Concert Review Information
Purpose of the Assignment
Exposure & Appreciation
As developing musicians and artists, there is no substitute for listening to music! Listening allows us to develop our concept of sound and understanding
of various musical styles. Listening is one of the most enjoyable and vital parts of growing as a musician. As students of music, you will develop an
appreciation for quality music and quality performances.
Application & Articulation
In addition to performing quality music at a very high level, the concepts we learn, explore, and discuss in band class every day should also help us to
have rich and meaningful listening experiences. Our study of music should enable you not only to understand why the music made you feel a certain
way, but also to understand how the design of the music and the performance itself impacted those feelings. Part of being a literate musician is not only
having opinions and reactions to music, but being able to utilize a specific music vocabulary to articulate your feelings.
Support
It is so important that we as musicians support the arts. In order to ensure that great art continues to be created and presented, we must attend live
performances!
Concert Review Requirements
The concert you attend must:
 Be at least 1 hour in length
 Have live music (not taped music)
 Be a concert in which you are not a performer. If you perform on the concert, you may not use it for your review.
 Be a concert band, orchestra, choir, jazz, musical, chamber music, or opera performance. If you have a question about a specific concert, please
ask Mr. Chodoroff prior to completing the assignment.
 Be at the high school level or above (you may not use an elementary school or middle school concert for your review)
To complete your assignment you must:
 Attend one concert per semester
 Attend the concert from beginning to end
 Complete the review within 2 weeks of the performance date to ensure that your memories of the concert are accurate
 Complete the Concert Review Form thoughtfully and comprehensively
 Attach a program or ticket stub from the performance to your completed Concert Review Form
 Turn in your assignment by the semester due date set by Mr. Chodoroff
Grading
The concert review will serve as 5% of your semester grade. You will be graded on your satisfaction of the requirements listed above as well as the
content of your answers. You may turn in your assignment at any time during the semester, but you may not turn in both of your concert reviews for the
year during first semester.
Concert Review Form
Name _______________________________________________________
Step 1 – Complete the following general information about the concert
Performing Group/Title of Concert:
________________________________________________________________________
Date of Concert: _____________________________
Location of Concert:
________________________________________________________________________
Type of Concert (circle one):
Concert Band | Orchestra | Choir | Jazz | Musical | Chamber Music | Opera | Other: _______________________
Step 2 – Listen and watch the concert carefully and place an appropriate mark for each area of performance in the graph below
3 = Proficient (demonstrates a strong command of this area; a real strength)
2 = Developing (evidence of this area is present, but needs to be refined more)
1 = Emerging (this area needs improvement; detracts from the overall performance)
Expression, Style, & Interpretation
The character or mood of each piece is
clearly defined and consistently
portrayed by all members.
Articulations are matched. Dynamics
are obvious and effective.
Tone, Balance, & Blend
The overall sound of the
ensemble is mature and
unified. Important
motives are clearly
heard.
Notes & Intonation
The group is playing
pitches accurately
and plays
consistently in tune.
Rhythm & Pulse
The beat is secure
across the
ensemble.
Rhythms are
clearly expressed.
Stage Presence
The group appears comfortable and
confident. They are dressed
professionally, set up appropriately
and acknowledge the applause of
the audience.
Step 3 – Answer the following questions using complete sentences
What was your favorite selection on the concert? Why?
Pick one piece from the concert and write an adjective to describe how the music made you feel. Then explain what elements of melody, harmony,
rhythm, timbre, texture, form, or expression in the music made you feel that way.
Step 4 – Attach the program or ticket stub from the concert to this sheet and turn it in!