Concert Reflection

An assignment I give regularly is to have the students write a Post-Concert Reflection. I coordinate these assignments with the Language Arts faculty to maintain consistent expectations for writing style, paragraph structure, etc. I also provide a Word Bank of music theory terminology that was covered in class, to give students an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the terminology.

The following is an abridged form of the document students are given. Click here for the full assignment (including the word bank). After filling in the appropriate portions, students return their completed writing assignment via Google Classroom.

Assignment:

You have been working on writing ACE paragraphs in Language Arts. We are going to use your learning in Language Arts and apply it to your concert reflection.

Directions: Please write an ACE paragraph (Answer-Cite-Explain) including at least one strength and one area where you individually could improve based on the recording that we watched and your learning in class since the start of the school year. Please use at least two vocabulary words (highlight them) provided from the word bank.

For each answer, you will need to provide the exact measures from your band pieces performed to explain your answer.

Example: “In Machine Age, I felt that I have improved on my counting of eighth notes and rests. One spot that I improved on would be measures 37-40. I was able to write in the counting and play my parts accurately.

Self-Assess Individual Performance:

Strength: {To be completed by the student}

Area for Improvement: {To be completed by the student}

                                                                                                               

Directions: Please write an ACE paragraph (Answer-Cite-Explain) including at least one strength and one area where the ensemble could improve based on the recording that we watched and your learning in class since the start of the school year. Please use at least two vocabulary words (highlight them) provided from the word bank.

For each answer, you will need to provide the exact measures from your band pieces performed to explain your answer.

Assess 8th Grade Band Performance:

Strength: {To be completed by the student}

Area for Improvement: {To be completed by the student}

                                                                                                               

Grading Rubric:

Total Score =___/20 

Individual Self Evaluation

	6 points	4 points	2 points	Comments
ACE Paragraph	Demonstrates proficient understanding of ACE format. All components are clearly and accurately stated and position is defended.	Demonstrates developing understanding of ACE format. Some components are not clearly and accurately stated and defense of position is mildly compelling.	Demonstrates novice understanding of ACE format. The ACE paragraph components are not clear. One or more components may be missing. Position is not defended with evidence.
	4 points	2 points	0 points	Comments
Vocabulary Usage	Demonstrates proficient use of both vocabulary terms. Student clearly describes the term that is used and referenced accurate measure(s) in music.	Demonstrates proficient use of one vocabulary term. Student clearly describes the term that is used and referenced accurate measure(s) in music.	Student does not demonstrate proficient use of any vocabulary terms.

Group Evaluation

	6 points	4 points	2 points	Comments
ACE Paragraph	Demonstrates proficient understanding of ACE format. All components are clearly and accurately stated and position is defended.	Demonstrates developing understanding of ACE format. Some components are not clearly and accurately stated and defense of position is mildly compelling.	Demonstrates novice understanding of ACE format. The ACE paragraph components are not clear. One or more components may be missing. Position is not defended with evidence.
	4 points	2 points	0 points	Comments
Vocabulary Usage	Demonstrates proficient use of both vocabulary terms. Student clearly describes the term that is used and referenced accurate measure(s) in music.	Demonstrates proficient use of one vocabulary term. Student clearly describes the term that is used and referenced accurate measure(s) in music.	Student does not demonstrate proficient use of any vocabulary terms.