After witnessing several different concert traditions during class, I came to the realization that I would be the most comfortable in a jazz club performance as an audience member. The environment in the jazz club is carefree and less restricted in comparison to the chamber music recital and the symphony orchestra concert. The audience is dressed in informal clothing and is allowed to use their cell phones. They are able to socialize with the people around them. In addition, there are waiters walking around the club to serve the audience food and drinks. The audiences’ freedom to socialize and have a meal during the performance makes it more entertaining. Personally, I like to be in an environment where I can be my true self and not have to abide to strict rules.

The performance itself is spontaneous and unexpected. Jazz music is primarily improvised. In the textbook it states, “Musicians are expected to create and develop new ideas in the moment, with the same case as two people having a spontaneous conversation” (Page 665). This evidently proves that music performed in a jazz club would not be practiced or planned from beforehand. I am fond of spontaneity and I love to be surprised. I would really enjoy being an audience member in a jazz club performance because I would be able to listen to new and exciting music played by several instruments such as the guitar, trumpet, and drums.

I would be the least comfortable at a symphony orchestra concert. The audience is quietly sitting as the performers are performing. They are also dressed in formal clothing and are prohibited from using their cellphones. There are several rules that the audience members must follow in respect to the performers. The sole focus is on the performance on stage, so the audience should avoid anything that might distract themselves or the people surrounding them. I would expect to listen to a string quartet from the performers which is two violins, viola, and cello.