Brian Marshall

Kari Veblen
December 14, y

Annotated Bibliography
Zaffini, E. (2015). Using Informances in general music. General Music
Today, 28(2), 13-17. doi:10.1177/1048371314555221
In Erin Zaffinis article, Using Informances in general music, Zaffini
explores the idea of informances within the general curriculum. The author
brought a different light to this subject and portrayed things, like end of the
year concerts, in a way I have never thought of before. The author quotes in
his article. As one might imagine, along with potential benefits (such as
increased advocacy and exposure for your program), there can be a number
of downsides of having to plan a general music concert. Preparing students
for successful performances, particularly elaborate programs such as themed
concerts, musicals, or revues consumes a great deal of time, energy, and
resources (Nowmos, 2010).. Never before have I heard this side of the
argument: the negatives of end of the year concerts. This intrigued me
because it holds truth. Back in secondary school there would be music
nights. These were huge end of the term concerts put on by all the
ensembles within the school. Whenever these would come near, the music
classes would place majority of there attention and time in to the upcoming
concert. So I completely understand what the author in regards to this

ANNOTATED

problem. Attention must not be completely reverted away from learning

things in class in order prepare for end of the year concerts. Another quote
stated was that Instead of informing audiences about polished music pieces
performed in concert, some informances include music not yet concertready, music that the teacher and students continue to work on even at the
time of its presentation in concert (Kerchner, 2010, p. 15). Informances
serve as an excellent way of communicating ones educational objectives to
parents, administrators, and community members by sharing what and how
students learn in the classroom (Nowmos, 2010). Zaffini is saying that
concerts should be kept as a learning experience for example or informative
presentations. This is interesting, however I do not find it ideal or practical.
When I attend a school show I want to see it in its whole and completed, not
people just trying to learn the piece, that is what workshops and clinics are
for. I find that if we take that away we take away musicianship and its
doesn't push kids to learn the piece until its perfect. If I could say something
to the author it would be that even tho find his ideas interesting I do not find
them ideal or practical.

ANNOTATED