Student performers deserve courtesy, respect

Once again, as a proud grandparent, and as a former Board of Education member, I attended another delightful East Brunswick Public Schools orchestra concert in the high school auditorium.

The district is most fortunate to have an excellent new supervisor of arts education, Jeffrey Lesser. He has already proven to be most personable, inspiring, outstanding and sensitive to the children, staff, parents and public in general, following in the great tradition of his predecessors.

"Arts," which also implies music and culture in general, has always been significant and very important to the East Brunswick community, and has traditionally been reasonably well supported.

Nevertheless, although the program continues to grow, attracting more and more students and many people of varying and diverse cultures, there seems to be a tendency within the cultural arts to have forgotten common courtesies and respect, especially for the young performers.

Mr. Lesser has graciously been attempting to address one of these concerns and has innovated some incredibly clever accommodations for the numerous fawning parents, by even specifically providing time for photos, videos, etc., both before and even after the concert. Many welcomed this new idea and opportunity and took full advantage of it, surging forward.

But for some, that still was not enough. Protruding cameras or cams, standing up, and repeated flashes were sadly evident, despite the request to not distract or potentially disturb and possibly even endanger the performing students.

Small children continue to roam or uncontrollably run freely up and down, in and out of the aisles. Conversations, including "forbidden" cell phones ignore directions, and even a stroller was placed in the aisle at the very first row, creating not only an obstacle but a dangerous hazardous precedent. What can be expected of the upcoming generation if some of these parents, and, yes, even grandparents, continue to behave in this rude and inconsiderate manner? Are they even cognizant of other people's children?

The uninformed public requires periodic education, such as when not to applaud, i.e., between "movements" - usually clearly identified in the printed programs - as well as extending the common courtesy of just listening even when it is not their own specific child performing. There is no excuse for conversations, unnecessary movements in or out of the aisles, or allowing very small children to shout, speak, move around or even cry in total inconsideration of the performers.

The students work hard, practice a lot, and deserve much better audiences when they attempt to provide their talents for the pleasure and enjoyment of the audience, without rude disturbances. The conductors should perhaps cease, as some have in the past, until order and general silence returns.

Have common decency and courtesy been permanently replaced by selfish rudeness and a lack of consideration for others? I, for one, certainly hope not, but I see less and less encouraging evidence of "the good old days" and wonder what there is to look forward to.

Folks, wake up and smell the roses, as they say. Take real pride in the talents and accomplishments of our young people. Enjoy their gifts. But give them an environment that demonstrates appreciation for their efforts and skills, one that shows them how adults can and should behave properly … please.
Albert M. Simon
East Brunswick