May 2015 Band Concert Reflection

Concert Reflection for May 12, 2015

1. Did you feel well prepared for this performance, why or why not? (ie: Did you do what was expected of you leading up to the concert?)

I felt really well prepared for this concert, because I put in more effort at home than I had for the previous concert. For this concert, I really tried to focus on things that I knew I needed work on in general. For example, I knew I would occasionally have rhythm issues, so I made sure to count through my part at home. I also worked more on 'chunking' or playing only the parts I need to work on. I think I did do what was expected of me on stage and in the audience.

2. What was the strongest part of our performance, and why?

I think our band as a whole performed African Folk Trilogy the strongest. We already had quite a bit of experience with this song because we played the first section for our previous concert. Also, this was probably the least challenging piece out of all of our pieces for this concert. The notes, but mostly rhythms were much more simple than the rhythms and notes in our pieces for this concert. For this reason, everyone was able to play this piece the best.
In general though, I think everyone blended their sound really well. For most of the time, we played together at the same time.

3.  What was the weakest part of our performance, and why? What can we (and you) do to improve for next time?

One thing we should've worked more on is our dynamics. I did try to make an effort to accurately follow the dynamics. But, the entire band and I could have put more work into doing this. I think this part was weakest because we started off with the right dynamics, but they faded out. Also, it can be difficult when someone next to you is playing loud when you aren't supposed to, and you want to be heard as well. When this happens, it seems to be about self control with the volume. But overall, we should've been more consistent with the dynamics.

4. On a scale from 1 to 5, (5 being the best) how would you rate the overall band students’ behavior as audience members for this concert?  Why? (no names please)

I would give the band students' audience behavior a 4/5. We were respectful to the musicians on stage, but there was some talking here and there. Our behavior was better than last concert, but it wasn't perfect.

5. What was your favorite piece and why?
My favorite piece was The Lost Tomb, because I thought it sounded the best. I really liked how the music was low, which gave a mysterious effect. Also, I liked how the melody and the harmony sounded together. This piece was also a challenge, which made it fun. I had more things to work on this concert than the last concert, and I felt that this piece was more at my level. The work behind it and the sound of the piece are what made The Lost Tomb my favorite piece.