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Jazz Appreciation
Concert Report Guidelines
General Suggestions:
- Each student is required to attend and
review a pre-approved live jazz performance during the
semester.
- 3-5 pages typed (with standard spacing
and font-as represented on this page).
- Create a simple, clear, basic essay
(theme).
- Begin with a clear thesis statement
that is easily supported with factual research (not only
personal opinion)
- Organize statements into a logical,
sequential flow.
- Consider using balanced statements for
comparison.
- Support arguments with factual
research and concrete documentation (discography,
bibliography, and footnotes) where appropriate.
- The instructor is looking for the
student's ability to communicate concepts and to include
(at least) the required information.
- Covering the minimum requirements does
not constitute an "A"
- Original creative thought or
perspective may constitute the grounds for an
"A" if this is well supported by research.
- Use standard written English (avoid
slang and conversational terms).
- Use proper punctuation and grammar.
- Avoid first person references
("I") and personal opinion.
- This is an analytical, factual
examination of performances demonstrated through the
music; not necessarily a "creative" (poetic or
artistic) writing assignment.
Specific things to include:
(If the student follows this list in
reverse order, the outline will work well for construction of
paragraphs.)
- Make a statement about the
significance of this music in relation to our current
culture.
- Make a statement about how the music
was presented and represented.
- Make a statement about each of the 4
elements of music in one composition (Melody, Harmony,
Rhythm, and Form)
- Make a statement about each of the 4
criterion of "swing" feeling in one composition
(steady tempo, syncopation, rise and fall of tension,
groove or coordination, energy or liveliness).
- Make a statement about one of the
individual soloists in one composition (instrumental
technique, tone quality, demonstrated knowledge of
material, storytelling, dialogue, call and response,
energy of presentation, ability to capture interest)
- Make a statement about each of the
elements of musical presentation for the members of the
group in general (demonstrated interest, demonstrated
skill, personal presentation and stage presence).
- Make a statement about each of the
elements of performance venue in general (volume,
lighting, seating, demonstrated audience interest and
participation)
- Make a statement about the location of
the performance, list the name of the group and list the
names of the members of the band (attach a copy of a
program if applicable).