What to Wear: Here are some tips to help you strike the perfect balance between comfort and style for your next symphony outing.

Gone are the days of stiff formal attire! We believe that you can enjoy the symphony in outfits that allow you to move freely while exuding effortless sophistication. Here are a few suggestions to keep you feeling at ease throughout the performance.

Opt for clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or lightweight wool. Not only will these materials keep you cool and comfortable, but they'll also ensure you stay focused on the music.

Comfortable shoes are a must! Opt for stylish flats, low-heeled shoes, or supportive loafers that will carry you through the evening without any discomfort. Leave the sky-high heels at home and embrace practicality without sacrificing style.

Symphony halls can vary in temperature, so it's wise to layer your clothing. Consider bringing a lightweight cardigan, shawl, or jacket that you can easily slip on or off as needed.

Parking: Paid and free parking is available at various locations surrounding the Clay Center.

Pre-Concert Talk: Prior to each Symphonic concert, there will a free, pre-concert talk held on stage beginning at 6:30 p.m. All patrons are invited and welcome to join!

Embassy Suites Pre-Concert Buffet: Our friends at Embassy Suites are excited to offer a pre-concert buffet on site at the Clay Center prior to each WV Symphony concert. Dinner is $39.95/person and includes table service along with a large salad and cold bar, entree buffet with side options, dessert and soft drinks. Cash bar will also be available.

Reservations begin at 5:30 p.m. and can be made by calling the Clay Center Box Office at 304-561-3570. Dinner will be cancelled if there are less than 30 reservations by the Wednesday before the concert.

Be sure to turn off all cell phone, electronics, watch sounds/alarms, or anything else that could make noise.

Use the restroom before the performance begins. Women’s restrooms are available on the left side of the hall, while Men’s restrooms are available on the right side of the hall on all three levels.

Please stay in your seat and enjoy! If you must exit the hall during the concert, please do so between pieces, movements, or at intermission.

Before the concert begins, each musician takes time to individually tune their instrument. This ensures that their specific instrument is in tune with itself.

The concertmaster leads the string section and is a key figure in the orchestra. When the concertmaster makes their entrance, they direct the Principal Oboe to give a reference pitch so that the orchestra can tune together. Look out for our newly named concertmaster, Mary Grace Johnson!

Once the tuning process is complete, the conductor enters the stage. This signals the beginning of the concert and creates a sense of anticipation among the audience. The orchestra will stand as a group to signal the concert is set to begin!

If you are unsure of when to applaud, take your cue from others around you. In classical music concerts, it is typical to hold your applause until a large work like a symphony or concerto is complete. Check your program page to see if a composition has movements listed below the main title. If you particularly enjoy a composition or soloists’ playing, please stand as you applaud!

Our hall has amazing acoustics, so any talking, even whispering, can be heard everywhere! Please wait until between pieces, at intermission, or after the concert to say anything to your neighbor.

Let us know what you think! After each concert, we issue surveys to our patrons to help us make the WV Symphony experience even greater. We value your opinion and welcome any recommendations you may have! Feel free to stop by the marketing table on your way home and talk to a WV Symphony staff member.

Want to hear more? Get tickets to the next concert on wvsymphony.org, and tune in to our symphonic programs on the last Wednesday of each month on WV Public Broadcasting!