Blog - Professional Courtesy, LLC

Symphony Etiquette

March 24, 2010 by procourtesy

Thank you to the Fort Wayne Philharmonic for this informative Q&A regarding the etiquette of attending a concert. We in Fort Wayne, are so privilaged to have such a treasure in our community. If you have never attended a concert, but would like to do so, reading the info that follows can answer any questions you may and increase your comfort level in attending.

What should I wear?
Attending a Philharmonic
concert is always a special
occasion, so many patrons
often enjoy dressing up.
However, it is entirely up to you – whatever makes you comfortable.

Where do I park?
Embassy Theatre Concerts
There are two parking
garages available near the
Embassy. The Civic Center parking garage is located across from the Downtown Hilton, with entrances on Calhoun, Clinton, and Jefferson. The Parkview Field parking garage is located on the corner of Harrison and Douglas, with entrances on each street. Each garage charges a small parking fee on concert nights.

Arts United Center
There is paid parking in the lot between the AUC and the Museum. Free parking is available in the parking garage on Barr and Main. For more downtown parking information, visit
www.parkitfortwayne.com

Auer Performance Hall
Turn left at the light on
Crescent into the IPFW campus. Turn right onto the roundabout then the first right again. Look for the signs that will lead you to the Rhinehart Music Center. Parking is available in lots 14 and 11. Allow extra time to look for parking since they are doing construction there and there is also some parking that is strictly restricted to faculty.

What if I’m unable to attend a concert once I’ve purchased my ticket?
We have a no refund policy on tickets. However, subscribers can take advantage of our “No Risk” policy. If a subscriber is unable to use their ticket, they can turn it in up to four hours before the concert start time to receive a tax credit, or return the ticket up to three days after a concert to receive an online credit that can be used towards other ticket purchases. Please contact the box office as soon as possible if you know you will be unable to use your ticket

What if I lose my tickets?
Simply call the Box Office.
We can reprint tickets for you. We will have them waiting at Will Call. If you realize you forgot your tickets once you arrive, we can look up your seating location and issue new tickets.

I know very little about classical music. Will I be able to enjoy the concert?
There is no prerequisite to enjoying the performances of the Philharmonic. If audience members want information about the pieces or artists featured, they can read notes in the program book or attend a Musically Speaking concert preview.* The magic of music, however, is how the music makes you feel, not what you know about it
*Masterworks series only.

When should I arrive?
What if I’m late?
We try our best to begin all concerts on time. To help reduce distracting noises during performances, there are designated pauses in each program when late arrivals will be seated. If you arrive late, we recommend that you wait close to your seating area’s entrance so we can seat you as soon as the pause occurs. If you have to leave a concert before its end, please do so between program works.

How long is a typical performance?
Program length varies, but a typical Philharmonic performance lasts about two hours, including one intermission. You can always call us at
260.481.0777 for an estimated length.

When do I applaud?
Many works in classical music, such as a Beethoven symphony or Mozart piano concerto, have three or more movements or sections. A short pause usually falls between them. It has become customary over time not to clap during these short pauses. In your printed program, movements are indented beneath the main title of the piece. Applaud after the final movement.

May I take pictures?
Cameras, as well as other recording devices, create distractions for the musicians and audience members. Recording without permission also violates copyright laws. As a result, no still, video or tape recorders are permitted.

What about food and drink?
Drinks are permitted in the auditorium at Embassy concerts only. At select concerts, refreshments are available both before the concert and during intermission.

May I bring my children?
The Philharmonic has a Family Series geared towards children in grades K-6. These are perfect concerts to introduce young children to classical music. Children are welcome at other concerts as well, and at around the age of 8, most will sit through and enjoy the event. Every child, regardless of age, will require a ticket. Children are eligible for free tickets to our classical concerts with a paid adult admission.

Why does the
Philharmonic solicit contributions? Don’t ticket sales cover their costs?
Ticket sales account for less than 40 percent of the Philharmonic’s yearly budget. Therefore the orchestra depends on individual, corporate and foundation gifts in order to bridge the gap between concert revenue and operating expenses.

What is the difference between a symphony orchestra and a philharmonic orchestra?
There is none. Either word is commonly used to describe a larger group of instrumentalists that includes a number of strings. A string quartet isn’t an orchestra. Neither is a brass band, nor a concert band. But, a dance band that included a few violins might be an orchestra, if that’s what they wanted to call themselves. So it all depends on whether there are “strings attached.”

What is a concertmaster, and what are his/her responsibilities?
The concertmaster is the lead violinist. As the violinist with the highest “rank,” he/she sits in the first chair right next to the conductor’s podium.
The concertmaster leads the orchestra in its tuning prior to the concert and customarily plays all of the violin solos within pieces. In addition, the concertmaster marks the orchestra’s parts with the appropriate bowings, so all violinists are moving their bows in unison.

Why is the oboe used to tune the orchestra?
The oboe has the most reliable pitch. At the concertmaster’s signal, the oboist plays the musical note “A” twice, so that the woodwinds and brass, followed by the string section, can tune individually.

Are all orchestras arranged on stage the same way?
Usually, although this arrangement may be changed according to the repertoire requirements.

What does the Philharmonic do for young people in school?
The Fort Wayne
Philharmonic reaches more than 125,000 young people annually through programs like our family series, Young People’s Concerts, Discovery concerts, small ensembles in the schools, and also by participation in the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Symphony. We also offer an instrument loan program, scholarships, and guest artist master classes. For more information on our education programs, visit our website at www.fwphil. org.

A Conversation with Carmen McGee

March 12, 2010 by procourtesy

Thank you to Carmen McGee, General Manager and Wine Director at Joseph Decuis Restaurant for being my guest blogger and for educating us on the topic of wine.
This place for fine dining is tucked away in charming Roanoke, IN. www.josephdecuis.com

A Conversation with Carmen McGee

Carmen, would you please tell us what your job title is and what it means?

My job title is General Manager and Wine Director. I direct all operations for the front-of the-house which means scheduling servers, bartenders, bussers and valets. I also plan all of our parties, caterings, weddings and any type of special event. I arrange our wine luncheons, dinners and summertime courtyard wine tasting and appetizer parties. I am in charge of our wine program which includes our wine list, our wines by the glass program and our specialty cocktails. I order our liquor, wine and beer.

What is your training background?

Many, many, many hours on the dining room floor! I have worked in the restaurant business since I was 16 years old, it was my first job. I have held almost every position in the front-of-the-house operation so I have a good grasp on who is doing what and what is going on. I’ve worked in fine dining for about 15 years, 10 of which have been at Joseph Decuis. I learned a lot about wine by tasting and reading. I took a course from the Court of the Master Sommeliers and received my Introductory Sommelier Certificate in 1994. I have attended countless wine tastings and have been to vineyards in California a couple of times. I never stop learning about wine, it’s wonderful!

Tell us about Joseph Decuis and their wine collection.

We have an extensive collection. We have over 600 different wine labels in our cellar and our vintage depth is quite good as well. We have won the Wine Spectator Award every year since 2001. Our wines are maintained in our temperature controlled-cellar (55 degrees) for optimum storage and serving conditions. We cater to every budget and every taste. We try to make wine accessible to everyone, so everybody can enjoy it as much as we do.

As a wine expert, how do you serve the needs of the diners at Joseph Decuis?

We have guests who dine here that know more than I do about wine, and we have guests who dine here who have never even tried wine, so I have to be flexible and have a wide range of knowledge. Our more experienced guests know what they like and will ask my opinion about a certain wine of the varietal they like or a certain vintage. For instance, we have five different Mondavi Cabernet vintages-which one is the best? That’s where I come in. For the less experienced diner I start with what they like- is it red or white, sweet or dry? How much does a person want to spend on a bottle of wine…$19 or $65 or $300? We can assist at all levels.

What is some basic information that a diner should know about choosing a wine to pair with a meal?

The first rule is to go with what you like. Many people won’t drink a red with their fish or a white with their steak, but they shouldn’t be held back by stereotypes. There are very soft reds, like Pinot Noir or Gamay that can go well with fish, especially with salmon. A hearty white like a California Chardonnay can hold its own against a steak with a light sauce. Wine is quite flexible. You should think about the sauce on the food too, that’s important. Wine should accentuate the food; the two should be a happy marriage! The tried and true formulas are standards for a reason. Classical pairings I like are Wagyu Steak with Cabernet Sauvignon, an acidic Sauvignon Blanc that complements a buttery fish, Pinot Grigio with a light dinner salad. My husband, who is the Executive Chef at Joseph Decuis, loves Sauternes with Foie Gras-a melt in your mouth combination.

How do you accommodate multiple main courses with one type of wine?

Two ways: go with a by-the-glass selection, or get a bottle of white and red.

What is the average price of a bottle of wine in restaurants like Joseph Decuis?

Our prices range from $18/bottle to $900/bottle. We are all over the board!

Who should be in charge of choosing the wine?

The host of the party should be in charge of choosing the wine, or whomever the host would like to designate. There should be a clear go-to person with whom the server or wine steward can communicate

When you present the wine to the host what is the protocol for giving approval to pour?

First you present the wine label to the host to ensure it is the correct wine and the correct vintage of the wine. Next you open the wine and pour an ounce for the host to taste, and he or she will nod approval or tell us verbally, yes, that works, or that’s great. Smelling the cork before tasting the wine is like an old wives tale. Corks are not going to tell you whether or not the wine is good. However, looking at the cork can be fun and contain literal information, like a winery’s website or the vintage of the wine.

The only acceptable reason to send back a bottle of wine is if the wine has gone bad, or is “corked”, meaning it smells excessively musty or like wet cardboard. If a wine is truly oxidized or “bad”, you will know. It is not good etiquette to send back a bottle of wine because it is not to your taste. If you are unsure of what you are ordering, it is safe to go with a by the glass selection. Good restaurants have excellent wines by the glass.

Thirdly, you pour clockwise around the table, always pouring for the ladies first. You should pour about three or four ounces at a time. Do not to pour the whole bottle at first, save some for later unless it is a large group that will require multiple bottles.

Does the fact that wine has screw cap vs. a cork define the quality of the wine?

The answer to this used to be yes, but not anymore, not by a long shot. We have French wines coming in with screw caps now. We have a very high quality California Cab with a glass stopper. There are two reasons behind the change: environmental concern and wine spoilage factors. Cork comes from trees so by using screw caps or other forms of stoppers on wine, wineries are saving trees. Second, the winemaker is assured 100% that their wine will not spoil due to cork taint, or cork leakage-no oxygen is able to enter the bottle with a screw cap. So in theory, with a screw cap, the wine that leaves the winery will be the wine that you taste when you open the bottle. Screw-capped wines are usually meant to be drunk young-not aged in a cellar for more than a couple of years, especially if it’s white wine.

What are some of your favorite wines?

Chappellet Mountain Cuvée, Dry Creek Chenin Blanc, Stella Maris Red, Latour, Drouhin

Do you recommend a wine for daily table wine?

At our house we drink a lot of Argentine malbec and Oregon Pinot Noir. But I don’t turn back on too many wines! I love to drink rosés in the summer, they tend to go with everything.

Joseph Decuis is more than a place to eat. It is an experience! Visit their web site and see what they have to offer. www.josephdecuis.com

Mind Your Multicultural Manners, It’s Good for Business

March 1, 2010 by procourtesy

I’d like to thank Lisa La Valle-Finan, an Intercultural Adviser and Creative Director of GetGlobalized.org for being my guest blogger and sharing her valuable information regarding multicultural manners…

Unless you’ve been living in a cave lately, you’re probably experiencing considerable anxiety about the global economic crisis . This emotion is immediately followed by further panic when recruiters or employers are asking you to “go global” to make yourself more marketable. That’s if you still have a job. How and when is all this supposed to happen? Is this a form of outsourcing? I mean, it’s not like you’re ever really going to live or work outside your home, right? So, why should going global concern you?

It’s Official: Wake Up and Smell the Outsourcing

With the stunning realization that America’s financial crisis is the world’s crisis, the biggest misstep an American woman can make, is to think that fluttering of her entrepreneurial wings does not affect the rest of the world. Or the reverse, that what is happening around the world, doesn’t affect her business. Today, when one country sneezes, very often we all catch a cold.

The other mistake is to not have a passport, and think that it’s unlikely that you’ll ever have to work, travel, or live in another country. According to the State Department, although the number of passports issued to Americans has risen, because of post 9/11 homeland security measures, to the tune of about 74 million¹ in 2008, most Americans still view them as just another form of identification.

No Culture Is Foreign, It’s Just Different.

But there is a great deal of fear that comes with going global and things “foreign”. How can you deal with it? One way is to reframe the issue of what is “foreign”. How you frame, or name, what you speak about, determines how to think about it. If you change the semantics, you change your perceptions. With a “clear lens” cultures become less foreign and more familiar. You can also readjust how you think about your place on the earth. You’re part of the global village. You breathe the same air as 4 billion fellow inhabitants. You are not separate from them. In any way. No matter who you are or where you live. Calcutta. Copenhagen. Cincinnati. All. The. Same. Therefore, you, as an American business professional, are a part of the global community. The term international is no longer about “those people over there”. Reframing the way you refer to your place in the world will help you get more comfortable in it. For many Americans, who are like coming of age adolescents², it’s time to get down to business if we are to compete up in the 21^st Century global economy.

Multicultural Manners: Handle With Care

As women business owners, the statistically fastest growing sector of the economy, ³ it is incumbent upon us to look ahead to the all the trends that affect our businesses and embrace them with education and an awareness about multicultural manners, in order to do great global business. Because even if you don’t speak another language, as you will find many other people around the world do, it’s wise to know the soft skills that will make your professional, hard skills sing if you are involved in:

Intercultural Business: In a position to manufacture your scarves in China? You’re going to need to pull guanxi (pronounced gwan-SHEE) or make the right connections before you begin the deal.
Diverse Teams or Intra-Office: Is the new team member on your design project, from India, but you don’t know why he seems unenthused about your concept. Maybe it’s because he is waiting for his boss to tell you his disposition.
Expatriation: Have you been assigned to work for an upper management ExPat (Ex-Patriot) who’s just returned from a two-year stint in Prague, but can’t understand his moodiness? Perhaps he is experiencing culture shock.
Relocation: Is your finance background suddenly an asset to a firm in Turkey? Do you find yourself upending your life to work there for a year, but unable to cope with the preparations?

These are just a few of the typical examples that require cross cultural professionals to help you do global business, better in addition to your new way of thinking.

What Makes Them Tick

Of course it’s important to know how to handle ourselves in another culture, but what’s more important, is how we’re being perceived by the other culture. And which behavior on our part will make a good impression. The following chart is actually applicable to many other cultures, with a few tweaks here and there. Understanding the cognitive behavior — how people process information, or what makes them tick — is the key to giving your business dealings traction, and therefore revenue. Here are some key personality traits that delineate between Western and Eastern national character.

Western Character Eastern Character

Me centered We centered

Assertive Respectful

Gregarious Solemn

Gestural Non-gestural

Enthusiastic Diplomatic

Shake Hands Rarely Shake Hands, Bow

A Little Local Knowledge Goes A Long Way

After re-setting your cross-cultural compass, one way to cement cultural gaps is to focus on making personal connections, when the time is right. It’s not only essential to know what the national values of your counterpart are, but also your shared personal interests. Ones that can create deeper, more harmonious and sustaining business relationships. After the foundational elements of values and etiquette are addressed – whether to kiss, bow or shake hands – you can progress to a more sophisticated level of communication with the help of topic starters. Positive “points of entry” that enable you to socialize, conduct business, and create personal relationships.

I find that point of entry through film. You may find it through food, music, or some other “arts and cultural” area other than the usual “off limits” topics like religion and politics. But it’s usually a popular cultural topic that will “speak” to you. In any case, before you travel for business or pleasure, do your homework. And consider talking with a cross-cultural professional about what your objectives and how you can most effectively obtain them to make the experience most profitable and productive. After all, traveling these days is time consuming and often expensive, so for the sake of your own business, or that of your employer, consulting a certified intercultural pro makes a lot of dollars (or Euros or Yen) and sense. Because no matter where in the world you come from, it’s good to know where you’re going, and how to act appropriately once you get there. A little local knowledge goes a long way.

Lisa La Valle-Finan is a licensed IC consultant, writer, and Creative Director of getGlobalized™. She’s been traveling and writing for 25 years, speaks French, Italian and Greek, and welcomes all comments and can be reached at llfinan@live.com More information can be found on the company’s website at www.getGlobalized.org.

Dining Etiquette Tips

February 28, 2010 by procourtesy

Your manners at the table impact your success more than you think. Read the article, written by Cindy Larson, feature writer for the News Sentinel, on me for some of my essential tips to be savvy at the table.

http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100219/LIVING/2190302

A Conversation with Megan Meadors, Miss Indiana 2008

February 23, 2010 by procourtesy

I had the pleasure of meeting Megan Meadors a few years ago when she was preparing to compete in the Miss Indiana Pageant. Megan and her mother engaged me for some one on one instruction in etiquette and protocol. Megan was already very savvy in this area and we merely tweaked some things that she was not sure of. It was a special treat to work with this engaged, focused and bright young woman. I had no doubt that she would be successful in any of her life endeavors. This young woman is certainly much more than a “pretty face”; a myth that is often perpetuated about pageant participants.

Megan has graciously agreed to respond to my questions and as you will see, this is a woman of substance. Thanks, Megan.

Tell us a little about yourself…

I’m a 24 year old Graduate of the University of Indianapolis with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. I practice occupational therapy at a senior community in a suburb of Indianapolis. I was Miss Indiana 2008 in the Miss America system. I love being around people, trying food from different cultures, and the Indianapolis Colts!

Megan, please tell us how you became interested in participating in pageants and at what age did you start participating?

I became interested in pageants the summer before my senior year of high school when I was 16. During this summer I competed in the Miss Auburn pageant for the chance to represent my hometown in our county fair pageant. I was very active in cheerleading and show choir in high school and most of my friends from these activities were competing in Miss Auburn so I thought it would be a fun thing to try.

What are the greatest misconceptions about pageants?

I think there are many misconceptions about pageants and the girls that compete in them. First off we do get along very well. I was in three of my fellow competitors weddings and they will be in mine one day. Second we are very intelligent. We have to be to be successful. The interview portion of the competition accounts for a large portion of your score and you have to show that you are articulate and voice your opinions in an educated manner. Third we are not conceded and self-centered. Every girl competing has a community service platform we believe in, volunteer for, and raise money for. That was my favorite part of being Miss Indiana…volunteering at events all over the state.

What have been the greatest benefits for you?

When you are Miss Indiana you are thrust in every kind of situation. Sometimes the organizers of event would throw you into situations you would not expect but you would have to “roll with it”. I feel now that I can handle myself in any situation and have the confidence in myself to step up and take risks in my life to benefit me in my career and personal life.

What skills do you think have been essential to succeed in pageants and in other aspects of your life?

Confidence, a good work ethic, interpersonal communication skills, public speaking skills, and a strong sense of self.

How have you transferred these skills into your personal and professional life?

I really don’t think these skills were ever “transferred.” They became a part of who I am and that is what is so great about competing in the Miss America system…you grow into your best self!

As an Occupational Therapist, what do you take from the world of being Miss Indiana into the health care world?

All of the skills listed above have helped me to be able to build strong relationships with my patients and their families. I believe having rapport with a patient is one of the most important aspects of the rehabilitation process. When patients trust you they will follow the steps you recommend to reach their maximal level of independence. These skills also benefit me when interacting with my co-workers, doctors, and patient’s families.

What advice would you give teens and young women interested in entering the world of pageant competition?

First I would say know who you are, what you believe in, and what you want to accomplish as a titleholder before competing. That self-confidence will help you to go far not only in pageantry but in life. Also if you truly want to be Miss ______ don’t ever give up on your dream. I competed at Miss Indiana 5 times before I reached my goal and if I would have given up I would never be who I am today.

What does the future look like for you?

For the first time in my life I really don’t know and it’s actually so exciting. For such a long time my goal and focus was becoming Miss Indiana and my life revolved around reaching that goal. After I gave up my crown I felt so free and that I had a whole world of opportunities in front of me. I plan to continue to be involved in the Miss America Organization as a consultant, director, or state board member. I am continuing to make appearances as a former Miss Indiana speaking about my platform of Alzheimer’s Awareness and to young children about reaching their goals. In the distant future I see myself happily married with a family.

Thanks, Megan…I welcome comments and remarks regarding the world of pageants. If you have been a part of this system, I’d love to hear from you too.

Symphony Etiquette

A Conversation with Carmen McGee

Mind Your Multicultural Manners, It’s Good for Business

Dining Etiquette Tips

A Conversation with Megan Meadors, Miss Indiana 2008

Company Profile

From the Blog

Contact Us