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Extra-curricular activities

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Original poster

NCO 2018

991 replies

stringchild · 23/08/2017 19:07

The new annual thread for those interested and/or auditioning! Ask questions, update your news - lots of nco parents on board and those hoping to be :)

OP posts:
snowbellina · 12/12/2017 16:06

I think that is right.
Training, under 10 & under 11 can join London juniors.
Under 12, under 13 & main can join London seniors.

Under 11 people will be y6 now.

CharisInAlexandria · 12/12/2017 15:53

DD is in Year6 though will be Year7 by the time of the concert next year. Does it sound like I picked the right one?

WindMum · 12/12/2017 15:44

It's up to and including Year 6

CharisInAlexandria · 12/12/2017 15:32

Does any one know the correct age range for the London Junior Orchestra? I just signed up for this one. DD is 10 and I couldn’t see an age range on the website.

snowbellina · 12/12/2017 15:10

He is violin too.

Eroica · 12/12/2017 15:10

Congratulations to all that are in!

Dontbutme it's more likely that they have just been inundated with violin players so can choose a full complement from higher grade players. The standard for string players always seems higher for everything as so many children learn a string instrument.

snowbellina · 12/12/2017 15:10

It is hard to know dont - violin is extremely competitive and there are so many children who don't get in. Which Orchestra was your dd auditioning for?
Ds (10) auditioned for under 11s with grade 7 pieces that were to a high standard, but it would seem his sight-reading wasn't up to scratch. He has been offered regionals again, which he is happy with.

folkmamma · 12/12/2017 15:08

Indeed I can Double!!! Hope to see you there 😊

Dontbutme - standard is so high. My DD was 9 last year, played a G4 and G3 piece and got great feedback, she got regionals. Her BFF played even harder pieces (5/6) and got the same. This year she played G6 and G5 pieces (really well!) for U10's and has got Regionals again. However we are genuinely thrilled even though she didn't get U10s...

Trumpetboysmum · 12/12/2017 15:05

Congratulations all of those who have secured regional places . Dontbutme I think it's really usual to not get a place . Our dcs could play brilliantly but it's so competitive so if in our case if there are 6 other trumpet players who play better than ds on the audition day then he won't get in. It's hard , although for those who are a bit older like ds who are seriously considering pursuing music a useful life lesson I think . Hmm

dontbutme · 12/12/2017 15:00

DD aged 9, grade 3 violin, auditioned for the first time, didn't make it. Report is so positive - "secure intonation, no problems with sight reading, free bowing, very musical performance." Literally no criticism on the entire report - what are they looking for? She is very musical and was really hoping to get in!

How many kids do they select and is it quite common not to get in the first time?

Wafflenose · 12/12/2017 14:54

No I haven't heard yet. I think we are looking at 2x no and 1x maybe, so not sure about the theory.

Doubleup · 12/12/2017 14:48

You can use all those printed NCO cake toppers Folkmamma Smile

Well done to those who have heard so far.

bassclef · 12/12/2017 14:43

Congratulations folkmama dc

marmadukehussey · 12/12/2017 14:40

Nigglenotes, having experienced both an age-banded orchestra (first year) and the regionals/associates (this will be the third year) as a parent, I can only say a resounding "yes" to the question are the regionals beneficial. The teams involved are top-notch and the NCO is expanding its support for associates, eg an orientation morning ahead of the first rehearsal. For me as a parent, I like the regularity of it every month, which complements the music groups etc DC is involved with outside of the NCO. I can hand on heart recommend it because I know DC loves being part of it. The end of year concerts are incredible and give everyone a focus. She also picks up a lot from more experienced/accomplished players.

snowbellina · 12/12/2017 14:39

Has the person who is awaiting 3 audition results heard yet?
That might spoil the theory! 🤔

CrazyMamaOf2 · 12/12/2017 14:39

Lovely news Folkmamma. x x

violinistmum · 12/12/2017 14:37

Congratulations to all who've heard that they have a place in regionals!

folkmamma · 12/12/2017 14:28

Same for us - Associate Membership and Regionals. Very happy with that, she had such a fantastic time last year (same again for us) and it was definitely worthwhile. So, who will we be seeing at South Easterlies??? Xx

CrazyMamaOf2 · 12/12/2017 14:28

NSSO sounds interesting. What age groups do they cater for?

CrazyMamaOf2 · 12/12/2017 14:22

Well done Snowbell, MarmaDuke and Taggie to your little ones...

Nigglenotes · 12/12/2017 14:01

Snow, do you think that being in regionals was really beneficial though, to musical development? Asking as you have been though the system and I have no idea.

Nigglenotes · 12/12/2017 13:59

Excellent news for minitaggie!

Variable pulse sounds quite a detailed analysis. DD thinks that counting is optional, and only at the beginning couple of lines..

bassclef · 12/12/2017 13:57

Well done miniTaggie!

snowbellina · 12/12/2017 13:55

My eldest has been through NCO and is now retired 👵! My youngest has had associate membership the last few years, but I'm not sure we can this year due to sporting commitments.

Eroica · 12/12/2017 13:53

NSSO sounds intriguing, and Malvern is far more accessible than NCO was sounding. I am being treated to Maple Leaf Rag on endless repeat as DD prepares for end of term performance (tres Christmassy, no?).
How I wish there were piano ensembles!

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