Concert Reports
20% of final grade
Over the course of the semester, you will be required to attend two classical concert performances. Pandemic permitting, you may attend a performance at the VSU Music Department or another approved venue in person. Please see me if you have classical arts events you would like to attend off campus. Alternatively, you may choose to watch livestreamed broadcasts or a video recording of a live performance online. Suggestions for virtual performances will be listed on Blazeview, but you are encouraged to explore on your own for things that interest you. Acceptable categories include but are not limited to: orchestra and/or choir concerts, opera and musical theater productions, instrumental or vocal recitals, and jazz concerts. Movie musicals such as The Lion King or The Sound of Music will not be approved, but staged versions would be. Performances should be a minimum of 45 minutes long. If you have any questions about what to watch or whether something would work, just ask!
The VSU Music Department Calendar of Events is available at:
This list is updated throughout the semester so be sure to check before you attend the event in case of cancellation.
After the concert, write a two-page (approx. 500 words), 12pt font, double spaced, Times New Roman, typed report.
This report will be turned in on Blazeview on or before the due dates listed below. No late papers will be accepted. This report should be written in complete sentences and in standard essay format with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Include in your essay 1). terminology covered in class relevant to the concert you heard and 2). your impression of the event. Pretend you are a newspaper reporter covering the performance – What were your general impressions of the event? What was your favorite piece (or your least favorite) and why? Were you able to make connections between what you heard and the music, composers, or time periods we discussed in class? Feel free to be as creative and critical as you like. For virtual performances, please include a working link to the online performance. For live performances, please include a scan or picture of the concert program.
Concert Report I Due: 11:59pm on Friday, November 4
Concert Report II Due: 11:59pm on Friday, December 2
Grading:
A = 100
Assignment was well written and thoughts are clearly communicated. Discusses several aspects of the musical performance and their perception of it in detail.
B = 85
Assignment shows promise of being well written, but some thoughts are not clearly communicated. Discusses some aspects of the music and performance, gives less detail.
C= 75
Assignment is not well written and most thoughts are unclear. Little information about the performance is discussed, minimal detail.
D=65
Assignment was poorly written. Minimal effort demonstrated. Thoughts are not communicated at all.
0 = Assignment not submitted/submitted five days or more after the due date
Any assignments that use texting language (lowercase “i”, ur, etc), incomplete sentences, and multiple misspellings/misuse of words will automatically lose one letter grade. If submitted late, this assignment will lose a letter grade for each day; after the fourth day, it will receive a zero (if not submitted or submitted on the fifth or later days).