Assignment 2

Group Performance and Reflective Journal

This assignment aims to develop ensemble musicianship, arranging skills, time management, organisation skills and group work. The group work will be supported by regular reflections via a blog/learning file which will include recordings, video and group planning.

Part A) A group performance demonstrating individual instrumental skills which contribute to a well considered, balanced and professional ensemble performance. The performance will have to reflect the module theme set by the module tutor and demonstrate the group’s learning over the module. As a group you will be required to arrange music which is suitable for your chosen instruments, one piece has to be an original composition devised by the group. Performance should be 5-8mins.

Part B) You will individually document your group rehearsals and processes as you work towards the final performance. The blog acts as a space to reflect upon your individual learning within the ensemble context. A minimum of 15 blog posts which include sound/video recordings, critiques of work-in-progress, reference to relevant literature and influencing artists. A minimum of eight references, 50% of which must be published texts.



Set Briefs for Group Performance:

1. SCENE 1: Jazz Club “The Cotton Club, 1925”. A famous jazz band and vocalist is featured, people are dancing, drinking and having a good time. 
2. SCENE 2: Broadway Musical/Casino “America’s Sweetheart, 1931” The show is a Hollywood satire. Two young lovers hitchhike to Hollywood to make their fortune. The girl hits it big and she loses interest in her boyfriend, who hasn’t done well. As the result of talking pictures, the tables are reversed, and the boy is a big star and the girl is down, but they make up. 
3. SCENE 3: Movie/Ball Room, “Tea Dance at the Ritz, 1936”. A love scene, their eyes meet across the dance floor and the foxtrot sweeps them around the dance floor. Other dancers sweep around them in typical ‘Hollywood’ fashion.