Summer term 2019 music

Well done lots!

Thanks Boys! I have heard good and bad stories about both AB and trinity, so lack of theory requirement and better list marginally swung it towards trinity. I guess it depends on how it goes on the day, whichever board you choose!

congrats to her, Lots!! What a wait though

Yay! Many congrats to Mini Lots!

Taggie DS has only taken AB exams so I have no idea about Trinity. I just know some teachers far prefer them. It's purely coincidence that all my DS's teachers favour AB whereas I know other teachers who are very pro Trinity and anti AB. I know certainly for some instruments the syllabus is far better for one board than the other and this is a strong reason to go for one or the other.

Hurray! Good things come to those who wait

Congratulations to your DD!

Well her grade 8 result is finally here and it’s a distinction 🙂 ... what a relief!! looking forward to telling her when she gets home

Yes - there is a string specialist session.

DS2 hasn’t done any violin exams before, but did a piano exam with absrm (which was fine). I’ll let you know how we find trinity.

String purchase successfully! Thanks guys

Are you asking for a string specialist Taggie? Would be very interested to hear how different it is from abrsm. Dd doesn’t do exams but would be keen to know the difference

Boys - do you think trinity are better? DS2 is preparing for a trinity exam, but mainly because he hasn’t got grade 5 theory (and it is a better list!). I like that you can choose the day, and choose a string specialist. There is more flexibility with the programme as well.

So my pet peeves with ABRSM: (1) Exams are not cheap. At that price you expect a decent examiner for your money (2) They are not the only show in town and need to stop acting as if they are. And breathe ...

Thanks boys ! I know worse things happen at sea but it is rather frustrating!!

Lots I feel your pain. Sadly we have experienced absolutely shocking levels of customer service from ABRSM too. They've had a lot of jobs advertised recently so I'm hoping the new Customer service manager is more on the ball!

....so I emailed the Abrsm today as DDs result still not here and teacher was expecting it by last week. I got an email back clearly intended for someone else with my daughter’s name and candidate number ( but sadly not her mark !!!! ) saying please release this result again it was authorised on 16/4. I replied to say they’ve sent this to me in error, should have gone to whoever releases results.... no response and no result. Not very impressed 🙁

Congrats raspberry on DS2s success , great news ! Most unfortunate Neleus, sounds difficult, I hope he's better/back bowing soon.

Good news here too as DS2 has got a place and will be starting the trumpet in September.

Thanks very much Squint and Neleus! It is very useful! It will be quite expensive for missing any lesson over there. Our current teacher is very nice and hasn't charged any fees even for very short notice such as DC got ill etc. Hope DC will enjoy the lessons in JD!

I have been really busy today and need a good sleep! Hope everyone has a good night!

I remember when we bought DS2 his saxophone. He was self taught at the time having had clarinet lessons for a few years.

We bought the saxophone and some books of music including one which had the Poirot theme in. He started to play it and there was a flurry of activity as DS1 came flying downstairs to play the piano accompaniment. At times, DS2 could barely play as he was smiling so much!

And I remember thinking that this what it was all about. Not exams. But two brothers enjoying playing together.

They still get together and play Poirot whenever they can.

Aways inspiring to hear how your DC are turning out Raspberry!

Lovely to hear the news of the younger musicians on here too, including their audition successes and aspirations!

Thank you for all the lovely messages. Neleus I hope your DS has a speedy recovery!

SummerComing, they work exactly like any independent school so you still have to pay for the day your DC couldn't attend, and usually a term notice is needed if you decide to leave otherwise a full term fee will be charged, etc.

I assume the full information pack should be delivered prior to the course starts or may be available on the first day in September.

Anyway, it's so exciting, isn't it?! Good luck with your new adventure at jd and also the 11+ challenge!

Summer I think they will authorise the absence but you’ll have to pay the fees for those days. “The place for your child is being used whether they’re there or not” is their approach!

Neleus ,Thanks very much for the information! Does that mean the fees will be deducted? Anyway, it is very helpful and I don't have to worry about it anymore! Thank you!

he's probably a better player than me these days
Def not!! You are being too modest and too kind!

Thanks for the exercise suggestions. I'll show him when he seems to run out of his own ideas. He'll probably like the challenges of how long and how many especially.

Romany, you are already thinking of summer hols! I planned a bit for summer but I'm currently too busy thinking of May half term!

Congratulations to the young raspberries
I think it's a lovely thing to be able to do, even when you have chosen a different path, you always have music.

So pleased for youngest raspberry, I know the hard work has been done.

Talking about summer coming, I can't wait and it seems like no time before summer hols.
Mine finishes on the concerts on the 1st July.