Concert report for music class

Music 21: Concert Report Format and Guidelines

Attend a live (no podcasts, etc.) classical music performance and write a typed report. Make sure to review all instructions prior to attending a performance.

Concert guidelines: 1. The level of the performance must be college-age

performers or professionals – no middle/high school performances.

2. The performance must be of western art music, similar to the genres discussed in the text – orchestra, chamber music, solo instrumental performances, opera, choir, ballet, musicals, etc. If you are unsure about a concert qualifying as “western art” music, consult with me before attending.

3. You must attend the entire performance – no late arrivals or early departures.

Report format: 1. 2-3 pages, typed, double-spaced on 8.5 x 11 paper with

one-inch margins. 2. Attach the concert program and ticket if applicable to

your report. 3. Do NOT copy the program notes. You may use outside

references with proper citation. MLA or APA is fine. Check PCC Library’s website for help: pasadena.edu/ library/citing.cfm

4. Reports are due on the dates listed on your syllabus and in Canvas. You will turn in a hard copy with the program attached and also via Canvas’s Turnitin.

Content of the Report:

1. Performance setting: Give the date, place, and name(s) of groups performing. Briefly describe the performance setting – for example, you might include your observations on the ambiance of the performance space, performers’ dress, audience’s dress, etc. and how it affected your concert going experience.

2. Type(s) of music: Which types/genres of music were performed (symphony, opera, concerto, etc. Which historical periods were represented on the program? What instruments or voices were needed to perform the works? Were concert programs with notes provided? Did you read or research the works before or after the performance? If so, in which source(s)?

3. Choose two movements or short pieces from the program and contrast and compare these works with references to the specific musical elements we have discussed in class and can be found in the text. Your essay may include, but is not limited to a discussion about the melody, dynamics, rhythm, harmony, texture, timbre, form, and word-music relationships (if applicable). Use your ears and listen for the basic elements discussed in class and the text and apply them to the pieces of your concert. Try to highlight what really “stuck out” to you about the music.

4. Evaluate your concert going experience. What did you enjoy about the music? What would have improved your experience? How did the performance fit your expectations? Were there any aspects of the performance that were unfamiliar or surprising to you? If so, what?

Grading Criteria 1. Proper use of terminology, quality of answers to the

guidelines above.

2. Individuality of thought, personal observations and insights

3. Spelling, grammar, proper formatting and citations and general coherence

Concert Opportunities The greater Los Angeles area offers a plethora of concert opportunities, many of which are free or offer discounted student rush opportunities. Here are a few ideas to get started and I will try to announce concerts in class as they occur. Many concerts are listed in the Pasadena Star News and the LA Times. There are also online resources for finding local concerts. Chamber Music Newsletter sundayslive.org/newsletter.cfm and Performing Arts Live Calendar at performingartslive.com. Also each of the venues listed below should have a calendar of events listed on their websites.

Los Angeles Philharmonic Los Angeles Opera (Music Center) Gloria Kaufman Dance at the Music Center Pasadena Symphony Orchestra Pacific Symphony Long Beach Symphony Santa Barbara Symphony PCC Campus performances Colburn and USC Thornton Concerts LACMA Sundays Live Lake Avenue Church Thursdays at Noon Southwest Chamber Music Jacaranda Chamber Music Muse/ique Pasadena Presbyterian Church (Wednesdays at Noon) Brand Library Music Series in Glendale

Helpful Hints:

1. Take a pad of paper and jot down a few notes in between pieces to help jog your memory when you write your paper later. However, do not write during the performance. It will distract others and even possibly the performers!

2. Plan ahead! Keep an eye out for an event that really interests you. Writing about something you find interesting will be much easier.

3. Be open to try something new, but also consider researching the program to make sure it is something you won’t actively dislike. Find other performances of the program online or at the library (Youtube, Spotify) so you know what you will be seeing and hearing ahead of time.

Concert Etiquette: 1. If you must leave for an emergency or have arrived late,

enter only when an usher indicates it is OK to do so. If there are no ushers, only enter during applause in between selections.

2. Don’t talk during a performance. 3. Cell phones and other noise making devices must be off! 4. Never text or call someone during a concert. Never

video or take pictures at the concert as you may be asked to leave. Never use a device that makes noise or has a flash.

5. No food or drink should ever be brought in to a concert. The one exception is if you have a cough. Have cough drops unwrapped and ready to silently stem your coughing.

6. Some classical pieces of music are broken down into parts called “movements”. In between these movements the music will stop for a few seconds.

Usually the audience does not applaud until the conductor or performers have dropped their hands and have turned around or risen to acknowledge the audience.