Live tweeting at Modesto Symphony Orchestra concerts

Just learned that the Modesto Symphony Orchestra is inviting people to live tweet and blog their concerts!

I have mixed feelings about this. In one sense, it goes against everything we've ever been taught about concert ettiquete. You're supposed to give the music your entire attention. Is this maybe sending a bad message to kids? Don't we get mad at them for texting during class and other situations like this?

Then again, if it gets people excited about the symphony, maybe live tweeting and blogging isn't such a bad idea. The audience for classical music is graying and something needs to be done to interest young people in this art. I said I would try this out by tweeting from iPhone at a November concert. The orchestra said it will provide a separate section for tweeters so other audience members won't be annoyed by the flashing lights of our phones.

Any thoughts? What do you think?

- Bee arts/entertainment writer Lisa Millegan