Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! We’ve got jazz, pops, classical, holiday favorites and more. The diversity of the music we play ensures that there is something for every taste. In addition to our musical variety, the ASO is committed to providing an environment that is welcoming and inclusive to all patrons. We request that persons requiring handicap assistance call the ASO box office at (517) 264-3121. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to attend concerts. While all ages are welcome to attend our performances, some concerts may be more appropriate for children, such as our ASO Young People’s Concerts or holiday programs. Please consider that young listeners may have a hard time sitting still and quiet for the duration of the concert and may become a distraction to other audience members.
The ASO serves as the Professional Orchestra-in-Residence at Adrian College in Adrian, MI. We have the privilege of using Dawson Auditorium on the Adrian College campus as our main rehearsal and performance space. Throughout the year you might also be able to see us in concert at the Holy Rosary Chapel on the Adrian Dominican campus, or out in the community performing one of our educational programs at a local school or library.
Our tickets range from $12.00- $37.00 depending on where you would like to sit in the auditorium. There is a $4.00 processing fee on every in-person, phone order or online orders. The fee is the same whether you pay with cash, check or credit card.
You can call us at the ASO office at (517) 264-3121, order online, or purchase tickets in person either at our office in Mahan Hall on the Adrian College campus or at the Dawson Auditorium box office on the day of the concert. The Dawson box office opens 2 hours prior to a concert. Preordered tickets can be mailed to you, picked up in the ASO office, or held for you at Will Call at the concert venue. Tickets ordered the week of the concert will automatically be held at Will Call.
That’s a great question that we get asked a lot! Lucky for you, there really is not a bad seat in the house. Dawson Auditorium does not have any pillars or beams that will obstruct your view and the entire hall was built with excellent acoustics in mind, so you get a great sound no matter where you sit. Many patrons appreciate sitting at the main floor level of the hall for a blended orchestra sound and an up close and personal view of all the musicians on stage. Other patrons prefer sitting in the balcony for a bird’s eye view into the orchestra with a full balanced sound. If a concert features a piano soloist, you may also wish to consider sitting on the left side of the auditorium to get a better view of the pianist’s fingers.
When purchasing tickets you have the option to choose your seat from those still available at the time of purchase. For subscribers, your seats can be retained if your order is placed before the subscription deadline. After the deadline has passed, un-purchased seats are released to the general public. For more help selecting your seat, call (517) 264-3121.
A typical concert will be divided into two halves of 30-40 minutes each with a 20-minute intermission, however, concert length may vary depending on the length of the pieces being performed.
We do not have a dress code and you’ll notice that many of our concert-goers are dressed in a wide variety of clothing. Some come in suits and dresses, others in jeans. Just wear what makes you feel comfortable!
No musician objects to applause, but there ARE some practices that have developed over the years: If it is a single-movement work, like an overture, applaud at the end. If there are several pieces played in a series, like a concerto or a symphony, applaud after the last movement. You can usually keep track of the movements of a piece by following along in your program. A good rule of thumb is that if the conductor is still facing the orchestra, it’s not time to clap yet! If the conductor turns around to the audience, it is most likely the end of the piece. When in doubt, just applaud with everyone else!
A cash bar is available in the lobby and open before the concert, throughout intermission and during the post-concert reception. We encourage you to grab a beverage and snack during the break, just make sure you don’t bring your goodies back to your seat. Food and beverages are not allowed in the auditorium.
Having a little knowledge about the music being played can only enhance your concert experience but it is definitely not necessary. Most of our concerts have program notes about the pieces being played and information about our guest artists that you can peruse throughout the season in your concert program and online. All of our classical concerts will feature a Classical Conversation with the conductor that takes place one hour before the concert starts, and almost every concert will include a little background info given between pieces during the concert.
We would love for you to document your time at the symphony, just not during the concert itself. When the lights are down, your camera or phone screen is incredibly distracting to those around you. Make sure you silence your phone and electronics and keep them in your pocket. We promise you won’t miss your screen once you see what’s happening on stage! Before and after the concert we encourage you to take a lot of selfies, share your experience, and check in on Facebook, etc. #symphonyselfie @adrian_symphony
Parking for Dawson Auditorium is available on either side of the auditorium (on the east and west sides of the building), on the street, and in the Merillat Parking Lot on the other side of Charles Street. If it’s a nice day, we encourage you to park on Madison Street and enjoy a walk through the beautiful Adrian College campus.
We’re sorry that you won’t be able to attend, but this would be a great opportunity to introduce someone new to the symphony by giving your tickets to a friend or neighbor. You can also contact the ASO office at least 24 hours before the concert to donate your tickets for a tax credit. Tickets cannot be returned for a refund.
Make sure you arrive a few minutes early so you can find your seat, turn off your cell-phone, and grab a snack or beverage from the cash bar in lobby. If you have a question or concern, find an usher or an ASO staff member and we will try our best to help.
The Adrian Symphony Orchestra is proud to support fellow non-profit organizations and schools within our community by donating concert tickets to be used in silent auctions, raffles, and other fundraising events. Approved requests will receive a voucher good for two tickets to a specific concert in Dawson Auditorium. All donation requests are filled at the discretion of the ASO and we cannot guarantee that all requests will be met. See our Donation Request Policy for more details.
We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at info@adriansymphony.org or call (517) 264-3121.