NCO 2019

Oh ok - that’s a shame if they were looking forward to wearing them . Are the boys still wearing red ties ?

Great achievement to get through to the second round truffle . Well done to your dd .
Even the website says that most applicants aren’t successful first time . Ds will try next year I think , but says he doesn’t expect to get in.
What’s this about red skirts and regional orchestras Crazy?

Sorry to hear minitruffle didn’t get a space but it’s an amazing achievement to get to the 2nd round... hope the feedback is helpful too 💐

Super well done to your DD. She's done an amazing challenge and experience! As you say, she can keep trying.

DD has just heard that she didn't get in. She is a bit sad but is going to request feedback so is just submitting the email for that.

I think she will try again next year. Thanks for all the good wishes.

Everything crossed for good news, Truffle - sounds like she did her best, so that's the most positive thing, and anything else would be a lovely bonus. 😃

Rupertswife, trying for junior definitely! She is around grade 5 which is the recommended minimum level so it just depends on how she plays, what they are looking for and how the others play! I looked at a video of the juniors and they had 5 oboes (!) so that increases the chances. I'm impressed at a youth orchestra playing Firebird, I played it in our adult orchestra and it is seriously tricky! ( Would help if I practiced more!)

well done truffle's DD! It is a big achievement to get through to the second round, so the NYO must be super interested . Very exciting!

horsey - sounds like an interesting process. Is your DD going for the junior or senior orchestra? NYOS are amazing. We saw them at the proms a few years ago! Their performance of the Stravinsky firebird had both DSes were boucing (literally) with excitement [poor people behind us!!]. It was their first time hearing a full orchestra.

Well done to your dd for the challenge, Trufflethewuffle. Sorry for the painful journey but glad it was after the audition not before.

I'm an interloper too as DD did her second round audition for NYO on Saturday. First time she has applied.

She feels it went as well as it could but doesn't expect to get in as the standard is so high. Great audition experience whatever and there were a few amusing moments in the waiting room!

The worst bit was the train journey home. Cancellations on our normal route so we tried an alternative to be met by huge delays due to signalling problems then delays all down the line, our coach was in darkness a lot of the way. Never been so glad to see Yeovil Junction in my life!

NYOS is one piece, have to use official accompanist if you need one ( two if you are aiming for senior) and one prepared excerpt ( 2 for senior). Also says there may be sight reading. I hope there is as DD is ace at it ( if I say so myself!). Just worry about her not coming across well in questions.

Just want to wish everyone the very best of luck. It's my boy's last NCO audition later this month ... sniff ... I cannot believe how quickly the years have flown by. It's scary.

Horsey - you are very welcome! What is the audition procedure for nyos? 2 pieces and sightreading? Are there excerpts to learn?

I'm an interloper as DD is auditioning for NYOS ( Scottish one!) You do one audition and if you get in it is either to junior or senior. Teacher suggested it would be worth a shot, even if just for experience. Audition isn't until end of Nov so we will be sick of the pieces by then! Good to pick up some tips. I hope her enthusiasm shines through as she can be really quiet ( not really shy but not talking lots) when she doesn't know people but absolutely loves her music. Good luck to everyone else.

Crazy - yes it is.

4 bars...she can cope with that Thanks Rupert.

Your Ds sounds very clued up and confident so I'm sure he will have done well.

We have 1 week so the practice begins. I think I underestimated the power of an audition. Dd was very focused on her practice this week. Working on trouble spots without being asked. Long may it continue

Owl - they get 30 secs to prepare and your DD will only be doing about 4 bars. She will be fine .

DS is normally not too bad, but today before his audition, he did his practice sightreading without any accidentals, claiming that there weren’t any. Turned out he had completely forgotten the concept of key signatures Hopefully he re-engaged his brain in time for the audition! The sightreading sounded fine, but of course, I couldn’t see it.

Thank you for the information of your little ones’ experience, Patricksviolin and crazygirlmama . I hope DD can get in National or Regional one as well as your children.

DD was asked about the age when she started playing violin and the reason why she selected the instrument at the audition. The sightreading is always a big challenge for DD but at this time she said it was much easier than expected at the audition.

I hope all of your DC will enjoy the audition!

Same here Crazy. A mom from Dds violin school pointed it out the other day.

Sight reading would always be the hard part for her. She is about a grade 3. Grade 4 is...shakey. Feels like too many things to consider at the same time, especially with shifts. But I have been assured it will come in time.

I would have preferred a 'prepared' element, because the perfectionist in Dd means she doesn't always keep to rhythm if a note is out. She wants to work it out properly.

DD would be fine with a prepared piece. The sight reading is more of a challenge. But she knew that before she applied so, it will be a learning opportunity.