In this written essay I am going to analyze the crucial elements of my performance

preparation, performance technique, and stagecraft elements. Also, I am going to

explain the role of the ensemble performer and musical director concerning the
musical style of the performed set. I will also describe interaction techniques across
the performed pieces within the ensemble.

In my case, the first step in the preparation for the performance was to
establish a setlist of musical pieces with members of the ensemble. That includes
the order in which the songs would be played, instrumentation, and foreseeable or
unforeseeable changes in the structure of the performed pieces. It is important
because all ensemble members are making an effort to minimize the margin of error
during a performance. It may seem extremely unprofessional if, during a
performance, one of the band members is not sure which of the songs that were
established in the setlist is going to be played next. After forming the setlist it is
important to discuss with the musical director how the guitar parts are going to be
split between guitarists, and if there are any planned changes in the guitar score.
If there is a situation where there is no musical director or a conductor, it is important
to establish how the guitar parts are going to be distributed with the other guitarist (if
there is another one). If there is more than one guitar track in the original rendition of
the musical piece, and there is no other guitarist, it would be recommended to
discuss with the keys player if they are willing to take on some of the guitar parts.
The next step in the preparation for the performance would be to learn the musical
pieces by transcribing and analyzing them. It is important to note all of the changes
that were previously discussed with the musical director and adjust them in the final
iteration of the transcribed pieces.

Because I am a guitarist it is my responsibility to adjust the tone of my

instrument and the settings of my amplifier, so both of those are going to adequately
fit into the genre of the performed pieces in an audibly pleasurable way. To achieve
such an outcome, three of the following things need to be considered.
1. Guitar - to be more specific both body type and pickups setup. For example, if
one of the performance pieces is going to stylistically refer to genres like funk,
it is going to be more adequate to use a guitar that has a brighter sound
(telecaster or Stratocaster type body) with pickups that exaggerate higher
frequencies (usually single coil style pickup in the neck or middle position).
Where if the performed pieces are stylistically closer to genres like rock, punk,
or metal, it would be more appropriate to use heavy body guitar (Les Paul
body style guitar) with humbucker style pickups that characterize in a warmer
tone. Those pickups emphasize the low end of the guitar signal and are
perfect for such genres. The added benefit of using those pickups is the fact
that they produce less noise compared to single coil style pickups.
2. Guitar effects. In this case, everything depends on the character of the
performed piece. As guitarists, we have unlimited availability of guitar pedals
with a nearly infinite variety of effects modulating the tone of our instrument. In
 my opinion, the assembly of the signal chain that is going to be used in the
performance should begin right after choosing our guitar for any of the
performed pieces and after confirming what kind of amplifier is going to be
used while performing. Thanks to that we can adjust our pedalboard in such a
way where we can minimize the number of stompboxes in our signal chain.
While creating a signal chain it is important to follow a few basic rules. Firstly,
the assembled signal chain should generate the least amount of noise
possible. Secondly, it should be organized in such a way that is easy to read
and to maneuver around flawlessly without turning off or turning on unwanted
stompboxes unintentionally.
3. Guitar amplifier. In my case, I prefer using the clean channel of any amplifier
and then modulate the sound using my guitar effects. Working this way is
more feasible because I can always get similar outcomes using different
amplifiers. It is also more efficient as all I have to do is plug in my pedalboard
and turn it on. It drastically decreases the time I need to prepare for
rehearsals, sound checks, and performances. It is important to remember to
consult with the sound engineer on how loud the amplifier should be set. It
cannot be too loud otherwise it would overwhelm the rest of the band, and it
cannot be too quiet because we might end up not hearing ourselves and the
sound engineer wouldn’t be able to work with our sound.

After assembling all of the gear and adjusting the tones, the next step would be to
learn all of the parts by heart, to a point where we should be able to play them
without any reference.

In the following section, I will describe a few of the responsibilities of the musical
director. Music directors are taking part in all of the elements of the production and
performance of music. They are leading the musicians through rehearsals and in the
performance itself. Sometimes they are also responsible for administrative details of
leading the musical group, for example scheduling music rehearsals. One of the
roles of a musical director is to choose the instrumentation with which the musical
piece is going to be performed. Musical directors are also assessing the rhythm,
tone, voice, and skills of each musician in the ensemble. On top of that their role is to
develop a good understanding of each musician's abilities. A good music director is
capable of adjusting certain parts of any given musical piece to the level of abilities
of any member of the band that he or she is responsible for. Musical directors should
have a vast knowledge of instrumentations so they can understand how each
instrument works, and what it is capable of. They should also possess extensive
musical vocabulary which allows for quick communication with musicians.

The next important element of any live performance is to create a choreography.

Choreography is an important part of a musical act because:
1. It helps to avoid the feeling of “stiffness” while performing. The audience is
expecting to see a show which they are going to enjoy both audibly and
 visually. The lack of movement on stage might lessen the change of the
audience enjoying the show.
2. The first impression - it is important to establish a certain momentum and
energy right at the start of the show. That helps to control the flow of the
performance.
3. Choreography helps to avoid mistakes and unwanted incidents. For example,
if there is a massive guitar solo in one of the performed pieces, and the
vocalist gives the signal to the guitarists so he or she can come forward but
they don’t do that, it might come as awkward and might wreck the flow that
was previously established by the ensemble.
4. The choreography makes the performance feel more cohesive. Cohesiveness
on the other hand allows for maintenance of the energy level on the venue.
That then leads to the audience enjoying the musical performance even more.
5. Part of the choreography is to also coordinate the outfit with every band
member. That helps create a cohesive idea of the performance.

Another important part of performing is interactions between musicians. Ensemble

members need to be able to communicate with each other without words while
performing. Each of the performers needs to know what is going on at any time
during the musical performance. That helps with avoiding unwanted incidents, and in
case if something happens, it allows for a quick fix of the problem that occurred.

One of the most important parts of any musical performance is to engage with the
audience. Engaging the viewers might turn the way the performance is going by 180
degrees. It is an extremely useful performance technique that helps with controlling
the flow of the show.

At the end of any performance, it is important to thank the audience for

coming to the show. It shows respect to the fans and helps create a bond with the
fanbase. That then leads to the fans supporting the ensemble which allows for
further development of the band.