Project 4 - Task 5 - Evaluation
Strengths and Weaknesses of our performance -
Our performance ran very smoothly overall but in each individual song there where strengths and weaknesses. For my first song 'Lay Me Down' by Sam Smith one of the keys strengths would be how we harmonised together on several bits not all of it or the song would have no up lift or climax as it would be on the same level the whole time. Another one would be the use of riffs and dynamics throughout the song, I believe that as we tried to build a climax adding dynamics for soft building to strong would have a good affect alongside this using riffs and clean cuts with harsh sounds adds the affect of an emotion of sad and anger. For example on the first chorus it was gentle and soft with extended notes where as the end was more louder with a use of sharp and belty notes to show the emotion. With this we also used head voices and then louder belt notes to highlight the story and journey of emotions. Lastly I believe the range that we had was wide and showed what our best notes were and what possibly needed work.
For our weaknesses I think the main one for me was having more facial expression and emotion as thesis a key one through out all the songs as I let my nerves take over my performance I get stuck on the performance rather than what I am singing however at some points I believe I showed emotion through my stance and face. Another weakness of mine for this song was I forgot to come in at a certain point so I need to make sure nerves don't get the better of me.
For the next two songs I believe the strengths and weaknesses where the same, the strengths were we interacted well with each other and our voices blend well together. Another one would be we we use eye contact and look at the audience. Also we use the microphone stand to show emotion as the songs we sung were slow we like having it their as a form of emotion. Alongside this the way we split the song was fair and the harmonies and use of dynamics were good and clear, especially in 'If I Could Fly' we split the song up so we sung completely different bits and we added harmonies over harmonies instead of over the melody. Lastly for all 3 songs our ending and climax is all clear as we start of calm and slow and build up for then back down to a slow sod finish. However in 'Cant Help Fallin In Love' that song is mainly on one level so to make it more interesting we changed the last verse and chorus, mine was changed a key higher on some lyrics and I also added in trills.
The weaknesses for these songs for me on a personally level is I need t move more I do use the microphone stand as a comfort and try and hide behind it. I also feel as if I could of pushed more on some notes as I do shy away when using my head voice and that possibly comes across in my body language or face. Another one for me is to stop swaying as much as a little swaying to the music is good but sometimes I can't stop myself and it look like I'm scared. Over all I really think this performance went as well as it could and I was happy with how it planned out.
The contribution -
The contribution to the songs for us was completely equal we both suggested songs from our gigging playlist and played around with some songs and then we agreed on our first two songs. The last song which initially was 'Cartwheels' By Ward Thomas was chosen equally as we both wanted to do something we had never sung before therefore this son we both knew of and lied ad we both like country and this group. However we both wasn't as comfortable singing this in the end so changed it to one of our all time favourites to sing which was 'Cant Help Fallin In Love' Elvis Presley. For the rehearsals we were both always happy to rehearse when we could and made effort to give each other feedback on what goes well and what doesn't and what we think we could improve for next time. Everything in the process was always equal and made sure we was both happy. Even when it came to the performance day we still both asked each other if we was happy with everything, it was never a one sided thing. Even when it came to where we wanted to stand and what moves we wanted and even where we would rehearse.
Thoughts, feelings and reactions at the time -
My thoughts at the time of the performance was is everything going to run smoothly and exactly like we rehearsed or would one of us mess up or forget to do something, alongside this I was also thinking about whether people would be judging me on the performance in either good or a bad way. This then links onto how I was feeling at the time, I was cry nervous and apprehensive about what was going to happen and not knowing what to expect from the students and the general audience. I was also feeling under pressure and excited at the same time, I felt under pressure as I knew how good all the previous acts where and didn't want any of the audience to be disappointed but on the other hand I was excited to show everyone what me and Rachel have been working on and hat type of music we like and think suit us best.
My reaction to the overall performance was expected as I knew whatever me and Rachel did I would be proud of us anyway, however I was still shocked at how much the audience liked us and how many compliments we received. This made me feel good and like all the effort we made was worth it.
Analyse the performance from different perspectives -
From an audience perspective I believe they would of found the performance refreshing due to the difference in genre compared to the other performers. "thats better" this was said by a member of the audience complementing us. I also think from another audience perspective they would appreciate the fact that it was a slow set with clear dynamics and story to listen to so was easy to follow along. From a performers point of view either mine or a former student they might see it as technical showing off what we have learnt technically in lessons and putting the skills to a song which shows of what we have either achieved or proud to perform. From my point of view the performance was done with slow songs as they show of clear technical skills I have learnt also Rachel and we can make a clear emotional roller coaster which can engage anyone and everyone.
Conclusion -
From this whole process I have learnt all aspects of putting on a live performance from choosing the songs which are most suited to you and what will show off all your skills to preparing rehearsals setting goals and working on each song to make them the best they can possibly be to then the live performance speaking to the sound desk and making sure everything is correct and set in place for your performance. This whole thing has made me realise how much effort and dedication you need to put into this to make the best possible outcome. With this I have learnt that nothing is easy and working with different people from the industry teaches you more skills for your future career in live performances.
From this I have taken away goals and targets which consist of :
1. Being able to be more confident and not to stress
2. Try and fit in more rehearsals to make sure you can make the performance even better
3. Try and push my range further and choose a wider variety of genre
4. Work closer with more people in the industry to gain as much more knowledge as possible
5. Give more emotions and facial expression
6. Work with a band for live instrumentation
7. Challenge myself to harder songs and push me out my comfort zone
Overall the performance went really well. The key things I would change if I could do it again would be to have a wider variety of genre and some more up beat songs as our performance was all slow and sad songs but mage for the future the audience would like one happy up beat song instead of doom and gloom. I am extremely happy with how it went and me and Rachel work really well together and was glad I got to work with het.
For our weaknesses I think the main one for me was having more facial expression and emotion as thesis a key one through out all the songs as I let my nerves take over my performance I get stuck on the performance rather than what I am singing however at some points I believe I showed emotion through my stance and face. Another weakness of mine for this song was I forgot to come in at a certain point so I need to make sure nerves don't get the better of me.
For the next two songs I believe the strengths and weaknesses where the same, the strengths were we interacted well with each other and our voices blend well together. Another one would be we we use eye contact and look at the audience. Also we use the microphone stand to show emotion as the songs we sung were slow we like having it their as a form of emotion. Alongside this the way we split the song was fair and the harmonies and use of dynamics were good and clear, especially in 'If I Could Fly' we split the song up so we sung completely different bits and we added harmonies over harmonies instead of over the melody. Lastly for all 3 songs our ending and climax is all clear as we start of calm and slow and build up for then back down to a slow sod finish. However in 'Cant Help Fallin In Love' that song is mainly on one level so to make it more interesting we changed the last verse and chorus, mine was changed a key higher on some lyrics and I also added in trills.
The weaknesses for these songs for me on a personally level is I need t move more I do use the microphone stand as a comfort and try and hide behind it. I also feel as if I could of pushed more on some notes as I do shy away when using my head voice and that possibly comes across in my body language or face. Another one for me is to stop swaying as much as a little swaying to the music is good but sometimes I can't stop myself and it look like I'm scared. Over all I really think this performance went as well as it could and I was happy with how it planned out.
The contribution -
The contribution to the songs for us was completely equal we both suggested songs from our gigging playlist and played around with some songs and then we agreed on our first two songs. The last song which initially was 'Cartwheels' By Ward Thomas was chosen equally as we both wanted to do something we had never sung before therefore this son we both knew of and lied ad we both like country and this group. However we both wasn't as comfortable singing this in the end so changed it to one of our all time favourites to sing which was 'Cant Help Fallin In Love' Elvis Presley. For the rehearsals we were both always happy to rehearse when we could and made effort to give each other feedback on what goes well and what doesn't and what we think we could improve for next time. Everything in the process was always equal and made sure we was both happy. Even when it came to the performance day we still both asked each other if we was happy with everything, it was never a one sided thing. Even when it came to where we wanted to stand and what moves we wanted and even where we would rehearse.
Thoughts, feelings and reactions at the time -
My thoughts at the time of the performance was is everything going to run smoothly and exactly like we rehearsed or would one of us mess up or forget to do something, alongside this I was also thinking about whether people would be judging me on the performance in either good or a bad way. This then links onto how I was feeling at the time, I was cry nervous and apprehensive about what was going to happen and not knowing what to expect from the students and the general audience. I was also feeling under pressure and excited at the same time, I felt under pressure as I knew how good all the previous acts where and didn't want any of the audience to be disappointed but on the other hand I was excited to show everyone what me and Rachel have been working on and hat type of music we like and think suit us best.
My reaction to the overall performance was expected as I knew whatever me and Rachel did I would be proud of us anyway, however I was still shocked at how much the audience liked us and how many compliments we received. This made me feel good and like all the effort we made was worth it.
Analyse the performance from different perspectives -
From an audience perspective I believe they would of found the performance refreshing due to the difference in genre compared to the other performers. "thats better" this was said by a member of the audience complementing us. I also think from another audience perspective they would appreciate the fact that it was a slow set with clear dynamics and story to listen to so was easy to follow along. From a performers point of view either mine or a former student they might see it as technical showing off what we have learnt technically in lessons and putting the skills to a song which shows of what we have either achieved or proud to perform. From my point of view the performance was done with slow songs as they show of clear technical skills I have learnt also Rachel and we can make a clear emotional roller coaster which can engage anyone and everyone.
Conclusion -
From this whole process I have learnt all aspects of putting on a live performance from choosing the songs which are most suited to you and what will show off all your skills to preparing rehearsals setting goals and working on each song to make them the best they can possibly be to then the live performance speaking to the sound desk and making sure everything is correct and set in place for your performance. This whole thing has made me realise how much effort and dedication you need to put into this to make the best possible outcome. With this I have learnt that nothing is easy and working with different people from the industry teaches you more skills for your future career in live performances.
From this I have taken away goals and targets which consist of :
1. Being able to be more confident and not to stress
2. Try and fit in more rehearsals to make sure you can make the performance even better
3. Try and push my range further and choose a wider variety of genre
4. Work closer with more people in the industry to gain as much more knowledge as possible
5. Give more emotions and facial expression
6. Work with a band for live instrumentation
7. Challenge myself to harder songs and push me out my comfort zone
Overall the performance went really well. The key things I would change if I could do it again would be to have a wider variety of genre and some more up beat songs as our performance was all slow and sad songs but mage for the future the audience would like one happy up beat song instead of doom and gloom. I am extremely happy with how it went and me and Rachel work really well together and was glad I got to work with het.
