Music Report for Rider University - Essay Example

She started on a pianissimo and the audience held their breath. The performance was quite amazing and by the time she hit the crescendo, the hall was in an uproar. She played out the long notes beautifully. However, the student encountered one problem: nervousness. Maybe it was the presence of her instructor, Dr. Rife, or the overwhelming audience. The burden of expectation weighed down on her. Nevertheless, she was able to gather courage and improved her performance as the evening wore on.

Then came Dr. Rife and the Rhythm Kings Band. The band brought together great talents, including Dan Tobias on the trumpet, Pete Reichlin on the trombone, Pat Mercuri on the banjo and guitar, and Lenny Pucciatti who was working the drums. Dr. Jerry Rife played the clarinet. The various instruments combined powerfully to get the audience on their feet. The accompaniments balanced well with the vocals, especially in the band’s rendition of the spiritual, Down by the Riverside. The performance of the spiritual resonated well with the audience although the band gave it a feeling of jazz. This was something new, listening to hymn played in the jazz style. I loved this version of the hymn as it injected freshness into an otherwise drab song.

The performance had its downside nonetheless. There were moments when the percussions were louder than the vocals. Consequently, it was not easy to make out the lyrics of the songs. There were also moments when the crescendos were so high that they were almost deafening. I generally dislike high notes as they interfere with my brain. I also dislike accompaniments that shroud vocals. I prefer music that is cool enough to allow even a conversation to take place.

The audience thoroughly enjoyed the performances. They appreciated the performers by applauding loudly, clapping, and whistling. In return, the performers responded by thanking the audience by word of mouth and through gestures such as bowing and saluting them. I had the same reaction to the performance. This was because I enjoyed the performance immensely. The violinist aroused in me a passion: playing the violin. I will have to spare some time to learn the violin. Dr. Rife was - and is - a great inspiration to me.

Despite the few shortcomings that I experienced at the concert, I think it was a great performance. Dr. Rife's prowess in music was beyond question. The performers gave a great account of themselves. The concert was great despite the few setbacks that we encountered.