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[sanfranboner]

http://super-conductor.blogspot.com/2012/01/mahler-interrupted.html?m=1

[BassBoneFL]

This just happend to us in The Florida Orchestra too. As always it was at the most ppp moment. We were also doing a live recording of the concert for Naxos.... that's why they invented patch sessions, I guess.

[Jeff Smith]

I was at the concert on Saturday. No cell phones, but LOTS of coughing.

[robcat2075]

At the Dallas Symphony last year they were doing Overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and when they got to those four held woodwind chords in the middle, a phone went off.

After the conductor cut off the second chord he waited for it to end.  It took a long time, it was like 12 rings and it wasn't just a ring tone beep it was the full Alexander Graham Bell Telephone ring.

After it finally stopped the conductor picked up with chord 3 and 4 and they were off to the races again.

[Jox]

This just happend to us in The Florida Orchestra too. As always it was at the most ppp moment. We were also doing a live recording of the concert for Naxos.... that's why they invented patch sessions, I guess.

 I'm glad it was mentioned the the St. Pete Times (I guess now Tampa Bay Times)

[Eastcheap]

At the Dallas Symphony last year they were doing Overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and when they got to those four held woodwind chords in the middle, a phone went off.

Oh, Lord.  Was Jaap conducting that night?

[robcat2075]

Here's some coverage of the NY Mahler incident in the NY Times

But no explanation of why it took the guy so long to turn off his phone.

Oh, Lord.  Was Jaap conducting that night?

No, it was guest conductor Jakub Hrůša.

I was impressed by how he handled it because I was also at the performance of the same program the next night, where there was no interruption, and noticed that he was never explicitly cutting off these four held chords.

So, on the night where the interruption happened he was able to silently convey a change in plans, "we're going to stop after this second chord and not go right on to the third one, but when we resume it will be with the third chord."

I suppose any competent conductor should be able to do that without mishap, but speaking as a not-competent conductor... I was impressed.

[SilverBone]

Here's some coverage of the NY Mahler incident in the NY Times

But no explanation of why it took the guy so long to turn off his phone.

Actually it does have an explanation.

It was a new phone provided by a company.  It was turned off, but an alarm was still enabled.  The new owner didn't know the alarm still sounded even if the phone was off, and didn't even know at least at first it was his phone making noise.

Read the rest of the story.  The guy acted very responsibly afterwards, and felt terrible.  It's not as bad as "doofus carelessly left his phone on."  I feel sorry for the guy.

Perhaps cell phones and other electronics should be checked at the gate of concerts to prevent unfortunate accidents like this.

[lazebone]

The conductor clearly qualifies as TIME Magazine's Man of the Year Award!!!!!

[Eastcheap]

It was a new phone provided by a company.  It was turned off, but an alarm was still enabled.  The new owner didn't know the alarm still sounded even if the phone was off, and didn't even know at least at first it was his phone making noise.

That sucks on so many levels I don't know where to start.  Undoubtedly a "smart" phone...

(That's why I have two.  One for talkin', and one for everything but talkin'.)

[STORK5S]

Perhaps cell phones and other electronics should be checked at the gate of concerts to prevent unfortunate accidents like this.

I've often thought that there has to be a way for phones to be blocked in areas like concert halls, classrooms, churches, etc...No phone calls or text messages would be able to be received (except maybe to 911?).  That would solve the problem...

[octavposaune]

There is way to do that, but building a faraday cage around an entire concert hall would be rather expensive.
Bennu

[Eastcheap]

There is way to do that, but building a faraday cage around an entire concert hall would be rather expensive.

Oh, I don't know.  1 GHz is around a 30cm wavelength, so, what, chicken wire?  Given the poor reception in most halls I've visited, not a lot of attenuation is necessary.

I can't see it going over terribly well here at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, however.

[Thomas Matta]

I've often thought that there has to be a way for phones to be blocked in areas like concert halls, classrooms, churches, etc...No phone calls or text messages would be able to be received (except maybe to 911?).  That would solve the problem...

Preventing phone calls is only the tip of the iceberg.

Alarms, games, and many other apps make noise.

The users (people) need to be more responsible and careful to keep those damned things quiet.

[STORK5S]

Preventing phone calls is only the tip of the iceberg.

Alarms, games, and many other apps make noise.

The users (people) need to be more responsible and careful to keep those damned things quiet.

Good call.  I didn't think about those because I don't use them.  I just call and text on my phone.  Apparently I need to assimilate to the 21st Century...

[Jeff Smith]

Good call.  I didn't think about those because I don't use them.  I just call and text on my phone.  Apparently I need to assimilate to the 21st Century...

No! Keep fighting the good fight. (We're a dying breed, Chris.)

[STORK5S]

No! Keep fighting the good fight. (We're a dying breed, Chris.)

Fighting on.  Although I will admit to occasionally sending an email or checking Facebook/TTF on my phone.  But nothing that makes noise!

[Eastcheap]

The users (people) need to be more responsible and careful to keep those damned things quiet.

These would be the same people who not only ignore the many "no photography" warnings, but then lack the sense to turn off the flash when they do it?

[BassBoneFL]

It's a double standard to ask patrons to turn off electronics during a concert when musicians often are texting, checking email, playing games, watching video, etc during concerts. I've seen it and heard of it at all levels of orchestras. (not to mention phones going off on and back stage)

If we want it to end, it needs to start with us!!

[STORK5S]

It's a double standard to ask patrons to turn off electronics during a concert when musicians often are texting, checking email, playing games, watching video, etc during concerts. I've seen it and heard of it at all levels of orchestras. (not to mention phones going off on and back stage)

If we want it to end, it needs to start with us!!

I spent about 45 seconds looking for the like button on this before I realized this wasn't Facebook.   

I agree.  While I don't ever use electronic devices in performing situations (rehearsals are a different story), I know plenty who do.  Its important that we lead by example from the stage, if we wish our audiences to follow our example.  Thanks for the insightful post.