quarterly concert review
Four times a year, I ask that you find a musical performance to attend, and evaluate it on its merits in the form of a review. My two main goals in having you do this are to 1) ensure that you hear and see live music of high quality being performed, with an opportunity to use the analytical skills you develop in class, and 2) that you might discover what your city has to offer in the performing arts. This assignment is worth 5% of your quarterly grade, and is due by the last day of each quarter. I prefer getting them in my dropbox here (using the fifth word of your Mendelssohn piece as the password). If you have problems you can email it to me, and I'll even take a paper copy as well, if you must. Please include your name in the file name!
Below is an example of a great performance critique from a previous year:
- The type of music is largely up to you; it's not limited to choral or vocal music, or even classical. Richmond has a pretty active jazz scene, opportunities to see musical theater performances, as well as a symphony, an opera and a ballet company - not to mention the many high-quality church musicians!
- I would like it to be something you were unlikely to attend on your own. When your favorite band comes to town, you want to see them without needing an assignment's encouragement. An exception might be something like a performance of the VA Opera, though your family has season tickets.
- You are not required to bring a ticket stub or program to prove that you were there. I trust you. However, I do love seeing what was on the program, so if you keep one, do pass it on!
- Do not use K-12 school performances as your critique opportunity. Limit 'school' related performances to an offering from one of our local universities.
- If you are in a musical production of some kind (MLWGS spring musical, SPARC, district chorus, etc), that is a great opportunity to write about your experience from an inside perspective! I'd love to hear about the rehearsal process as well as the final product, in that case.
- Provide as much musical analysis as you are able. Use words we use in class - tempo, dynamics, articulation, blend, balance, etc.
- Also include your subjective analysis: did you enjoy it? Why or why not? What were some highlights or blunders in the performance? How do you think they did in providing interesting musical content? Do you feel that you can take something from this and apply it to your own singing?
- If you're ever unsure about whether your critique idea is appropriate or not, just ask!
Below is an example of a great performance critique from a previous year:
fall festival rehearsal and performance reflection
Think about the last few weeks of working on our Fall Festival music, as well as our conversation in class on Monday about it. In a +/- 500 word reflection, respond to the following questions:
Rehearsal:
Performance:
When you are finished, click here to submit your copy. Include your name in the file name. The password to submit is the Fifth word (case sensitive) of the Mendelssohn piece you are currently rehearsing. This is due by Monday, 10/14.
Rehearsal:
- What do you think about how the Fall Festival music was chosen?
- What do you think about choirs singing pop music?
- What is different about learning and rehearsing this kind of music as compared to more traditional "choral" music?
- What were some things that you think didn't go well in the rehearsal process? How might you have changed them?
- What did you learn that you can transfer to the rehearsal of more traditional types of choral singing?
Performance:
- Did you feel prepared for the performance?
- What do you think about performing in that kind of environment (outdoor, small stage, mics, etc)?
- What is better about this environment than a formal concert setting? What is worse?
- Do you think we as a group performed well? Do you think you as an individual performed well?
- What can we take from this experience to the rest of the school year?
When you are finished, click here to submit your copy. Include your name in the file name. The password to submit is the Fifth word (case sensitive) of the Mendelssohn piece you are currently rehearsing. This is due by Monday, 10/14.