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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

NCO 2019

840 replies

stringchild · 26/09/2018 08:07

Traditionally for many years MN has had an audition thread; so here it is as the auditions start in a few days 😀

OP posts:
PatricksViolin · 19/12/2018 20:39

DS is allocated London Senior.

Radiodependent · 19/12/2018 18:54

So looks like they’ve been allocated but we still have to log in and confirm the place from Saturday? We have got London Junior but there’s at least one date that doesn’t work for us unfortunately. Trumpet I couldn’t find that info on the website, could only see last year? I think we will try to accept London Junior if it’s ok to miss one day as Horsham was quite a hike.

Boyskeepswinging · 19/12/2018 16:34

I think the new regionals set up will be worth it. For most kids it'll be the biggest orchestra they've played in and it gives a fantastic opportunity to learn orchestral technique. The more experienced players get to learn mentoring skills and how to lead a section. And it's a chance to connect with other kids who also love making music.

littleladsdad · 19/12/2018 16:34

Last year we got SE. This year we've got SW. We live in Shropshire! Grin

Luckyfab · 19/12/2018 15:40

No email yet about regionals.
Last week I sent our acceptance back by email but did not receive a reply.
Is it ok or should I call to know if they have received it.
Another question about regionals. I can see that the rehearsals are only for 3 Sundays.
Does it really worth it? I mean it is of course a great experience but 1 day only?
I'm new here so don't really know how it works.

mimu · 19/12/2018 15:33

havent had our email yet....

Wafflenose · 19/12/2018 15:10

Being able to express a preference is quite a recent thing. We always get SW regardless!

TrumpetVoluntary · 19/12/2018 14:14

Thanks. Have also found dates and locations in the calendar on the NCO website. We can’t make the first London Juniors date so will stick with South Easterlies. See some of you there!

Pippap1 · 19/12/2018 13:49

Hi DD was allocated in London Junior. It is in St Paul’s again.

TrumpetVoluntary · 19/12/2018 13:40

Yes I thought we could express preferences - they have changed it! We have also been allocated South Easterlies (the one in Horsham). I had been wondering about London this year as it might be easier than Horsham /Sevenoaks but I guess it depends where in London. Does anyone where London Juniors is based this year?

Wafflenose · 19/12/2018 13:12

Yes. It changes every single year! We have been allocated the one we've been going to for 4 years already though.

Owlm · 19/12/2018 12:52

I thought we could suggest which regionals we preferred?? Are they allocated now then...?

Schoolmum77 · 19/12/2018 12:46

Hi everyone, we have just received an email informing us of the regional orchestra my daughter will be joining (associate member), it is in Horsham but our preference is London as it is much closer to us. Does anyone have any experience of moving? We have contacted NCO already but they said it would be very unlikely we would able to transfer. Thank you in advance.

Doubleup · 15/12/2018 23:41

You’re welcome littlelad! Grin

littleladsdad · 15/12/2018 21:44

Lovely to hear that it's all going well Patrick. Same story here, ds really loves his school.

Hooray indeed Double and thank you!

Trumpetboysmum · 15/12/2018 12:12

Lists rule Wink

Doubleup · 15/12/2018 11:15

Hooray for lists littlelad!

PatricksViolin · 15/12/2018 10:41

Hi littlelads, thanks for asking. Indeed DS enjoyed it especially after half term. He's cleared all the first hurdles of solo performances in and out of school, assessments, etc, and seems to feel very much belonged to the school now. How's your DS's first term? I bet he absolutely loved it. He didn't have a wobbly start like mine anyway. He sounded very much ready for the commitment. Smile

Although I can see the great benefit of introducing choir, DS would rather like to play instruments than singing so not sure how much he enjoys the aspect. Or is it only for U10? He loved trying guitar last year (2018).

littleladsdad · 15/12/2018 10:36

The Eagle has landed double, with all present and correct! Grin

Doubleup · 15/12/2018 08:16

Sorry littlelad - ds, not dd! Fat fingers with the typing!

Doubleup · 15/12/2018 08:11

Has your dd come home from school yet littlelad? Interested to know what made it into the case this time Smile

littleladsdad · 15/12/2018 07:32

Hi Patrick, nice to hear from you - hope that your ds has enjoyed his first term at school.

WindMum · 15/12/2018 07:18

Squints - that’s new since my DD did U10s.

They are trying new things, last year they introduced ‘surround sound’ which was smaller ensembles for most of the orchestras - not sure if U10s did it but U11s did!

Choir sounds like a good idea as the week can be exhausting with 7 hours playing each day, for some its painful playing all day (sore lips for some and sore fingers for others!) not to mention arm/wrist ache!

Decafcoffee · 15/12/2018 07:10

Thanks double I’m clearly not very good with the small print

Squints I had no idea they will be doing choir. That does sound new.

squintsoftheworldunite · 15/12/2018 05:39

Is it new that U10s do choir on their course? “ For the youngest orchestra some of this time is also spent in choir rehearsals and ensemble playing”