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.

Band: Concert Reflection March 2015

March 11, 2015 Concert Reflection

What is expected of me as a performer:  

1. What do I need to do leading up to the performance in terms of my own practicing?
Whenever we have a concert coming up, it is important to practice the pieces you are playing for the concert; especially the parts that you need more work on.

2. What is my responsibility on stage during a performance?
To be quiet, and remember the rest positions (instrument straight on your lap when conductor is off of podium; instrument on right knee when conductor is on podium).

3. What will I do differently in preparing for the next concert?
I want to practice only the parts that I need more work on, and my stamina. I also want to practice more often, and for short periods of time, rather than not often, and for long periods of time.

What is expected of me as an audience member:

1. What do I need to be doing while someone is performing?
It's important to be quiet, because it shows appreciation for the hard work. Sometimes long concerts can get repetitive, and possibly dull; but it is important to give them our attention.

2. What do I need to do after someone has performed?
Clap (also to show appreciation), but if the piece has multiple movements,  then make sure to clap only after all movements. You can use the program to tell how many movements have gone by; or if you are really unsure, then you can wait until the rest of the audience starts clapping.

3. What should I do if people around me are not being good audience members?
Give them the "shhh" sign, so you don't start talking either.

4. What will I do differently as an audience member for next concert?
Make sure to clap at the right time, and clap for longer; because I felt that I didn't do it enough.

I am most proud of... how i played accurately, and made the best sound possible.

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