Chelan Music Department

Concert Evaluation/ Report

Guidelines:

• Attend an instrumental or vocal music concert. Write a review/evaluation of the concert. It should be in essay format. Report must be at least one page in length.
• The descriptors below are to use only as a reference to guide you. Whenever possible give specific examples to support your comments.
• Attach the program or ticket stub to the back of the report.

Include the following information at the top of the report:

• Your Name
• Your Class
• Name of Group being evaluated
• Date, Time, and Location of Concert

1. Appearance

Describe how the performers looked on stage. What was your first impression of them as they walked on to the stage? Discuss things like posture, attentiveness to the conductor, stage presence, uniforms, etc.

2. Articulation

Listen for unified, clearly defined, and accurate starts and stops to notes. Listen for staccato, legato, and other articulations. Give specific examples of good and/or poor execution of articulation and diction.

3. Intonation

Describe what you heard regarding pitch accuracy. Listen to both melodies and harmonies and discuss whether they sounded in tune. Listen for intonation problems in extreme ranges. Mention a possible solution for some pitch problems you heard.

4. Sound Quality

Describe the sound you heard from the performers you observed. Is it open? Is it a round, dark sound, with warmth?

5. Blend

Poor blend often results from things like individual instruments or voices that are too loud or from an unmatched tone color within a section. Talk briefly about what you noticed regarding blend. Did the performers achieve the goal of sounding like an ensemble? Was the tone color matched throughout the group?

6. Balance

Listen for appropriate dynamics from each and all sections. Try to determine whether the important lines are heard or if supporting parts are being too loud.

7. Phrasing and Dynamics

Breathing points, crescendos/decrescendos, phrase lengths and dynamics need to be appropriate and varied. Discuss whether you thought the songs sounded musical and whether it was evident that the group paid attention to these things. Provide specific examples of excellent and/or poor phrasing and dynamics.

8. Interpretation and Style

Tempos, rhythms, articulation, etc. should be treated in a way that matches the style of the piece. The conductor will often show these things in his/her conducting. Listen and watch for appropriate interpretation of varied styles of music. Provide specific examples of what you observed.

9. Literature

Did the musical selections accurately show the abilities of the group, or did they seem too easy/difficult?

REMEMBER: Attach the ticket stub or program (preferred) to the back of your report!