http://www2.mercer.edu/Music/calendar.htm
GC&SU Music Department
http://www.gcsu.edu/calendar_app/#music
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Online there are several great articles on how to write a performance report, including suggestions of things to think about, a process to go through, etc. Try googling terms like "how to write concert report music appreciation"
Treat the concert report like an English paper. Use all those good writing techniques learned in English 101.
Take notes on what you hear, and then report on it. Give facts about the performance AND your impressions of the performance. Deal with the pieces you heard (either on a piece by piece basis, overall view, or several highlights), overall impression of the performers/performance, what you liked or disliked (and WHY).
Prove to me that
A) You were there with brain engaged
B) You didn't fall asleep
C) You can write clearly.
If there is a program available, attach it to the report. If you choose to send the report in electronically (use RTF or PDF formats, **NOT** doc), note in the report that you're going to hand in the program in class.
Check syllabus for due date/time -
I won't take 'em late!
I won't take 'em late!
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Here's a suggestion for taking notes in the performance.
Performers/Instruments:
Rhythm:
Melody:
Harmonies / Key:
Texture:
Form:
Style:
Hall:
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A student in a previous semester sent this in, and I though it was good thing to use as an outline when writing your concert reports. I do still want them as essay format (i.e. paragraphs and such), but these questions are a great way to organize your thoughts.
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1) Date of concert:
2) Name of location (theatre, city):
3) Name or performer(s):
4) Classification of music ensemble (Soloist, Quartet, Symphony, Bluegrass Band):
5) What style of music was performed (Classical, Romantic, Baroque, 20th century....)
6) What instruments, if any, were used in the performance?
7) How long was the performance. When did it begin?
8) How did the performers visually present themselves (costumes, sitting, standing
moving across the stage or stationary)?
9) I liked the concert because (describe):
10) I disliked the concert because (describe):
11) My favorite part of the concert was (explain):
12) Name two musical things you learned from viewing the performance that you
can apply to your own performance skills (explain):
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From the 2012 Spring Semester, here's an example of a great concert report, along with some comments from me. Each paragraph of the original paper is in a separate cell.
| January 19, 2012, I attended the Memorial Tribute for Dr. Robert Parris, a music instructor and organist at Mercer University who passed away recently. The concert consisted of classical pieces, as well as one original song by several of Dr. Parris’ students. Friends and family members also took the stage to share intimate moments and fond memories of their late mentor. | Notice how organized this opening paragraph is. The words flow, it isn't stilted, and is even interesting to read. The grammar is also correct. |
| The first piece played was titled Trumpet Tune written and performed by a student, Nicholas Bowden. The student admitted himself that it wasn’t a piece that Dr. Parris was particularly fond of, but decided to play it anyway (although it seemed like a shameless self-promotion in my opinion). The song seemed very lighthearted, but at the same time, a little chaotic. There were too many sounds overlapping, as though they were fighting with each other over which was the primary melody. The tunes did not flow very well together. The song did, however, have a sort of “sports arena” feel to it, and made me think I was in a football stadium. | "The First piece".... so this student decided to organize the paper by talking about each piece in turn. That is NOT the only way to organize your report, but is certainly one option. Notice, too, that there is room for personal opinion here, as well as usage of First Person. That's an area where the concert report differs from your typical English Essay. |
| The second song was one written by J.S. Bach and performed by Alvin Blount called Sonata IV, BWV 528, Andante-Vivace. This song was much more enjoyable than the first. It had a very “flittery” sound, and made me think of dancing with faeries in Ireland. The piece was very spirited and uplifting. Cantabile, written by C. Franck and performed by Thomas Williford was a very suspenseful, unnerving performance, fitting for this student’s seemingly awkward and uncomfortable personality. Honestly, I was very relieved when this one ended and thankful that it was one of the shorter performances of the event. This song, or at least, the way it was performed, was disturbing to my psyche. I’m not exactly sure why, but definitely a contrast to the previous piece. | Instead of beginning the 2nd paragraph the same as the first, a synonym was used. MUCH more interesting to read this way. |
| The fourth song, Nun bitten wir den Heilgen Geist, BuxWV 208, written by D. Buxtehude and performed by Lewis King was a much needed pick-me-up after the uncomfortable performance that preceded it. This song had almost a new age feel to it, and was increasingly calm and soothing. I felt like closing my eyes and sending my mind drifting over a mountain valley, or perhaps the ocean… | |
| The next song was very different than the others because the student performing, Flint Dollar, played his chosen piece, Paduana Lachrymae by J.P. Sweelinck, on the harpsichord, rather than the organ like the other performers. Before he began, however he shared a treasured thought inspired by Dr. Parris. He mentioned that one thing Dr. Parris said to him was that music was an escape from reality to create your own. I shared this idea with Flint and Dr. Parris and so it was a moment that sat with me the rest of the night while I pondered how absolutely true that statement was. The performance started out slow and forlorn, creating a slight uneasy feeling. However, the song gradually transitioned into a hopeful, yet unassured sounding melody. It was almost as if the composer was harboring feelings of perseverance, but at the same time, some kind of uncertainty about his future. | Notice how this student talks less about the musical aspects of the piece and more about the emotional responses to it. That's fine - although it would also be fine to discuss the musical aspects as well. |
| The last two songs of the set list were my favorites. The songs played were Mendelssohn’s Sonata No. 4, Allegro con brio. Andante religioso, and J. L. Krebs’ Toccata in E performed by Charles Higgs and Parks Greene, respectively. Not only were the performances lively and energetic, but the particular pieces they chose were also very fun and spirited, and much easier flowing than any other pieces in the concert. Sonata No. 4 began in a simple, upbeat tune that made me think of children laughing and clapping. It was just simple happiness. Suddenly, the song stopped (which confused some of the audience members who began to applause early, not knowing the song had not yet ended) and began again into a very soft and relaxing melody that ended the song with a sort of comforting sigh. Toccata in E, however, was a very steady and entertaining number until the end, reminiscent of carnival or circus music. It was a very positive and uplifting ending for this very memorable tribute. | Here it is stated that these were the favorites - AND THEN EXPLAINS WHY. Too often I see papers where a statement is made and then NEVER explained! |
| Each piece performed in this concert exhibited an essence of classical music. A majority of the songs were composed using complex and intricate arrangements that were typical of the classical era. The songs all ended with a final cadence that concluded the emotional aspect of each composition, a standard for the magical journey of early music. This memorial tribute was well performed and entertaining, and I’m sure Dr. Parris would agree that this was quite a stellar performance. | A nice ending, wherever everything is tied together. |
