C1 – stylistic understanding and topic representation
A convincing and clear understanding of the style is evident. ‘Music of the last 25 years (Australian Focus)’ is successfully explored through the performing media and the demands of the genre. The musical material is well structured to explore and express a perceptive display of the student's understanding of the topic. Musical features including detailed expressive techniques, riff based musical material and the combination of electronic performing media results in a perceptive and well-structured composition.
C2 – understanding of musical concepts and the relationships between them
A clear structure is evident and the student's ability to effectively meet the demands of the time limit is successful. Some under use of the performing media is apparent. All musical concepts have been effectively and coherently explored. The rhythmic material has been carefully considered and utilises ostinato based rhythmic patterns which are then developed through a perceptive understanding of the style. The individual layering of parts and respective voicing and dynamics demonstrate an accomplished understanding of balance within the ensemble. The pitch material is very well informed and demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of the musical characteristics of the style. The harmonic progression and transitions between sections are highly successful and result in a continuously evolving compositional structure.
C3 – knowledge of score conventions and performance directions
This composition demonstrates strong knowledge of the score conventions and an insightful understanding of the capabilities of the performing media which is notated effectively. Rhythmic groupings are notated mostly accurately, and extensive performance notes are provided. The presentation of the score could be improved by deleting staves that are not used in some sections and to perhaps use a landscape layout to reduce the number of pages. Overall, the student has demonstrated highly accomplished knowledge of score conventions and performance directions appropriate to the style.