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Extra-curricular activities

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

Original poster

Anyone auditioning for NCO?

195 replies

Wafflenose · 13/09/2014 22:07

Just that, really. I thought we could do with a supportive thread!

It will be DD1's first time, and it will be on her second instrument (flute), which I know will be very competitive. We are well aware that she might not get in, but this is possibly her best shot - it would be her first and last chance at Under 10s. She'll still be 8 when she auditions, but will be 9 by the end of the year. I did ring up a few months ago to check what the standard is likely to be, and the person I spoke to wasn't sure yet, as it's a new orchestra. He said probably similar to Training Orchestra. As a lot of 8 year olds won't have started the flute yet (or only just started), he said it would be worth her while trying out this year. I imagine this window of opportunity will slam shut in a year or two though.

If you've had a child who's done it before, what instrument do they play, and what level were they when they got in?

OP posts:
butterfly2 · 28/11/2014 19:37

i have been checking post everytime i come back from work, i think my ds has also forgotten about it!! i tempted if she doesn't get in to not mention it either lol.

banofee · 28/11/2014 20:06

You may have a point there butterfly.....particularly so close to christmas! Really hoping it is good news and you won't need to make that decision xxxx

Noteventhebestdrummer · 29/11/2014 22:10

Friend of a friend says her DD has heard already that she has a place in under 12s, think this is possibly not the case???

janet41 · 01/12/2014 21:31

Noteven - seems unlikely before last weekend but then I am no expert.

Good luck to everyone awaiting news this week :)

Original poster
Wafflenose · 01/12/2014 23:05

Not sure, Noteven but I haven't heard about anyone else getting results yet - and I can be sure that as soon as everyone else's come out, I will hear about it from my work school (and they will be splashed all over the local paper!)

OP posts:
janet41 · 02/12/2014 08:42

Gosh Waffle sounds a lot of local applications??

Original poster
Wafflenose · 02/12/2014 13:49

The school I work at (private through school for ages 2-18) usually has 4-6 children getting in. I don't think MiniWaffle's school (the village primary) has ever had anyone get in though!

OP posts:
butterfly2 · 02/12/2014 20:15

anyone heard anything?
Also has anyone received an email about doing a survey for audition experience?

janet41 · 02/12/2014 20:21

Yes we got the email re the survey. No not heard anything but I am sure (hope!) that we will start to hear this week.

banofee · 02/12/2014 21:59

No news this end either. Received survey but anyone else notice that it needed to back 28th November!!!

Original poster
Wafflenose · 02/12/2014 22:27

Yep, got the survey with the cryptic date on. The mind boggles.

Am hoping to hear by the end of next week...

OP posts:
Ishouldbeweaving · 03/12/2014 15:17

The waiting for Important Letters is so much easier when they're not coming to you. I'm all prepared to cheer or commiserate as appropriate but have none of the stress.

I'm assuming that the letters come addressed to "parent or guardian" with it being a younger group, at least then you don't have the agony of waiting for them to come in from school and open their post.

butterfly2 · 03/12/2014 16:52

Yes lol the date on the survey, too late to fill it then lol!! just rang the nco they said letters when out today and they managed to get enough for an under 10's ohhhhhhhhh I am so nervous!!!

Original poster
Wafflenose · 03/12/2014 17:03

I had noticed a new U10 area on the web site, so thought it would happen (they were also helpful on the phone a couple of weeks ago).

I am so, so busy at the moment that I know the next couple of days are going to fly through and I won't have time to give it much thought. But happy thought and vibes to everyone waiting!!

OP posts:
banofee · 03/12/2014 17:35

Is it just me or after weeks of waiting when it comes to the very end I not sure I really want the letter!!!

Original poster
Wafflenose · 03/12/2014 18:51

I'm not sure either!

MiniWaffle says I am not allowed to read it, and she wants to open it alone. I'm not sure that's wise - if she doesn't get in, she will shut herself away and then throw a major strop when we try and talk about it. But then again... she does that anyway. (Plus, has just been threatened with being grounded if she doesn't start to do as she's asked, when she's asked to do it. Her behaviour is getting on my last nerve... and she's only 9!)

OP posts:
janet41 · 03/12/2014 18:58

Well I am feeling pessimistic! Also I can't remember but I think they may post second class....so could be another day or two....I will get DH to open it as I am away for work and can then handle things a bit more sensitively on the phone.....

banofee · 03/12/2014 19:14

Oh dear waffle, it sounds all a bit stressful! I really do think so close to christmas there is such a lot going on at school etc I know our DS is exhausted and when that happens he gets ratty. I am thinking I may give the letter to DS's teacher to do the honours......or is that just cowardly???!!!

AriaBanjo · 04/12/2014 07:56

Last year most of us received letters on the Friday, so i'm hoping they'll come by tomorrow. Some people had to wait for at least another week though, which was horrible for them. Dd got in to under 11 orchestra with violin last year, but I am worried this time Confused. She hasn't mentioned it at all, so hopefully isn't worrying about it! It's impossible to know which kids will get in - last year two boys, better than dd didn't get places, but she did - strange!

dinosaurinmybelly · 05/12/2014 09:22

Our letter has arrived! We have been offered a place in the Training orchestra. Very excited.. now looking at the cost (!!)

dinosaurinmybelly · 05/12/2014 09:22

I hope you all have some good news soon. xx

janet41 · 05/12/2014 09:27

Oh great news dinosaur! At playing level is our dc?

janet41 · 05/12/2014 09:30

Or even - what playing level is your dc?
Postman late here.....

Ishouldbeweaving · 05/12/2014 09:44

It's getting exciting now isn't it? Congratulations to your DD dinosaur and thank you for letting us know.

janet41 · 05/12/2014 10:05

Dd got a place in the Under 10s Orchestra on clarinet :) very happy. Good luck everyone waiting.