First Timer’s Guide
The following are answers to frequently-asked questions about visiting a concert, designed to make your first trip to the Shoals Symphony at UNA a plaesant one.
What is Will Call?
Will call is an option to have your tickets held at the Box Office Lobby, to pick up on your performance date.
What Should I Wear?
Most people consider a Shoals Symphony at UNA concert to be a special event, and tend to dress for the occasion in professional business attire. However, we find that music is most enjoyed in a comfortable setting, and would prefer that you come as you are. We want you to enjoy our concerts without the worry of your attire.
Suppose I lose my ticket?
Not to worry! We can have a new set waiting at the box office upon your arrival to the concert hall. Call our office at 256-710-1623 and someone will assist you.
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
For general questions please contact us at info@shoalssymphony.org or call 256-710-1623. For other inquiries please contact Cain Yarbrough at 256-224-2145 or operations@shoalssymphony.org. We want you to have a wonderful experience!
How long are concerts?
Concerts vary between one hour and thirty minutes to two hours and thirty minutes in length, but most average to two hours and fifteen minutes including intermission.
Are there provisions for people with disabilities?
Yes. All Shoals Symphony at UNA programs are accessible to people with disabilities. Persons requiring assistance are requested to call the Office at (256) 710-1623 for advance arrangements. Special seating and assistance are available for patrons in wheelchairs. Please inform the ticket office when you order your tickets.
What about other noises--coughing, cellphones, tablets?
It is always best to turn off cell phones and tablets before entering the concert hall. Noises such as a tablet going off or a cell phone ringing are very distracting to the conductor, the musicians and your fellow audience members. Texting is distracting as well during a performance, so please refrain. Coughing is an unavoidable problem. But, there are ways to help avoid coughing during the music. If you feel a cold coming on, please bring lozenges with you. The next step is crucial: unwrap them ahead of time. Unwrapping a cough drop during the music makes more noise than you might think.
Can I bring the kids?
We want your entire family to enjoy our events. Classical masterwork concerts can tend to be too long for children 6 and under, however we encourage you to bring them to any portion of the program. Some families with the youngest children step out during intermission. Our outdoor and film concerts tend to keep the attention of children of every age (assuming you feel comfortable with the film rating from PG to PG-13).
Where can I go before or after the concert?
The Downtown Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield areas have many restaurants, offering a wide range of cuisine, in every price range. We also have some restaurant and hotel partners to recommend on our sponsor page.
What are Pre-Concert Lectures?
Pre-Concert Lectures are interesting and informative talks that take place 45 minutes before most Shoals Symphony at UNA performances, located in the UNA Department of Music Recital Hall. Hosted by Music Director Daniel Stevens or Director of Operations Gwen Schajatovic, they often feature the expertise of musicologists Alan Flowers or Whitney O’Neal, and/or guest artists performing that day. These talks provide information that will help you better understand and appreciate the music you will hear in the performance that day.