Jazz Performance Report Assignment

Essential Requirements

You must attend a jazz performance during the semester in which you are taking this course. Video or live streaming is not accepted. Date, time location/venue, and a web link to public documentation of the event must be included in the report.
The performance must be jazz. Blues, rock, country, classical, or any other styles of music are not accepted. If you are in doubt of whether or not the performance is jazz, feel free to check with me ahead of time.
The concert must be performed by a group of musicians – at least three in the ensemble, who play different instruments, which may also include vocals. Solo or duo performances are not accepted since there is not enough variety in the instruments used. The performers must be at least at the high school level and preferably beyond. Middle school/junior high-level performances are not accepted.
The report must be authentic, and the facts of the performance, date, time, and venue must be 100% accurate. Any report containing false or misleading information, or that appears to be identical to or based on someone else’s work (plagiarized) is unacceptable and will receive a ZERO. See ACADEMIC INTEGRITY in the syllabus for details.

The Report

Write a report of at least two pages (600 words), giving a review of the performance you attended. If it is a jazz concert, then you must attend the entire performance. If it is a jazz club date, then you must stay for at least one set (or about one hour). The introductory paragraph must contain the following information:

Date, time, and the location/name of the venue at which the performance was held. If the performance was not an Illinois State University event, a web link to public documentation of the event must be included.
Who performed (list the names and instruments of all the musicians).
The pieces that were performed.
In the body of the report, analyze at least three (3) of the pieces that were performed. The analysis of each piece should be one paragraph long (or longer if necessary). For each piece, discuss any or all of the following:

What was the style of the piece? As best you can, identify the genre or genres (e.g., cool jazz, bebop, etc.)
Identify the form of the piece, and describe the sections. Who played the melodies?
Describe the melody of the piece. Which instruments played it? What were your impressions of it?
Describe how the rhythm section played for each piece, and compare/contrast how they approached one song differently from another. What was the bassist doing? What was the drummer doing? What was the pianist or guitarist doing?
Which instruments had solos? Provide some detail here, for example, whether or not the soloists interacted with the ensemble or other musicians, how long the solos lasted, whether you liked them, etc.
Did the piece feature improvisation? If so, was it collective or solo improvisation? Which instruments participated in the improvisation?
What was your impression of this piece overall? Did you have a favorite section?

In the concluding paragraph(s), discuss the following:

Your overall impressions of the performance. Did a particular piece stand out? Did you have a favorite soloist? Would you want to see these particular jazz musicians perform again?
Describe the audience as a whole, and the typical audience member. What was the audience’s reaction to the concert? Were they more interested in the performers or the music? Did the performers “connect” with the audience in some way that seemed appropriate for the style of music?

Tips

Be on time to the performance.
Bring a notepad and a pen to take down notes.
If the performers introduce their pieces, take note of what they say. If you can, talk to the performers afterward. Use their perspectives in your report.
Write this report as soon as you can after seeing the performance so that it stays fresh in your mind.
Be sure to keep a backup of your report in the event that you need to resubmit it for any reason.