Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
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:
Original poster
Wafflenose · 05/12/2014 10:13

Many, many congratulations to little Dino and janet's DD!

MiniWaffle got a place in Under 10s on Flute, so our two will soon meet each other, janet41! I am really pleased - I knew DD had played really well, but didn't know if there would be loads of others at a higher level than her. It's also her second instrument (as I think clarinet is for your DD?) so I'm especially impressed. She couldn't exactly audition on recorder!

Thinking of everyone who's still waiting, or who might have received mixed news.

OP posts:
janet41 · 05/12/2014 10:34

Waffle - fantastic news. They will indeed! Yes second instrument only been playing a year; got a great report on her first instrument too so we are happy :) which regionals will you do?

Original poster
Wafflenose · 05/12/2014 10:39

Weston-super-Mare

OP posts:
banofee · 05/12/2014 11:15

So very pleased for all of you..... Great news!!! Postman still not here yet so still waiting ........

ChessParents · 05/12/2014 12:01

Just found this thread. DS2 8 got a place in training Orchestra on violin. Has anyone joined the regional Orchestras before. Is it good and necessary?

Original poster
Wafflenose · 05/12/2014 12:04

Excellent, and well done to him!

It's our first time, so I am clueless, but we will be doing regionals. They're only 30-40 miles away for us, and I know DD would love to make some like-minded friends.

OP posts:
AriaBanjo · 05/12/2014 12:08

Dd was in under 11s with violin last year. She joined the northerlies, but as it was a 2 hr trip, she only ended up going to 3 rehearsals. It was good though and worth going to if not so far to travel. Dd recognised people from the regionals when they went to the summer course, which was nice.
Still waiting for post here.

AriaBanjo · 05/12/2014 12:10

Chess - what level is your Ds playing at (out of interest for my Ds next year)

janet41 · 05/12/2014 12:11

Hi Chess - congratulations! Yes we did them all this year in Lonon and the concert at RCM. Dd really enjoyed them, the conductors were amazing and the concert very special. I think it's a great part of the NCO - in fact dd was more worried about not getting into the regionals than the course! Also really improved dd's sight reading I think. :)

banofee · 05/12/2014 12:11

Post arrived and DS has been offered a place in training orchestra for violin! Can't wait to tell him!!

janet41 · 05/12/2014 12:13

Also incredible value for money - we had quite a trek to get to them but def worth it for us.

janet41 · 05/12/2014 12:14

Well done Banofee's ds!

ChessParents · 05/12/2014 12:21

Waffle,Aria,janet41, thanks. Aria, not sure about his standard as he has not attend any exam. He took the G5 theory last month. The teacher said he will enter him G7 next year if he pass the G5 theory.

Original poster
Wafflenose · 05/12/2014 13:27

Well done to Banofee's son! Brilliant news, and well worth the wait!

OP posts:
Ishouldbeweaving · 05/12/2014 14:11

So much good news today, congratulations to all those talented children.

banofee · 05/12/2014 14:53

Thank you waffle, Janet. Ooh it is exciting isn't it! Just need to sit down and work through forms, cannot take it in yet.....going around with big smile on my face!!! Hope everyone has a super evening celebrating xxx

Musicdoc · 05/12/2014 18:04

Congratulations to all whose dc's got in. First year of auditions for my two and I'm thrilled that my son got into U10's (cello) and my daughter into Training (violin). Lots of excitement all round.

Original poster
Wafflenose · 05/12/2014 18:15

Wow! Well done to both of them. So much good news, as Ishouldbeweaving said! We will have to pm each other nearer the time, and get our kids to look out for each other.

OP posts:
butterfly2 · 05/12/2014 18:23

Just opened the letter my ds got place on flute in the under 10's so pleased for her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! first time auditioning and I dont play anything or read music so especially proud!!! Mini Waffe which regional orchestra will u attend!! Congrtalations everyone.............seems like alot of good news
xx

Original poster
Wafflenose · 05/12/2014 18:34

Oh wow butterfly that's brilliant! They will get to know each other well, won't they! We will do South West - how about you?

OP posts:
firework72 · 05/12/2014 18:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

maggiethecat · 05/12/2014 20:03

well done to all those hard working kids! for those participating for the first time it must be very exciting - they're going to have a fabulous time.

not sure if you know about it but the big give is on and if you've not already done so you still have a chance to have your donation to the NCO doubled when lines open at 10 am tomorrow.

i don't work for the NCO but having seen the joy that dd's participation has given her I think it's a very worthy cause to support.

butterfly2 · 05/12/2014 20:17

Yes Waffle.......they sure will!! Welldone to ur ds, 2nd instrument she must be so pleased!!
not sure which is the nearest region yet need to check, i live in the midlands!!

RaspberryLemonPavlova · 05/12/2014 20:56

Well done to everyone's DC' Lots of lovely news

janet41 · 05/12/2014 22:04

Hi Butterfly we are in the midlands and did london regionals last year