel. You will eventually learn the style of the famous composers (long-gone and still alive) programmed on our concerts.

Basic etiquette follows business etiquette:

Do not talk while the music is flowing.
Try not to rustle papers or make other sounds that would distract audience or performers.
Turn off cell phone sounds before program starts and do not use your cell phone in the concert hall.
DO NOT answer your cell phone if you see a call. If you must, step out of the hall and converse out of earshot of others.
Take care of restroom and water fountain needs before concert begins or at intermission.
Make sure that your hearing aids are properly set so that they don't distract your neighbors with loud sounds.

Talk with friends and audience members after concert and compare notes. If practical, have a short conversation with performers. And come back for another concert that you will enjoy even more than your first.

Scholarship Program

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:58:04 GMT

Recapping the first year of our scholarship program

Comments from scholarship program:

Student 1 - My lessons are going great. They have helped me gain a deeper understanding of the euphonium and improved my dexterity. These skills have transferred to the bands I am involved in, opening up new and exciting opportunities. This support has truly helped me become the musician I am today.
I am once again forever grateful for the opportunity to have these lessons. Thank you.

Student 2 - These last 3 weeks of tuba lessons have given me a sense of confidence I've never felt before. Learning to create a fuller sound and better breathing technique gave a feeling of satisfaction while playing. I now feel more appreciated in the groups and bands I play in, as i am now adding more stability and sound to the music. These lessons have truly helped me achieve skills I didn't have the confidence for.

Student 2 parent - Thank you for reaching...I feel the lessons are amazing and such a very generous gift. She is committed and excited to go every week. Her confidence continues to grow as she practices and play, opening doors to other band groups and classes for her to make her mark in the band world.

Student 2 instructor - Just checking in. [Student] is doing very well with lessons. She seems well committed and what she practices has been coming in prepared...

Students 1 and 2 band director - Both [of my students] have improved their playing and have joined the Atlantic Youth Brass Band. They are contributing more to our Jazz ensemble and Concert Band. They are truly enjoying their lessons and sharing the results.

Student 3 - The lessons have helped me in many areas and overall as a musician. I am grateful for this opportunity.

Student 3 parent - Thank you for investing in our child's musical journey. We have loved watching him grow and develop his talent for music. It is a skill he will keep for his whole life.

Student 4 instructor - This has completely changed my student...who has been doing these lessons. He has not only grown significantly as a musician, but also as a young man. I am so impressed that I wish I could have more students involved in this program!

Student 4 band director - The private lessons provided by Music at Bunker Hill have given our student the chance to develop his skillset on the trumpet to the next level.He was able to successfully audition and perform with the Olympic Conference Honors Band and participated in all of the instrumental music ensemble offerings our district provides. Thewe music lessons have had a major impact on the student's musical pathway.

Student 5 orchestra director - [Student] has gained confidence in playing with a group where some students have been playing for six years. Just today, 3/18/26, his stand partner was out due to testing, and [student] offered to cover the solo part of a piece. That piece has a --section for an upcoming test and he has been working on it with Ms.Hooper. I believe that his confidence came directly from Ms. Hooper's instruction during lessons. Thank you!

From Scholarship Committee - We are pleased with the results of the first year of the Scholarship Program. The comments we have received from students, parents, lesson instructors, and school band and orchestra directors point to the positive effect this program is having on these students. Thank you, donors to Music at Bunker Hill for your donations that have made this program possible. 04/27/2026 Mary Bushong, chair, Martha Frampton, Bobbie Travaline

What is Chamber Music

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:41:36 GMT

It is smaller than an orchestra

Chamber music is typically classical music performed by a small ensemble in a room that is noticeably smaller than a concert hall. The musicians each play their own part, unlike the sections in an orchestra or band.

Music at Bunker Hill has presented many string trios and quartets, and audience members enjoy watching and listening to each player in turn. Pictured above is a piano quintet, which is string quintet plus piano.

We have also presented woodwind and brass quintets and other small ensembles.

Our small hall lends itself to the intimate nature of chamber music. Audience members have remarked that they can even hear the performers breathe.

Music at Bunker Hill recognized

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 02:13:31 GMT

Calvin "Spence" Spencer and the WTHS Jazz Band

Music at Bunker Hill (MABH) was recognized by Principal Ray Anderson and Superintendent Eric Hibbs at the Washington Township Board of Education meeting 10/28/2025 for their financial support. MABH was one of many local donors that stepped up with funds totalling over $30,000 to restore educational clubs that were cut due to a budget shortfall.

As part of their scholarship program, MABH donated funds to reinstate the High School Jazz Band.

Windscape 11/2/25

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 01:46:37 GMT

Appearing for the first time with Music at Bunker Hill

The music of Windscape Woodwind Quintet reminds me of the changing leaves of fall, with the unique tones of the instruments blending into beautiful music.

We welcome Windscape to their first concert with us. Their program includes arrangements of Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, Satie’s Gnossiennes, Burleigh and Beethoven. Created in 1994 by five eminent woodwind soloists, WINDSCAPE has won a unique place for itself as a vibrant, ever-evolving group of musical individualists, an "unquintet" which has delighted audiences throughout North America.

Enjoy an afternoon of music on Sunday, 11/2/2025 at 3:00 pm.

November concerts

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:33:41 GMT

Two first appearances on our series

Windscape and Sō Percussion appear on our series for the first time in November. Our hybrid format means you can see our concerts from anywhere.
Created in 1994 by five eminent woodwind soloists, WINDSCAPE has won a unique place for itself as a vibrant, ever-evolving group of musical individualists, an "unquintet", which has delighted audiences throughout the North America.
For 25 years, Grammy-winning percussion quartet Sō Percussion has redefined chamber music for the 21st century through an “exhilarating blend of precision and anarchy, rigor and bedlam” (The New Yorker). Special outreach program for percussion students on 11/16/25 offers free student tickets. Music teachers and students can request promo code here or call us.

Brahms' Piano Quintet 10/5/2025

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:49:57 GMT

Brahms, Schubert, Haydn on the program

Brahms' Piano Quintet opens our 18th season on 10/5/25 at 3:00 pm. The program begins with a Schubert Impromptu by pianist David Kaplan, who has appeared with us many times. My favorite memory of David is when he and William Frampton visited the WRTI studio for a live interview broadcast in 2019. They were cool and composed despite the pressure of performing for a live audience of about 30,000. See the broadcast here .

Second on the program is Haydn's String Quartet in E Flat Major, Op.33, No. 2, "The Joke." Quartet members are Giora Schmidt and Doori Na, violinists, violist William Frampton, and cellist Jia Kim.

Following intermission, we will hear Brahms' Piano Quintet in F Minor, "often called the crown of his chamber music." ^[1]

And to top it off, the Board will provide an ice cream reception with homemade ice cream from Alaura's Kitchen in Pitman. Please join us.

Musically,

Martha Frampton, Executive Director

Scholarship Program

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 19:39:59 GMT

The Music at Bunker Hill scholarship program is designed to provide private instruction to students who demonstrate high proficiency on their instrument along with a strong desire to further their skills when this would otherwise not be possible. These students are recommended by teachers in Gloucester County school districts who have been selected by the scholarship committee.

The scholarship funds can also be used to support a school music program with a specific unmet need.

A fond farewell

mcframpton@musicatbunkerhill.org (Martha Frampton) — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:22:10 GMT

Thank you, Michelle Rosen

The board of Music at Bunker Hill has accepted the resignation of Michelle Rosen, member at large and part of the scholarship committee. Michelle has served with professional expertise, local connections, and creative ideas that have broadened our perspective.

Thank you for your time and efforts for Music at Bunker Hill, Michelle.

Early Birds get the best price

mcframpton@musicatbunkerhill.org (Martha Frampton) — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:37:18 GMT

Early Birds get the worm and best price

How can you get the best price on our tickets? Subscribe by September 1 to get the Early Bird pricing. We all love a bargain.

Chamber music concerts in our intimate setting are loved by our patrons. With NYC and Philadelphia professional musicians on stage, you will enjoy the live chamber music in our comfortable surroundings.

Even if you don't live nearby, our hybrid format guarantees that you can experience the concert from your own home.

New Logo

mcframpton@musicatbunkerhill.org (Martha Frampton) — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 08:35:13 GMT

Blending old and new in a logo

At a winter board meeting, the discussion turned to our new website and whether we should get a new logo, too. The consensus was that this would be a great time for a new logo look.

Our patient designer Janet O'Neal gave us every variation we requested and we agreed on the violin image and the three-line swoosh, but we could not agree on fonts and kept coming back to our original logo fonts.

The result of a long process is our fresh new logo which nods to the original logo with the fonts and colors. We have several layouts to fit in any setting and the selection committee agrees that the new logo gives us a little spark. Embracing the new logo, we bid a fond farewell to our 2008 logo.

Ukrainian violinist plays Yakymenko

mcframpton@musicatbunkerhill.org (Martha Frampton) — Wed, 14 May 2025 14:40:42 GMT

Meet Solomiya Ivakhiv and composer Fedir Yakymenko

Ukrainian violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv debuts with Music at Bunker Hill on 5/18/25 at 3:00. She introduces us to the music of Fedir Yakymenko, a Ukrainian pianist, composer, and teacher who studied with
Balakirev, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Liadov.

Pictured above, Ivakhiv, Laura Metcalf-Boyd and William Frampton performing the String Trio by Yakymenko in 2025.

New Website

mcframpton@musicatbunkerhill.org (Martha Frampton) — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:34:01 GMT

What works for you on new website?

Please offer some feedback on our new website, which went live on 3/18/25. We are hoping for better search rankings with this new platform.

One of the striking features is the Accessibility menu (see above) in lower left corner. You can change the font size, reset line spacing, dislexia font, hide images, many other tools.

Let us know your reaction

How long does it take to tune a harpsichord?

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:48:00 GMT

It's an innocent question with a complicated answer.
When Bradley Brookshire performed in the Vocal Chamber Music concert on 5/26/2024, he arrived the day before to let the harpsichord acclimate to the space.
First, he had to select the harpsichord for the concert from his collection.
Brookshire explained "The national design styles of French, Flemish, German, and Italian harpsichords yield a distinctive sound that matches their respective repertoires well."

Once he chose the harpsichord for our concert, he had to carefully pack it in his car. It was a close fit from windshield to back window with no room for human passengers.

Brookshire spent several hours practicing and tuning Saturday evening, then did touch ups until the stage had to be cleared for the concert. I saw him trimming something and he explained that the plucking is done by a plectrum or quill (from a bird feather). As the quills wear out, they have to be replaced or adjusted ("voiced"). While he could use plastic quills, the feather quills, if maintained properly, last nearly as long. And being organic, they have a more natural, pleasing sound (would anybody really countenance a plastic violin?).

All went well with Bradley Brookshire and harpsichord holding their own in a lovely concert with Lucy Fitz Gibbon, Joseph Lin, William Frampton, and Michael Katz.

Harlem Chamber Players String Quartet

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT

The Harlem Chamber Players String Quartet graced our stage on Oct. 16, 2022 and played two outreach concerts the next day at Woodbury Jr/Sr High School and Rowan College of South Jersey/Deptford. Their music was lively and appreciated by our patrons and students. One of the HS students said the music was not what she expected, but she enjoyed it a lot. Local musicians Lourin Plant and Douglas Mapp added so much to the whole musical experience. Thanks for your energy and musicianship, [...]

Michelle Cann/Women in History Month/March 13

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 13:30:00 GMT

In a wonderful coincidence, we have a woman pianist who champions composer Florence Price and has programmed Price and her student Margaret Bonds plus the iconic composer Clara Schumann on March 13 during Women's History Month. To continue the connections, Clara and Robert Schumann were mentors and friends of Brahms, whose music is also on the program. And Chopin (Ballad 3 is on program) was a contemporary of the Schumanns.

Here are a few more interesting facts to know. Thank you to our Rowan Music Industry intern Xavion Collier for researching Ms. Cann for this email.

Partnership with French Marketing Students

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 14:32:00 GMT

Meet our team of digital marketing students from Université d'Angers, France: Lea, Malvina (Team Leader), Robin, Axel. These Masters students were assigned to us by Google Ad Grants Nonprofit Marketing Immersion to assist in improving our website ranking. We met virtually and they have issued a 16 page report assessing website and suggesting changes. If you notice any improvements, they deserve the credit. This is our farthest-flung partnership and it is fun to work with bright stu [...]

Dolce Suono Trio was truly sweet

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 13:51:00 GMT

We had a wonderful sold out concert by Dolce Suono Trio on Sunday, Nov. 7. Many in attendance made some nice comments about the energy, variety, and excellent musicianship of Mimi Stillman, Gabriel Cabezas, and Charlie Abramovic. If you want to add your voice, please comment here or email your comments about the concert for our website comments page. Dolce Suono Trio was a real record-setter for our Facebook posts, logging over 2000 reactions. The single largest post got 1100 views a [...]

Escher Quartet plays the Music Barn

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:49:00 GMT

Escher Quartet Oct. 18, 2020 The Escher Quartet concert at the Music Barn on Oct. 18 was a resounding success. The musicians stated that this was their first live performance during the pandemic and it felt so good to play for people and see real-time reaction and appreciation. They had just returned from a live-stream event in Massachusetts on Saturday night and the contrast between live-stream and live audience was enormous. The Beethoven and Debussy string quartets brought us back to th [...]