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Jazz Appreciation Concert Report Guidelines Spring 2015

General Suggestions:

• Each student is required to attend and review a pre-approved live jazz performance during the semester.

• 2-3 pages typed (with standard spacing and font-as represented on this page).

• Create a simple, clear, basic essay (theme).

• One should begin with a clear thesis statement that is easily supported with factual research (not exclusively personal opinion)

• Organize statements into a logical, sequential flow.

• Consider using balanced statements for comparison. (Comparison to recorded performances studied in class are excellent for this reference.)

• Support statements with factual research and concrete documentation if appropriate. (The text is useful for these references and possible footnotes.)

• The instructor is looking for the student's ability to communicate general concepts and to include (at least) the required specific information.

• Original creative thought or perspective may constitute the grounds for an "A" if this is well supported by research, comparison, and organized thought.

• Use standard written English (avoid slang and conversational English).

• Use proper punctuation and grammar.

• Use past tense to describe events whitnessed in the past.
  

• Avoid first person references ("I", "my", "me", "you" and "your") and personal opinion (except where absolutely necessary in the conclusion).

Introduction: General comments (at least one paragraph):

• Where did the performance take place?
• Who performed? (List the personnel)
• What was the instrumentation?
• How was the music presented? (in a refined concert setting or sloppily in a bar setting)

Body: Pick one composition from the concert (at least one paragraph):

• Limit the report to an examination of one tune (and one soloist).

• Describe the melody.

• Describe the harmony.

• Describe the rhythm.

• Create a map of the composition (to the best of your ability)

• Describe one player's solo in detail.

• Describe that soloists playing (tone quality, use of articulation, rhythm, etc.).

• What did you like about this composition as a whole? (First person statements are appropriate here.)

• How did the music make you respond intellectually, emotionally, and physically?

• What is the significance of this music in relation to our current culture?