LIVE PERFORMANCE CRITIQUE
Music students are expected to attend one additional concert each semester as a
listener (not performing). Concerts should be of a “classical” or “serious” nature
as opposed to popular music. The idea is to have you attend concerts and be
exposed to music you might not ordinarily be exposed to. Consider Mr. Lestina’s
general guideline: “If you think you’re going to enjoy it, then it probably won’t
count.”
Examples of events that count:
Other band, orchestra, jazz or choir concerts at VHHS. (not one you are already
performing in)
Choir concerts (ex: CSO & Chorus, New Classic Singers, other college choir
concerts)
Opera performances (ex: Lyric, Chicago Opera Theater, performances at
Northwestern, etc.)
Band Performances (ex: Northwestern, DePaul, Northshore Concert Band)
Orchestra performances (ex. CSO, Lake Forest Symphony, Elgin Symphony, etc.)
Jazz concert – Symphony Center, NU, DePaul, CLC, DuPage, (hearing your
buddies play at a local restaurant does not count)
Musicals do count for choir students
The band, orchestra and choir performances of other high schools in the area
Examples of events that do not count:
Concerts involving performers younger than yourself (i.e. junior high, middle
school concerts)
Rock concerts
Collage and other talent shows
Dance recitals (ex. Orchesis, Fashion Show)
Anything that you are already performing in even if only for a small part
Performances that are part of another function, (i.e. a performance during a
church service)
1. One performance per semester is required.
2. Write an evaluative essay that includes the following information:
a. Date, time, and location of the performance.
b. Who/what did you see?
c. What kind of music was performed?
d. Did the venue enhance or detract from the performance? Why?
e. Discuss the stage presence of the performers.
f. Discuss the musicality of the performance. (Be specific)
g. What is your overall impression of the performance?
h. What did you like or dislike about the music?
i. Would you go again?
The majority of your paper should focus on the musicality of the performance—
be specific about the pieces, style, phrasing, intonation, etc.
3. Use appropriate, high school level writing. The report must be at least 1
page, typed, double spaced, 12 point font, Times/Times New Roman font,
1” margins on all sides
4. Attach a program and ticket stub. If you are unable to obtain one of these
from the performance, attach a note from your parents verifying that you
attended the performance and you don’t have a program or ticket stub.
5. The Live Performance must take place during the semester in which you
are writing the critique.
6. Critiques will be due on the following dates, before the close of each
semester grading period.
a. Due for the 1st Semester on January 7th, 2008
b. Due for the 2nd Semester on May 27th, 2008.
c. Late critiques will not be accepted and will result in a “zero.”