NCO 2019

Haha, yes the complete lack of contact - I know it well! I do know DD2 got a WhatsApp message from me as I can tell she’s read it, but no response. She will still expect some mail from home though

Remind me what your DD plays Musicdoc - I dip in and out of the thread and can’t remember.

Another quiet house here.... DS on Mains and DD on U12s.... both happy and no issues with both of them trying to ring me at the same time yet!

We have a very quiet house at the moment with DD2 at NCO and DD1 still away on her D of E practice expedition. She’s back later today, but I suspect that we won’t be seeing much of her while she catches up on sleep.

Rara hated wearing the skirt and said it felt like a sack. I would have liked to have at least seen it, or a photo of it though.

I’m another who was looking forward to having a DD in a red skirt for the first time, and she was excited too. She doesn’t like polo shirts.

I don't think the almighty cock up over the boys shirts has helped one iota, either, Polly.

It does feel a bit odd that my DS won't wear his tie again. I always liked the boys uniform and thought it looked super smart. It was just those bloody awful skirts and the stupid never ending rules about the girls that needed updating.

DS says there is a lot of disappointment that it has changed amongst the musicians themselves on Social Media!

When the U13s all wore red T shirts for the BBC's 10 Pieces thing last year I actually thought it looked OK. Just a shame they couldn't keep them! Goodness only knows what the fit of the boys shirts will be and of course we won't know until we see them in the concert ... ho hum ...

Ah... the 3/4 sleeve shirts. Which my DD said she could move her arm in probably (violin player) so we ended up having to cut up an extra 2inches...

Ah yes, the shoes rule. Not helpful when you have a dd with very skinny feet. Lucky if I can get any shoes to fit with a C fitting. To say nothing of having to buy the regulation 3/4 sleeve white shirt which she would refuse to wear other than in the concert - and only came in a 2-pack.....

I liked the red skirts (although I never saw Rara's... I could only see her top half in her concert) but won't miss buying "completely plain slip on black shoes with no embellishments, buckles, bows, shiny bits" ad infinitum. Also won't miss the endless rules over everything from hair ties to what bras were permitted!

I think they will look like an orchestra of matadors! I have just ordered a shirt and gone up half a collar size to make sure it fits all year. Hopefully they will have some extra shirts at the course in case anyone needs to swap sizes.

The polo shirts are enormous! Might be sending it back and getting a smaller size - although that might be too short. It’s the width that is the issue.

Hahaha Boys- indeed- lots of rules for the girls!
Polo shirts/shirts seems so much simpler.
Last year I did get a tie- even though I have girls- I thought the ties were nice.

Not me, I'm afraid. I always thought the skirts were outdated and impractical. Don't get me started on the 300 pages of rules about every little thing dictating a girl's appearance from shoe design to hair while the boys had "Black shoes, black trousers, white shirt, NCO tie". It's nice to see the NCO moving into the 21st century and towards a more level playing field.

Seems like they've changed concert wear. Is it only me feeling a bit sad about it? I liked the red long skirt and tie with the logo...

Thank you everyone for your support. I’m trying to reassure DD that all will be fine by next rehearsal - it’s mostly just speed that needs working on (& getting used to being surrounded by lots of other instruments & counting like mad & watching the conductor..... 😬

My DD was in U10s last year and she said the music there was more manageable than at the regional she attended. In fact one piece was common to both and the U10 version had it an octave lower which was easier for her to play on the trumpet.

2.5 years of 15 minute lessons and grade 5 sounds fantastic btw.

I don't know yet about under 10s but when ds did S Easterlies at 8 last year the music was much harder than what he got on the summer course with training orchestra. I think they also gain massively in confidence as regionals progresses. (ps have been on the the thread further up but name changed - I have a ds in U10s and London Junior this year).

Hi violinmamma, I have DD (U10 violinist) in London Junior, which has parent sharing session at each rehearsal instead of a formal concert.

I watched violin sections at the sharing session and found most of violinists made mistakes and only a few played confidently at some parts.

So I am sure that your DD is not the only one who struggled to play the pieces. Anyway, there is another month until the next rehearsal, so your DD has plenty of time to practice. Don't worry, just do the best and enjoy the experience.

Yes, first time playing in a full orchestra. She’s in 2nds - at the back.

Is this her first time in a full orchestra? Maybe she was just a little overwhelmed. I think the music is probably around that level? Was she in 1st/2nds?

She’s 8, been playing 2.5 years (but only has 15 minute lessons) and is grade 5

I’m not sure Violin mama- what level is your dd at and how old is she?