Performance+Venues

 There are many different types of performance venues. A performance could take place somewhere as small as your loungeroom or as large as the MCG. Different types of musical groups ... rock bands, acoustic groups , orchestras , choirs ... use different types of venues ...

Can you think of some rooms or areas that could be used as performance venues here at school? What about in the local Mill Park/Epping area or the city of Melbourne?

What sorts of facilities and characteristics are important for a concert venue to have? Think about the performers and the audience - their safety and comfort. What about setting up and packing up? Are there unpredictable events (eg weather) that could affect a performance?

Dead or Alive? Venues are described as "**live**" or "**dead**". A **live** room has reflective and hard walls, floor and high ceilings. The //advantage// of a live room is that sound projects easily and the room creates a natural reverb. This is ideal for singers, piano and wind instruments. The //disadvantage// of a **live** room is that sounds mix and bounce around easily. It is difficult to hear clarity when volumes rise. Drums in particular will sound excessively boomy.

A **dead** room is heavily carpeted, sound proofed and has no reflective surfaces. The //advantage// of a dead room is that it is realitively sound proofed. You can also perform at louder volumes while retaining clarity in sound. The //disadvantage// of these rooms is usually poor lighting, a lack of natural light, and poor ventilation. **Dead** rooms are often small which can be a problem for larger groups.

If you are interested in how concert venues are designed for the best sound you can read more here

Activities

Fill in these two forms to answer some questions about performance venues - your response will be assessed. Don't forget to hit "Submit" when you have answered all the questions. 1. Performance Venues media type="custom" key="5897503"

2. Venue Analysis media type="custom" key="5897517"