Jazz Concert Review Assignment Requirements

Due May 6, 2011

All jazz band students are required to attend at least one event where jazz music is played within one school year. This concert must be high school level or higher (collegiate/professional). I suggest you check the schedule for Longmont Jazz All-Stars, CU-Boulder, and UNC for suggestions of concerts to attend. Your level of jazz band depends on how many concerts you must attend:

  • Jazz 1 (3rd block) must attend and review 3 concerts.
  • Jazz 2 (2nd block) must attend and review 2 concerts.
  • Jazz 3 (1st block) must attend and review 1 concert.

Remember, if you attended the Falconaires concert, you do not need to write up a review for this concert. It counts as one of your concerts.

The following are required on this assignment and, thus, may affect your grade.

  • Must be typed
  • Must be double-spaced
  • A typical review should be about least one full page in length.
  • Must include the original printed program and/or your ticket stubs from the concert. Photocopies are unacceptable. (Contact me at least 24 hours before due date if any materials are unavailable.)
  • Must include at least 2-3 paragraphs.
  • Should state the names of the performers and what instruments they play for as much as you can name.

You shoulduse the following questions as a guide for what to discuss:

1. Name and describe at least 3 tunes that the band plays. Be as descriptive as possible—is it Latin? Bossa Nova? Swing? What is the form? Melody? Articulation? Rhythm?

2. Describe the band in as much detail as possible. Is it a combo or a big band?

3. Analyze the person playing the instrument you play in class (or the one that is most similar). What are some things that they do that surprise you? How is the musician’s tone, rhythm, articulation, and phrasing?

4. How are the solos? Do you think they are improvised? How do you think they learned to play solos the way they are? How do they take turns between soloists? Do you hear any quotations? Does the rhythm section interact with the soloist in any way?

5. What is your overall impression of the concert? Name 3 things you liked and 3 things you didn’t like. Did you get any ideas for how to improve your playing for future concerts? Do you have any suggestions for things that you would like to see your jazz band do for future concerts?