TASK

Choose an audition video, and complete a thorough review with the following items:

1. You will need to learn a bit about the artist/group you are reviewing. Who are they? Where are they from? How did they get their start? Any other interesting information that is relevant to their life/lives and career(s)? I would suggest using Biography.com to find info. Although, some of the musicians may require a bit more searching.

2. You will need to keep track of the set-list for the audition video. What songs did the artist/group perform? Additionally, what instruments were used for each song? If your artist/group is chosen, we will need to know what kind of stage set-up to prepare for!

3. The biggest and most important portion of this review should be a journal of your creative listening. For each song in your artist's/group's set-list, you need to keep a detailed creative listening journal.

   • Fluency: Keep a list of the things you hear as you hear them. Additionally, you will also want to keep track of how musical ideas make you feel.

   • Flexibility: Can you expand your review to include multiple musical categories? While listening to each song, consider the rhythm, harmony, melody, texture, timbre, style, story, mental imagery, and/or emotion of the music. Remember, creative listening is unique and personal! Don't worry too much about 'right' answers, just think about YOUR answer.

   • Elaboration: Consider how the musical categories you hear relate to one another. Try to combine what you are hearing to create a detailed and thorough response.

   • Originality: As you listen to each song, write about at least one thing that you think of, hear, or feel, that you don't think anyone else would have heard/considered!

4. Write a few sentences reflecting on your creative listening experience. Do you think your artist/group would be a good fit for our festival? Why or why not?

Don't forget... we have to have an opener! Go on to YouTube and search for amateur musicians, or artists that are not widely well-known. If you are having trouble, you may think about looking up song covers or audition videos from reality singing shows like American Idol or The Voice. Create a YouTube playlist of amateur musicians you feel should be considered to open for our headliner. As you make your playlist, think about what makes these musicians a good fit! You will need to defend your selections at our next selection committee meeting!