Concert report

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

Report:

Format: 2-4 pages, typed, double-spaced on 8.5 x 11 paper with one-inch margins. Report should include a title, a header with your name and the date, and page numbers.

Writing Voice and style: Your colleagues taking this class should be able to read the report and gain a clear concept of your experience. You will not need to define the terminology we have covered in class, but you do need to keep in mind that your audience will not HEAR this concert and will rely on a sense of the experience solely from your descriptions. This paper should have an academic style- formal, with no contractions used.

Content: The report is YOUR observations of the concert. A successful report will address these categories:

1. Performance setting and types of music: 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’ attire dress, audience’s attire, etc. and how it affected your concert-going experience. Which types/genres of music were performed (symphony, opera, solo, chamber, etc). What pieces did you hear, who were the composers, and what were historical eras of these pieces?

2. The main body of your report should focus on accurately and interestingly applying the knowledge gained in this class to the specific music you heard at the concert. Narrow your focus to two movements or short pieces from your concert and do one of the following:

a. Choose two movements or short pieces from the program and contrast/compare these works with references to specific musical elements.

b. Choose two movements of short pieces and give an overview of their characters- what types of moods or feelings they evoked with references to specific musical elements.

c. Choose the music composition you liked best and describe why using specific musical elements. Choose the music composition you liked least and describe why using musical elements.

Use YOUR ears (not the internet’s ideas…) and listen for the basic elements discussed in class and apply them to the pieces of your concert. Try to highlight what really “stuck out” to you about the musical selections highlighted in this section.

Content (continued)

3. Evaluate your concert going experience: What did you enjoy about the concert, what would have improved your experience, how did the performance fit or foil your expectations? Were there any aspects of the performance that were unfamiliar or surprising to you? If so, what? What was the overall reaction of the audience or people that came with you?

Grading

First Draft (100 Points, pass/fail): Printed out draft will be peer reviewed in class. Draft must be a complete paper, typed, printed, and on time in class to receive pass.

Final Draft (400 Points, Grading Rubric on Canvas): On Canvas, you must submit:

1. Your final draft with peer feedback incorporated where applicable

2. An upload of a scan/legible image of peer feedback you received

3. If you received a concert program, you must either turn it in to the professor in class or scan an image and upload it on Canvas.

The drafts and reports are due on the dates listed on your syllabus and the Canvas calendar.

The greater Los Angeles area hosts a plethora of concert opportunities, many of which are free or offer discounted student rush opportunities. Here are a few ideas to get started: