Concert Report
Due: every trimester on the day of your final
The report must be completed to receive an “A” in Choir.
The purpose of the concert report is to expand your musical horizons. As humans we tend to stay in whatever area is most comfortable; this assignment will stretch you to think beyond your boundaries. It is also my goal that you will gain a greater understanding of what a “good” or “bad” musical ensemble or experience is. For example, how the ensemble looks on stage: are they talking in the middle of the concert, or do their uniforms match, etc? There are several concepts a listener must remember in order to analyze a performance or recording. Keep these ideas in mind when writing your report.
What is music?
Music is sound that is pleasing to the one who hears it. However, not all sounds are pleasing to everyone, hence, the vast variety of music. Music is not random; it is organized. We prefer to listen to music that is ordered, instead of jumbled. Music is always played or performed; it must make a sound to be music. Music requires planning and skill. It also activates the imagination and can evoke certain feelings.
What do you need to write about?
The following is a list of things to look for and include in your report.
1. What concert did you go to? What voices or instruments were involved?
2. How did they look on stage? How did they dress or get on and off the stage? Were their eyes on the conductor?
3. Describe the styles of the pieces. Were they slow, fast? What emotions were the performers trying to get across?
Were you caught up in those emotions?
4. If a piece had text (lyrics), what were they trying to say?
5. Tell about the rhythm, melody and harmony. Were they together? Was it in tune?
6. Was the group “into it”? Were they enjoying themselves? Did they have energy?
Reports are written in standard MLA format and are two pages, typed, and double spaced in font size 12. Use a small font such as Times New Roman. It must be grammatically correct using complete sentences and correct spelling. It should include all of the six questions above and must be VERY descriptive. It is helpful to take a pen to the concert and write notes in your program to help you remember. Attach your program to your paper.
Do not wait until the last couple of days of the trimester to do your report or go to a concert! The possibility exists that you will not be able to find a concert. Be sure to check the newspapers for listings; the entertainment sections sometimes list free concerts. The purpose of this assignment is not to burden you, but to gain a greater understanding of our art. Remember, you can go to any instrumental or choral concert or a musical. If you have a question as to whether something is appropriate, please ask. Remember, you will not earn an “A” in choir if you do not turn in a concert report. Also, you must receive an “A” all three trimesters to earn a choir letter or be considered for the National School Choral Award.
How to Find a Concert:
Check the newspaper and other high school or college websites. Many churches also have concert series. There will also be concert announcements posted in the choir room.
Colleges-Metro
stthomas.edu
stkate.edu
hamline.edu
macalester.edu
augsburg.edu
bethel.edu
umn.edu
csp.edu (Concordia-St. Paul)
nwc.edu (Northwestern-St. Paul)
Colleges-outside Metro area
gustavus.edu (St. Peter)
stolaf.edu (Northfield)
carleton.edu (Northfield)
csbsju.edu (Collegeville)
Professional/Community Choirs
Minnesota Chorale-mnchorale.org
The Rose Ensemble-roseensemble.com
World Voices-worldvoicesmn.org
VocalEssence-plymouthmusic.org
Exultate-exultate.org
Kantorei Chamber Choir-kantorei.net
Two Rivers Chorale-tworiverschorale.org
Children/Youth Choirs
Metropolitan Boys Choir-mbchoir.com
Minnesota Boychoir-boychoir.org
Project Opera: Ragazzi & Giovanni-mnopera.org
For more ensembles check the Twin Cities’ Classical Music Directory at http://www.schubert.org/directory.html#AK
Musicals and operas can be found at www.ordway.org
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