Concert Report
- Objective: This assignment gives the student an opportunity, through a written report, to demonstrate the understanding of listening concepts learned in class, as well as to describe music and reactions in personal terms.
(See sample concert report).
- Types of concerts: (student or professional; limited to El Paso/Juarez region--ask if you aren’t sure)
- symphony orchestra
- chamber ensemble
- wind ensemble
- student/faculty solo artist recital
- Exclusions: jazz, rock, opera, musicals
- If you're not sure, ask!
- Formatting:
- single-space name/info, upper right-hand corner
- double-space body of paper, 1-inch margins, black ink, Times New Roman font
- 300-350 words, page numbers in the footer at bottom right corner
- Italicize titles, genres, and foreign-language terms.
- Consult three or more sources. One must be print. Include formal Sources Cited page.
- Paragraph 1: Introduce the event (when, where, who, what).
- Introduce and give BRIEF biographical information of ensemble or soloist (no more than a sentence).
- Mention the works performed on the program (title and composer). NO discussion here - that's for later.
- If there are more than 4 pieces, summarize: four songs by Strauss, one-movement works by Johnson, Ortega, and Sousa, and Beriloz’ Symphonie Fantastique.
- Paragraphs 2+ : Choose two works of contrasting style periods you especially enjoyed (one before intermission and one after).
Write one to two paragraphs for each chosen selection with these essential facts:
- title, composer (dates), his/her nationality and place in history (fame)
- genre (ballad, sonata, symphony) Put these into italics so you don’t have to say, "The genre is . . ."
- medium/instrumentation (which means the instruments, voices used)
- style period (in case of 20th century, the specific style within)
- Integrate information you get from published sources with your own observations
- general elements—melody, rhythm, range, dynamics, textures, tonality, form etc.
- style characteristics to point to a particular period (baroque polyphony, Romantic programme etc.)
- Final paragraph: Summarize your reactions to the concert experience--discuss positive and/or negative aspects.
- Citing Sources:
All published sources must have an in-text citation at end of the appropriate sentence or paragraph and make a full citation at end of paper.
See Dr. Colgin-Abeln's Sample Concert Report.)
Use your textbook, program notes (if provided) and established MUSIC website.
Students will receive 10 extra points for EACH visit (up to 6) to the Writing Center (in the main library) in advance of deadlines for organization, editing, and formatting.
You are responsible for learning/knowing how to write a correctly formatted and cited paper.
STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO CITE SOURCES CORRECTLY WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND SESSIONS AT THE WRITING CENTER (no extra points).
- Turn in hard copy in a folder w/ pockets, along with the following:
- concert program (write your name on it) You must submit a program to get credit for the report.
- a copy of these instructions in your folder
- You will turn in same folder each time with your previously graded assignments
DUE DATES
NOTICE: CR II must be from a concert held after CR I deadline.
CR III must be from an event after CR II deadline.
You are responsible for following these instructions.
Read them several times.
Common Problems in Concert Reports
Developing and experienced writers must practice to master the art and science of good writing, no matter the discipline or assignment.
There is always room for improvement.
Please review the lists below to avoid these common pitfalls.
- Common content problems
- FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
- Incorrect usage of musical terms.
- Failure to assign a style period to a composer & his/her work.
- Failure to assign any style characteristics at all.
- Using scholarly excerpt that is beyond the comprehension of the student.
(You must understand EVERYTHING you put in your paper.)
- Making a statement then not explaining it.
- Too much composer biography and not enough description of the music.
- Common technical problems
- Failure to paraphrase – put all but the briefest quotes INTO YOUR OWN WORDS.
- Failure to cite source IN the body of paper
- Incorrect formatting of bibliography; overly large margins, etc.
- Incorrect grammar.
IF YOU HAVE LITTLE OR NO EXPERIENCE WRITING A FORMAL COLLEGE PAPER, GO TO THE WRITING CENTER BEFORE YOU TURN IN YOUR PAPER. YOU WILL RECEIVE EXTRA POINTS.
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