How, when, and for what purpose does music play a role in the event? What types of instruments are used? What else strikes you?

How, when, and for what purpose does music play a role in the event? What types of instruments are used? What else strikes you?

Talk with participants at the event (to the extent that it is appropriate). Ask questions related to why they are there, and what the event and the music employed means to them (i.e., the significance). Try to speak with as many different people and kinds of participants as possible. Are there other, nonverbal ways of communicating with and receiving knowledge from participants?

Was a program distributed for the event? If so, make sure to get one, as it can be a valuable tool for you to understand the ordering of performances and to check the proper spellings of song titles or names of performers. Descriptions found in the program often communicate aspects of the event’s significance for those organizing it.