FAQs — Modesto Symphony Orchestra

Our 2025-26 Season of Discovery is Here!

Bianca Ancheta

How do I redeem my promo code?

You can redeem your promo code on the Gallo Center for the Arts website on any event page.

The promo code box is located under the banner image, on the right-hand side of the screen next to the View Cart button.

The promo code box is located under the banner image, on the right-hand side of the screen next to the View Cart button.

After entering the code and it’s accepted—the page will automatically refresh with the code being applied.

When you select your seat, you should see the discounted price applied.

When you select your seat, you should see the discounted price applied.

Please Note:

  • Promo Codes have specific limitations and may not apply to all ticket prices available.

  • Do not enter the Promo Code on the Checkout page’s Gift Certificate box, as it will not work there.

What is the difference in seating between Reserved and General?

The Reserved Section is unassigned seating in a roped-off area directly in front of the stage that provides a bit more room to spread out (due to the fixed number of tickets sold) as well as a more direct view of the orchestra and performers. The General Section is also unassigned seating on the lawn outside the roped-off area. Click here to view grounds map.

What should I bring to the Picnic at the Pops! concert?

  • Blankets

  • Low-sand chairs (seats lower than 9”, and backs must be lower than 32” from the ground)

    • If you require a taller lawn chair, please find a seating area that won’t obstruct the view of others behind you. Please see an usher if you have any questions while setting up.

  • Cooler (for food and non-alcoholic drinks)

  • Bring a picnic dinner—as simple or elaborate as you’d like!

  • Sunscreen & Sun-protection

Golden rule: be considerate of others. We want everyone to enjoy the concert and experience.

For more information about our bag check policy, click here.

What should I leave at home?

These items are prohibited:

  • No outside alcohol. Your bags and personal items will be subject to inspection for alcohol before entering the grounds. Wine generously donated by GALLO and an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase once inside the venue, with all sales benefiting Modesto Symphony Orchestra.

  • No video and audio recording equipment. Unauthorized recordings of the artists and performance are prohibited.

  • No professional camera equipment with a detachable lens longer than two inches, tripods, or big zooms.

  • No drones.

  • No grills, other cooking devices, or anything with an open flame.

  • No pets, service animals are allowed.

  • No fireworks.

  • No firearms or weapons of any kind.

  • No sharp knives with a blade longer than four inches.

  • No large or tall tables.

  • No umbrellas or shade structures.

  • No amplified sound, bullhorns, or speakers.

  • There is no smoking inside the concert area. A smoking area is designated in the parking lot.

  • No laser pointers.

  • No items can be used to disturb the peace, endanger other patrons, and/or cause damage to people or property.

Is there a bag policy for Picnic at the Pops?

All bags entering the event area are subject to inspection. Prohibited items will not be allowed onto the GALLO grounds. To learn more about what items are prohibited, click here.

Clear bags are recommended to limit contact points and minimize lines at the gate. There is no size limit for clear bags, we ask only no hardware, branding, or décor is allowed to conceal the bag. There will be an Express Bag Check line for those with clear bags or no bags.

There is no on-site storage available.

What else do I need to know?

  • Smoking is prohibited on the lawn area. Please see the info table at the event for the designated smoking area on the grounds.

  • When traveling between the general parking lot and the lawn area please remain on the walking path at all times. The adjacent cart path must remain clear at all times for event security and staff.

  • For food & wine on-site, cash and card payments are accepted. Cash is preferred. There are no ATMs on the grounds.

How can I be involved with Picnic at the Pops!

Picnic at the Pops is a true community event, put on for the community with help from our community! If you’re interested in learning more about how to volunteer at Picnic at the Pops! and support the MSO, please visit our Volunteer page!

If you're a local business looking to support Picnic at the Pops, visit our Season Partner page to see which like-minded businesses support the MSO or email Caroline Nickel at cnickel@modestosymphony.org to learn more. 

How To Order Tickets

You can purchase tickets to any of our concerts through the following methods:

By Phone

Gallo Center for the Arts Box Office
(209) 338-2100 or toll free at (877) 488-3380
Monday through Friday 10am - 6pm // Saturday Noon - 6pm
 

In Person

Gallo Center for the Arts Box Office 
10th and I Street, Modesto
Monday through Friday 10am - 6pm // Saturday Noon - 6pm
 

Online

Tickets may be purchased at the Gallo Center for the Arts web site or by browsing our Concerts & Events page and clicking on the 'Select your Seats' link for the desired concert.

  • If orders are received less than one week prior to a concert, tickets will be held at Will Call.

  • Orders are filled on a date received basis.

  • Please allow two weeks for delivery of tickets.

  • Refunds may not be made after seats have been purchased.

  • Dates, programs and artists subject to change.

It's my first time attending a concert at the Gallo Center...

We are so excited you’ve chosen to spend your time with us!

We welcome all to arrive early and enjoy a refreshment. The hall will open 30 minutes before curtain. The concert halls and lobbies are shared by all audience members. Please be mindful and courteous to others. To ensure the best experience for all patrons, please note that anyone creating a disturbance may be asked to leave the performance.

Restrooms are located by the elevators on all three floors.

Beverages are available for purchase on all three floors. Each floor also has free to use water dispensers by each restroom. Food and beverages are not permitted in the theaters, with the exception of bottled water and beverages served in the Gallo Center’s ‘Whirley’ cups.

Late Seating: Latecomers and patrons who leave the hall are asked to wait quietly until the first break in the program when an usher will assist them to their seats. Seating times are at the discretion of the Gallo Center for the Arts.

Phones and Watches: As a courtesy to others, please turn off or silence any phone or other electronic devices. Doctors expecting calls during performances should leave their names and seat locations with the Ticket Office. Patrons may view digital program books during breaks in the concert, but please be mindful of your screen brightness for those seated nearby.

Photography, Video, and Audio Recording: Photographs of the hall, including pictures for social media, can be taken when the performance is not in progress. However, audio recording, videography, and photography are prohibited during the performances.

Families and Younger Children: The Modesto Symphony encourages families to attend together and offer students tickets to help with cost. Please read below for student ticket information. Regardless of age, each person must have a ticket and be able sit in their own seat. Modesto Symphony Classics concerts are not recommended for children under the age of 8. We understand that young children may need to get up and move or talk during a concert. For those around you, we ask that you and your child step into the lobby to stretch your legs and view the concert from the televisions. An usher will help you return to your seat at an appropriate break in the music.

Patron Accessibility: The Gallo Center for the Arts is a disabled accessible performance venue. Wheel chair seating is available in both theaters. Portable wireless listening devices are available at no charge. Please inform the Ticket Office of any special needs when ordering tickets.

Coat Check is located on the first floor near the concessions.

Lost and Found can be reached through the Ticket Office at 209-338-2100.

Smoking is prohibited inside the building.

Are there discounted tickets?

For Picnic at the Pops! we offer a group discount of 20% for groups of 10 or more in General Lawn seating. For Holiday Candlelight and all MSO concerts at the Gallo Center for the Arts, we offer 15% off. Please call the Gallo Center Box Office at 209-338-2100 to place your order.

Student Tickets: We offer $12 student tickets for most of our Classics Series. Student tickets can be purchased with a student ID at the Ticket Office at least two weeks prior to the concert date based on availability.

Why should I join MSYO?

The MSYO provides young talented musicians with the unique opportunity and experience of playing in a full symphony orchestra ensemble with strings, winds, brass and percussion. This is a place where music students are surrounded by like-minded individuals from all over the region who enjoy making music together. Young musicians have the opportunity to work with experienced music educators, coaches and talented conductors. 

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When are MSYO new season auditions?

MSYO auditions are held in May prior to the start of the following new concert season. The best time to send your application is in early spring. For more audition information, current audition dates, or to register for an audition visit the MSYO audition page or contact us by email. August audition dates are added only as needed to fill available seats at the discretion of the Music Director. 

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What is the difference between the Symphony and the Concert orchestra, and how are students placed?

The MSYO’s two ensembles are arranged by student’s age and experience. The Concert orchestra is a preparatory group that works on building a musical foundation through classical pieces that are arranged for younger musicians. The Symphony Orchestra is a more advanced group that focuses on performing original classical repertoire at a professional level.

  • Concert Orchestra (grades 5-9) Intermediate Level.

  • Symphony Orchestra (grades 9-12) Advanced Level. 

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Do students move from Concert Orchestra to Symphony Orchestra when they enter high school?

Movement from Concert Orchestra to Symphony Orchestra is based on the results of the audition held each spring. Students must demonstrate a high level of technical expertise in this audition and students in 9th and 10th grade may be asked to continue another year in Concert Orchestra. It is not unusual for a student to audition multiple times before acceptance and you are encouraged to ask for feedback from your audition to understand the areas in which you need to work.

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