When does the
membership start, and how long is it good for?
Season
starts June 1st and goes through May 31. Our first concert is
typically in late August, and we have a membership drive right before that. But
just in case you missed the fundraising drive, you can become a member anytime
throughout the season.
How much is the
membership fee?
Membership
starts with the Associate level of $25 per family. There are the following
levels:
Associate
($25-49)
Friend*
($50-$149)
Patron
($150-$499)
Benefactor
($500-$2999)
Underwriter
($3000 and above)
(*Members at Friends level and above are eligible to vote in the annual membership meeting in March.)
Do I need to
reserve a seat for the concerts?
No,
we don’t have numbered seating. You can choose your seat when you get to Mount
Vernon Music Hall.
How long does the
concert last?
We
usually divide our shows into two sections of between 30-45 minutes each,
separated by an intermission, during which we have a light reception – except
at the Gala, when we have an absolute feast! Individual pieces are between 5
and 45 minutes long, and longer pieces are broken up into sections, or
movements.
Will I be bored?
We
go out of our way to prevent that from happening. If you’re not familiar with
the music on a program, we usually offer a few words of introduction designed
to give you something to recognize in what you’re about to hear. The feedback
we’ve gotten tells us that it’s a big help, so we’ll keep doing it!
I don’t know when
to clap. I’m afraid I’ll do something wrong.
No
reason to worry. The kind of event where people in the audience just sit still
while musicians play onstage is relatively new, and can seem a little weird.
Basically, if you’re enjoying what you’re hearing, the performers love it when
you let them know. Once in a while there might be a quiet moment in the music,
or even a second of silence for effect before the music goes on. If you’re not
sure it’s that or if the piece is really over, you can always wait for the
performers to look up from what they’re doing, or stand up to receive applause.
Try and be a little aware of people around you, too – if they seem really
absorbed, it might be nice not to jar them out of it. MVM is a great place to
relax about stuff like this. Treat it as if you were in a living room, enjoying
yourself. That’s why we’re here.
How much do the
tickets cost?
Except
for the Gala concert in August, admission is $15, $10 for MVM members and $5
for college students with a valid ID. Students
are admitted free! (8th grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult
ticket holder.)
Should I buy my
ticket(s) early?
Usually
it is fine to buy the tickets at the door without a reservation. But for the
Gala event in August it is a good idea to order tickets by phone or through the
website. We can always just reserve tickets for you.
Can I pay by credit
card?
Yes,
you can pay for tickets and membership by credit card. We accept VISA,
Mastercard and Discover. (Sorry - no American Express.) You can use it through
the website or pay by credit card at the door.
What are the
advantages of becoming a member?
a)
MVM’s membership is the most important representation of strength in the
community we serve, and helps funding sources decide to support MVM’s work.
b)
You get a ticket discount: Instead of $15 per person/concert you only have to
pay $10. And - if you are a member and bring guests to the concert, you can
also buy their tickets for the membership price of $10.
c) You are supporting a worthwhile cause
with your membership, including the important outreach work for seniors and
school children.
d)
For a membership donation of $50 or more (Friend level) you are eligible to
vote for board members in the annual membership meeting, scheduled every second
Monday in March.
e)
You will receive the MVM newsletter “Whole Notes.”
Where is Mount
Vernon Music Hall?
The
address is 402 Leftwich St. (at the corner of Yates and Leftwich) in Mt.
Vernon, TX 75457.
Is there a dress
code for attending a concert?
Absolutely
not! Please wear whatever you like, as formal or casual as you wish.
Why isn’t there
country music in your programs?
We
don’t believe any music is better than any other music, and don’t understand
why people should ever have to choose which music is “best.” But while it’s
usually not hard to find places in Northeast Texas to hear country, bluegrass
and gospel, it’s not so easy if you want some live classical or cultural music,
or jazz. That’s where we come in. At Mount Vernon Music we make these
available.
