Name: ________________________________ Date: ______________ Period: ___________
Concert Review Worksheet
Basic Guidelines:
Due Date is the end of concert week • Papers turned in one day late will be docked one letter grade.
• NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED more than two days after due date.
Specifications:
• At least 1 page in length, typed, double-spaced, 1" margins top, bottom and sides.
• Font: Times New Roman or similar readable font, 10 - 12 point size (no smaller, no larger).
• You may also use a full 81/2” x 11” sheet of lined paper to hand write your review.
What Do I Write?
The opening paragraph:
•
Briefly describe the event (type of music, type of ensemble, date, time, location, purpose, etc.). In
the opening sentences or even in the title, you might summarize the general experience. Avoid
naming all of the titles of compositions in this paragraph.
Questions to address in the bulk of the review: (you DO NOT have to write about them in this order)
•
What about this experience was new or different for you?
•
What impressed you about this RHS concert experience and why?
•
Which selection appealed to you the most? Explain what it was about the music/performance that
made it stand out. Be specific - pitch, rhythm, intonation, blend, balance, etc.
•
If there was a selection that you did not enjoy, why didn't you enjoy it? Be specific about the music!
•
What was your opinion about the group’s presentation of the music?
•
Your conclusion should summarize your overall impression of the concert.
Above all, make sure you review the musical elements of the performance. You will not get full
credit unless you write specifically about the musical performance of all groups!
Concert review style suggestions that will make your review more professional
•
•
•
•
•
Avoid the use of the word "song" when you may really intend the word "piece" or "composition".
Name the title when you're talking about a composition and put its name in italics.
Here is an example of an efficient way to name the composer and title of a composition: "Mr.
Smith's composition Voices Rock effectively employs an offbeat combination of witty lyrics, lush
harmonies, piano, and African instruments."
If you comment on specific people (i.e. the conductor or soloists) give their names for clarity.
Take some time to read other professional concert reviews. You might get a few good ideas about
what is appropriate in terms of style and content.
Writing Rubric
Concert Review – RHS Music
!
FOCUS
CONTENT
ORGANIZATION
STYLE
CONVENTIONS
!
!
Many detailed
musical descriptions
and examples to
show, not tell.
Referenced specific
pieces of music.
Strong introduction,
body, and
conclusion. Clear
and orderly details.
New ideas begin
new paragraphs.
Excellent word
choice and uses
musical terms.
Sentences have
different beginnings
and lengths.
Very few mistakes in
grammar,
punctuation,
spelling, and
capitalization.
!
!
Some discussion of Clear introduction,
music examples and body, and
descriptions.
conclusion.
Good word choice.
Some sentences
have different
beginnings and
lengths.
Some mistakes in
grammar,
punctuation,
spelling, and
capitalization.
Few musical
examples and
descriptions. Details
are vague.
Some overused
Many mistakes in
words. Many
grammar,
sentences have
punctuation,
same beginning and spelling, and
length.
capitalization, but
still understandable.
Very good ideas
about specific items
4 of the musical
performances.
Good ideas about
the musical
3 performances.
!
!
2
!
!
A few ideas about
the performance.
Topic is unclear. Did No musical
not present
examples or
1 information about
descriptions.
the musical
performance.
Unclear
introduction, body,
or conclusion.
Confusing details.
No introduction,
Many overused
body, or conclusion. words. Most
sentences have
similar beginnings
and lengths.
Difficult to
understand because
of mistakes in
grammar,
punctuation,
spelling, and
capitalization.
Edited by Mr Smith 9/2011