MUC-319-S01 Observation Guidelines

Objective:
Throughout the semester, observe five (5) events in which an orchestra or wind ensemble is in
performance. Other genres may be accepted if there are enough instruments to provide complex
orchestration or diverse sound palette (i.e. chamber symphony, sinfonietta, etc. No string
quartets, brass quintets, chamber ensembles, etc.). Check with me first. You may observe
concerts that you participate in, if necessary based upon scheduling conflicts. Submit completed
observations to jsokol@bw.edu.
Because of the sporadic nature of concerts and performances, observations will be submitted one
at a time throughout the semester. Final day for observation submission is Friday, 12/2.
Criteria to document:
Time, location, performing group
Piece(s) performed/programmed
Three (3) striking moments, orchestrationally speaking, from each piece. Consider:
o Why was it attention-grabbing?
o What instruments were involved in making the sound/moment?
o How did it fit the piece contextually?
o What is its probable notation, or:
o Are you driven to locate a score?
o Why does it appeal to you?
o Other notes you are compelled to include
How would you consider implementing such a moment in your own music?
Though no wording format is required, prose is preferred over bullet-point documentation. I
would like to see you use your extensive musical vocabulary to describe and detail these
moments and sounds in a way that invites the reader to experience what youve experienced.
Grading:
Punctuality (30%) Make sure your observations are completed and turned in on time.
Content (30%) Did you include the above criteria in your documentation?
Writing/Grammar (40%) Display your skills of an author. Demonstrate that youve taken the
time to listen and understand the pieces youve chosen to observe. Communicate using your
years of vocabulary, terminology, and musical understanding, and paint a picture of the pieces,
moments, and/or sounds in question. Dialogue does not need to be formal, but a level of
informality above e-mail would be greeeeeaaaatly appreciated!