KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
We’re excited that you’re joining us for a concert soon! Whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or attending your first orchestral performance, we want to make sure you have a wonderful experience.
We’re passionate about making classical music accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Below, you will find answers to make your experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We hope this information helps you prepare for a fantastic concert experience. If you have more questions, visit our FAQs page, reach out on Facebook, Instagram, email us at info@jacksonsymphony.org or call our Box Office at (517) 782-3221.
- Health Protocols: Currently, neither the Potter Center or Weatherwax Hall are requiring the use of masks. We encourage people to do what makes them comfortable.
- Consent for Photography and Recording: By attending a JSO event, you consent to being photographed and recorded for promotional purposes. This includes your likeness being used in photos, videos, and other media.
- Sensory Toolkits: Our sensory toolkits are available at all our concerts and contain items like noise-reducing headphones and fidget toys to help calm or stimulate those with sensory processing differences.
- Cell Phones and Photography: While cell phones are a part of modern life, please turn them to silent and dim the brightness during the performance. Flash photography, video recording, tripods, and cameras with detachable lenses are prohibited. Feel free to take selfies and share your experiences tagging us on Facebook, Instagram and use #MIJSO, but be mindful of others.
- Lost and Found: If you’ve misplaced an item, let an usher know for assistance. If you’re already home, call the venue for help.
- Applause: The tradition is that you wait until the conclusion of the work, last movement in the case of symphonies, concertos, etc. On the other hand, no pun intended, you should feel comfortable expressing your response to the music whenever you feel moved to do so. A safe out is to wait until others start.
Our classical concerts feature a blend of timeless masterpieces and contemporary works, offering a rich and immersive musical experience. We perform four of these concerts at Jackson College and one at our home venue, Weatherwax Hall.
- Pre-Concert Talks: Join us for insightful pre-concert talks half hour before each performance, where our conductor and guest artists discuss the evening’s program.
- Drinks: Food and drinks are not allowed inside the Potter Center theater but concessions are available before the concert and during intermission. At Weatherwax Hall, a bar will be available where you can purchase drinks to enjoy during the performance.
- What to Wear: Dress in a way that makes you comfortable. Some patrons prefer to dress up, while others opt for more casual attire.
- Ticket Prices: Prices range from discounts available for early purchases, season tickets, and students with a valid ID.
- Arrival Time: Arrive early to park and find your seat. Doors open at 7pm and music starts at 7:30pm or join us at 6:30pm for our pre-concert talks.
- What’s a Good Seat? Every seat offers a unique experience, but here are a few tips:
- Center seats, a few rows back: Best sound blend and good view of the orchestra.
- Front of the balcony: Great sight lines and a comprehensive view of the stage.
- Left side of the house: Ideal if you want to watch the pianist’s hands during solos.
- Drinks: Casual setting with a bar available so bring your friends, get a drink and enjoy the show!
- What to Wear: Dress in a way that makes you comfortable. Some patrons prefer to dress up, while others opt for more casual attire.
- Ticket Prices: Prices range from discounts available for early purchases, season tickets, and students with a valid ID.
- Arrival Time: Arrive early to park and find your seat. Doors open at 7pm and music starts at 8pm. Seating is first come, first serve within the section purchased.
- What’s a Good Seat? In our venue, every seat offers a unique experience, but here are a few tips:
- Center seats, a few rows back: Best sound blend and good view of the orchestra.
- Front of the balcony: Great sight lines and a comprehensive view of the stage.
Weatherwax Hall (215 W Michigan Ave)
- Parking: While there is no designated parking lot for the event, street parking in downtown Jackson is free and generally easy to find. After 5pm, parking is free with no time restrictions, and before 5pm, free 2-hour parking is available. Marked accessible parking spaces are located on Michigan Ave and Jackson Street within view of the venue. Valet parking is not available.
- From the car to your seat: Sidewalks in downtown Jackson are wide and gently sloped for easy access. The venue’s doors have automatic push buttons, and the hallways inside are spacious and wheelchair-friendly. Weatherwax Hall is on the ground floor, so no stairs or elevators are required. Balcony seating is available but accessible only by stairs.
- Seating: Seating includes tables and individual chairs arranged in rows, offering flexibility for personal preference. All seats are moveable, and volunteers or staff can assist in making room for wheelchairs. Please flag down a volunteer or JSO member for help if needed – we’re happy to assist!
- Elevators: You won’t need an elevator since everything, including the bar and restrooms, is on the ground floor. Balcony seating is only accessible by stairs.
Potter Center (2111 Emmons Rd)
- Parking: Accessible parking spaces are near the front of the lot but not right by the door. Valet parking is available to help reduce the distance.
- Seating: Accessible seating and companion seats are about four rows from the front, near a side entrance. There are also accessible seats in the back row with space for wheelchairs. If you need assistance, our staff is happy to help. If you don’t need accessible seating but want to avoid stairs, the back rows are a good choice. Walkways are wide and have railings to help if you want to sit closer to the stage.
- Elevators: The elevators are located through the lobby and down the hallway in the back of the lobby. The main floor seats for the concert are on floor 2 or it may also be marked “mezzanine”. The elevator DOES NOT go up to the balcony, so if you are uncomfortable climbing stairs, please choose main floor seats.