In response to Cathleen Meyers’ letter to the editor about concert etiquette last week: I applaud you for having the guts to say what I’ve been thinking for a long time.

Everything she expressed in her letter is also true at the high school level. My son has been playing in the Clarence band program since he was in fourth grade, [he is] now a senior in high school. The “mass exodus” of the audience is absolutely the worst offense in my opinion as well.

I understand that some folks have a valid reason why they cannot stay for the whole concert, but to see so many people get up and leave after Concert Band is done, and then Symphonic Band — it’s appalling.

It would be a great lesson for the kids from both earlier bands to stay and watch the Wind Ensemble perform as well, not only a lesson in concert etiquette, but also to see what they can aspire to.

Before the concert even begins, the director always politely asks for everyone to stay for the concert’s entirety, as the kids (and directors) have all worked very hard and deserve a full audience, but this always seems to fall on deaf ears. Just because your kid’s band is finished doesn’t mean you should rudely get up and leave while the next band sets up.

Trust me, if you stay till the end and listen to all three bands play on Feb. 2 you won’t be disappointed. We are very lucky to have this superb music program, so sit back and enjoy it.

Elizabeth Schmidt

County Road

Clarence