Concert Evaluation

A SingIsrael Concert Evaluation consists of a SingIsrael show reviewer attending one of your concerts as a "critical observer." The show reviewer evaluates all aspects of a performance, including:

  • Costumes
  • Repertoire
  • Props and Staging
  • MC/Spokespersons
  • Non-Singing Time
  • Vocal Skills
  • Interpretation
  • Stage Presence and Choreography
  • Instrumentation and Accompaniment
  • Enjoy-ability Factor
  • Starting Time

Explanation of Rating Criteria

The following areas are observed and commented upon when evaluating a show or performance. Ratings in each category are ranked from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest rating and 10 the highest. The cumulative score of each category gives a maximum score of 100 points. The eleventh category, Starting Time, is the only category in which a negative number can be awarded (see explanation below).

1. Costumes

Unless a non-standard entrance to the auditorium is used, the first impression of an audience to the performers is the costumes. Although performances today do not rely on the uniformity of costuming as they did in the past, costumes should have still some unifying theme. This can be as simple as a unifying color or as complex as a complete matching outfit. An initial score is given as a first-impression, and areas such as costume changes can positively or negatively impact the first-impression score.

2. Repertoire

Repertoire selection is a critical component of a successful performance. Questions asked include:

  • Is there a good "mix" of song tempos?
  • Does the show follow the standard "Performance Curve"?
  • Is there an effective use of soloists or small groups within the overall performance?
  • Does the selected repertoire "fit" the performers (i.e. a choir of school children singing a song from the perspective of a dying old person does not fit the performers)?
  • Do the singers enjoy the songs, or are they singing them under duress?

3. Props and Staging

Not all staging includes props, but effective use of props requires a dedicated staging plan. Therefore, a show reviewer looks for evidence of a natural, well planned and well executed staging plan.

  • Do props move on and off stage easily?
  • Are backstage areas completely hidden from audience view?
  • Do the performers know how and where to move between songs, without this movement interfering with the smooth running of the performance?

4. MC/Spokespersons

All performances include spoken comments. These can come from members of the singing group itself, or from an outside Master of Ceremonies (MC). Questions asked include:

  • Are all speakers comfortable with their speaking role?
  • Do in-group speakers rely on notes, or are their comments memorized?
  • If not memorized, does this detract from the performance?
  • If an outside MC is used, how effective is this person in his/her role?

5. Non-Singing Time

As important as the songs sung, how the performers handle the "dead space" in between songs is also important. Many singers are not aware that the non-singing parts of a performance should be as well rehearsed as any song, therefore the show reviewer asks:

  • Are song transitions smoothly executed?
  • How do the performers handle themselves in between songs?
  • When singing a cappella, do the performers get the pitch for the next song without drawing attention to the pitch taking?

6. Vocal Skills

Many singers believe vocal skills are the only criteria by which a singing performance should be graded. Yes, it is important, and a show reviewer looks for balance and blend of the sound (matching vowels, synchronized word sounds, etc.), overall sound quality (including resonance and a lack of vocal tension), intonation (singing in tune), as well as articulation/enunciation (can we hear the words clearly?).

7. Interpretation

How the music is interpreted is as important as how it is sung. Interpretation refers to the artistic ability of the performers to tell the musical story. The reviewer first looks for how the performers set the mood of the song. Once the mood is set, how do the performers develop the mood within the song? How do they handle mood changes? And, most importantly, is the interpretive plan of the song believable? In other words, are the singers/performers able to generate a believable mood at the start of the song, and maintain that, with appropriate changes, throughout the song? This is often the most difficult area for performers to grasp, and groups that master the art of interpreting songs are the ones that audiences enjoy the most.

8. Stage Presence and Choreography

Not to be confused with choreography (stage movements or dancing), "stage presence" is defined as "how the performers present themselves on stage." The show reviewer looks for a general impression of comfort, the posture and body ease, and the naturalness of each performer, both in singing and non-singing parts of the performance.

Choreography, the planned movements or dance steps used during a performance, is something many singing groups spend too little time planning. As with non-singing time and stage presence, performers must be thoroughly comfortable with all choreographed movements, so that execution of these movements will seem easy and natural. Here, too, the show reviewer looks for a general impression of comfort with the stage movements, as well as the effectiveness and the execution of the planned movements.

9. Instrumentation and Accompaniment

For those groups that use instrumental accompaniment, it is important that the instruments not interfere with the performance. The show reviewer notes the type of instruments used, as well as the transitions between and among the instruments during the show. Do they enhance or detract from the performance, and are they used to best effect throughout the performance?

10. Enjoy-ability Factor

Just how enjoyable was the performance? The show reviewer asks these final questions:

  • Was the performance well planned?
  • Was there an indication of adequate rehearsal/preparation time?
  • Was the audience feedback appropriate to the performance?
  • Did I enjoy the show as much as I expected to?

11. Starting Time

An on-time start is a critical component of a successful show. As a result, two (2) points are deducted for each 5 minute delay from the scheduled starting time. However, little or no deduction is made if the reviewer feels the delay was the result of circumstances beyond the control of the performers (i.e. weather problems force a late audience arrival, etc.). There is a maximum deduction of -24 points.

Contact us to schedule your SingIsrael Concert Evaluation.

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