When you go to a concert hall, getting ready to listen to an orchestra, you sit quietly while they tune and clap politely before they begin. When you go to a sports game, you cheer and scream before the pitcher throws the first pitch or the basketball hits the court. These polar opposite events create different reactions among their respected crowds. Have you ever thought about switching the reactions between the two events? Here is a list of what that might be like.
1. Pre-game rituals
You walk into a solo pianist's performance and see all of the other musicians are huddled around each other. They are pumping each other up by yelling and chanting ritualistic pep talks. Then, all of the musicians put their hands in the middle of the circle, count to three and scream "MOZART!!"
On the flip side, the home baseball team is about to go up to bat. The players in the dugout sit patiently and clap gently as the player goes up to home plate. The audience joins in the polite clap as the player gets to home plate, turns to the crowd and bows. He turns around to get ready to start his turn.
2. The beginning.
The orchestra tunes up and the director walks on stage with the crowd roaring and screaming his name in the background. He conducts the first beat of the piece and the orchestra gets it correct! The crowd goes wild! They stand up and cheer and the orchestra continues their movement.
As the basketball game begins and your favorite team wins the tip-off, the crowd patiently waits. No clapping, no screaming, just silence. They continue to play their game like any professional sport team would.
3. Making a mistake
The soloist plays a mistake, the director calls them out on it and the audience starts clapping and screaming "It's okay" or "You got this." Once the soloist plays three mistakes, he is out. He walks off stage the other musicians pat him on the head as the next soloist gives it a shot.
The football team fumbles a pass, however, they have to keep playing until the end. Then at the end, the referee mentions it to them and tells them how to correct it. They could make as many mistakes as they want as long as they get through the play. Then they would work on that play with their private teacher next week.
4. After the performance
The band finishes up the last note of their performance and it was a great show. The entire ensemble stands up and cheers. They all pat each other on the back in celebration. The crowd stands up and screams! Everyone goes out and parties after the excellent performance.
Your favored sports team wins and they finish with a bow. The audience claps with enthusiasm but does not scream. One by one they stand up to give a standing ovation to the winning team. They all exit quietly and that's the end.
It is quite odd to think of the two opposite events with their opposite reactions. I guess that is why we will keep traditions they way they were meant to be.
