Page 2 | NCO 2026

Wishfulmasterchef · 2025-09-05T14:14:52+00:00

Is now the right time to start the conversation? NCO 2026 audition results?

Araminta1003 · 15/10/2025 19:01

Thanks all. I guess I will wait until next year’s audition period and see how he feels about it! I have been forbidden specifically by DS to disclose any information about him online that is identifying. He tells me I am a MN addict. He said normal mums drink tea when they are bored of working from home, whereas I post on MN. He may have a point! Looking forward to meeting some of you in real life though.

Ubertomusic · 15/10/2025 16:32

thirdfiddle · 15/10/2025 16:13

Read the small print (which is probably not there till next year's auditions open), but I thought it was at one point said that NCO do respect your preference if you would have got in on both. DD decided she preferred viola anyway so the point became moot.

It's just on paper. There were quite a few string players one or two grade lower than DD so she would have certainly got in had she not auditioned on brass as well 😁

thirdfiddle · 15/10/2025 16:13

Read the small print (which is probably not there till next year's auditions open), but I thought it was at one point said that NCO do respect your preference if you would have got in on both. DD decided she preferred viola anyway so the point became moot.

Doodlingsquares · 15/10/2025 15:33

chocolateisnecessary · 15/10/2025 13:31

Harp. Heard from projects and the youngest is in too. The 40min gap between emails is a test…

I feel your pain it was agonising waiting for projects email! I have 1 into projects and 1 u13 so everyone will be very happy

Ubertomusic · 15/10/2025 15:27

Araminta1003 · 15/10/2025 15:06

We only auditioned for weekends. Will try orchestral weeks next year. Two grade 8 Distinctions, 11 year old boy. We do not know whether we now have to stick to one instrument for good? He genuinely likes both. And has also suddenly taken to the piano as well. DS has friends who applied for the orchestral weeks.

DD auditioned on two grade 8 instruments once, the offer was for the one more in demand. She continues playing both but it doesn't make much sense to audition, the orchestras will always pick
what they need more, even if the standard is lower.

If your instruments are both in demand like oboe and horn (which is a rare combination in itself and I'm not even sure if it's possible 😂), then it's different and probably worth auditioning on both.

thirdfiddle · 15/10/2025 15:22

Yes for DD u14s too :)

Araminta1003 you def don't have to stick to one, they reaudition each year and if you put in an audition for both you choose order of preference when you submit the audition. Also crikey, two grade 8s at 11, well done! DD doesn't have any yet.

In u12 and u13 there were various players putting down their instruments and hopping over to the piano for a piece and back again. So if he's also brilliant at piano, there is a chance to mention level and he may get a bit of that too.

patroclusandachilles · 15/10/2025 15:19

Araminta1003 · 15/10/2025 15:06

We only auditioned for weekends. Will try orchestral weeks next year. Two grade 8 Distinctions, 11 year old boy. We do not know whether we now have to stick to one instrument for good? He genuinely likes both. And has also suddenly taken to the piano as well. DS has friends who applied for the orchestral weeks.

Wow! That’s amazing!! What instruments?

Araminta1003 · 15/10/2025 15:06

We only auditioned for weekends. Will try orchestral weeks next year. Two grade 8 Distinctions, 11 year old boy. We do not know whether we now have to stick to one instrument for good? He genuinely likes both. And has also suddenly taken to the piano as well. DS has friends who applied for the orchestral weeks.

patroclusandachilles · 15/10/2025 14:35

My DD had cold feet before the first residential, but she absolutely loved it once she went and I’ve had no worries since. She likes music but she definitely wouldn’t have repeated the experience unless she met some fantastic friends. They are always messaging each other and I imagine the chats will be going off tonight!

patroclusandachilles · 15/10/2025 14:31

chocolateisnecessary · 15/10/2025 13:32

There’s an u14 WhatsApp group btw. If anyone wants the link, I can send it?

Yes please!

chocolateisnecessary · 15/10/2025 13:51

They can call you each day as well so you do get to check in. And they have online meet ups before with pastoral staff and the other kids which help prep them.

aaaaa12345 · 15/10/2025 13:50

Lovely, great to hear strong pastoral care. Even I feel nervous about her being away for a week.
She's also wind! It was her first time to audition, she didn't think she had a high chance but really enjoyed doing it so hopefully it will be a very positive experience overall.

chocolateisnecessary · 15/10/2025 13:41

The pastoral side is really strong tbh. And they really do make friends quickly. I was nervous with mine being away with the u12s but fast forward two years and he’s in touch with the other kids a fair bit and it’s his favourite thing.

Cheeseandquince · 15/10/2025 13:39

aaaaa12345 · 15/10/2025 13:36

DD just been offered a place in U12 orchestral weeks!
Would be keen to hear from parents whose children joined before - I know she will be delighted but also nervous. Especially curious about pastoral support and whether it's easy to make friends.

I’d love to hear more too. I didn’t tell DD too much about NCO as wasn’t sure she had a strong chance to get in so I think she’ll be nervous about being away for a week with people she doesn’t know.

Which section is yours? Mine is wind.

aaaaa12345 · 15/10/2025 13:36

DD just been offered a place in U12 orchestral weeks!
Would be keen to hear from parents whose children joined before - I know she will be delighted but also nervous. Especially curious about pastoral support and whether it's easy to make friends.

chocolateisnecessary · 15/10/2025 13:32

(As in, for parents.)

chocolateisnecessary · 15/10/2025 13:32

There’s an u14 WhatsApp group btw. If anyone wants the link, I can send it?

chocolateisnecessary · 15/10/2025 13:31

Harp. Heard from projects and the youngest is in too. The 40min gap between emails is a test…

patroclusandachilles · 15/10/2025 13:30

chocolateisnecessary · 15/10/2025 12:49

U14s out. Am v relieved! Waiting on projects.

Edited

What section is your child? Mines brass.

patroclusandachilles · 15/10/2025 13:25

Wishfulmasterchef · 15/10/2025 13:01

Results are out! So nervous reading it, was worried to see sentences like “thank you but …”

DS got an offer in U12 !
horray!
well done to all the children who auditioned!

I thought the same! I thought it was a ‘thanks but no thanks’ situation 😂

Cheeseandquince · 15/10/2025 13:18

Yay, well done to all those amazing kids! Sounds like lots of positive results.

Now I have to explain what NCO is to my DH and explain that it really is worth the cost! 🤭

Ubertomusic · 15/10/2025 13:07

Hatty999 · 11/10/2025 21:19

Under 12s were phenomenal too. It was hard to believe they were all only 12.

Do you remember what pieces they played in U12?

Original poster

Wishfulmasterchef · 15/10/2025 13:01

..

OP posts:

Original poster

Wishfulmasterchef · 15/10/2025 13:01

Results are out! So nervous reading it, was worried to see sentences like “thank you but …”

DS got an offer in U12 !
horray!
well done to all the children who auditioned!

OP posts:

patroclusandachilles · 15/10/2025 12:55

You beat me to it!! Place in U14s for DD. Well done to others who have secured places!