NCO 2018

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The new annual thread for those interested and/or auditioning! Ask questions, update your news - lots of nco parents on board and those hoping to be :)

Lovely news Folkmamma. x x

Has the person who is awaiting 3 audition results heard yet?
That might spoil the theory! 🤔

Nigglenotes, having experienced both an age-banded orchestra (first year) and the regionals/associates (this will be the third year) as a parent, I can only say a resounding "yes" to the question are the regionals beneficial. The teams involved are top-notch and the NCO is expanding its support for associates, eg an orientation morning ahead of the first rehearsal. For me as a parent, I like the regularity of it every month, which complements the music groups etc DC is involved with outside of the NCO. I can hand on heart recommend it because I know DC loves being part of it. The end of year concerts are incredible and give everyone a focus. She also picks up a lot from more experienced/accomplished players.

Congratulations folkmama dc

You can use all those printed NCO cake toppers Folkmamma

Well done to those who have heard so far.

No I haven't heard yet. I think we are looking at 2x no and 1x maybe, so not sure about the theory.

DD aged 9, grade 3 violin, auditioned for the first time, didn't make it. Report is so positive - "secure intonation, no problems with sight reading, free bowing, very musical performance." Literally no criticism on the entire report - what are they looking for? She is very musical and was really hoping to get in!

How many kids do they select and is it quite common not to get in the first time?

Congratulations all of those who have secured regional places . Dontbutme I think it's really usual to not get a place . Our dcs could play brilliantly but it's so competitive so if in our case if there are 6 other trumpet players who play better than ds on the audition day then he won't get in. It's hard , although for those who are a bit older like ds who are seriously considering pursuing music a useful life lesson I think .

Indeed I can Double!!! Hope to see you there 😊

Dontbutme - standard is so high. My DD was 9 last year, played a G4 and G3 piece and got great feedback, she got regionals. Her BFF played even harder pieces (5/6) and got the same. This year she played G6 and G5 pieces (really well!) for U10's and has got Regionals again. However we are genuinely thrilled even though she didn't get U10s...

It is hard to know dont - violin is extremely competitive and there are so many children who don't get in. Which Orchestra was your dd auditioning for?
Ds (10) auditioned for under 11s with grade 7 pieces that were to a high standard, but it would seem his sight-reading wasn't up to scratch. He has been offered regionals again, which he is happy with.

Congratulations to all that are in!

Dontbutme it's more likely that they have just been inundated with violin players so can choose a full complement from higher grade players. The standard for string players always seems higher for everything as so many children learn a string instrument.

He is violin too.

Does any one know the correct age range for the London Junior Orchestra? I just signed up for this one. DD is 10 and I couldn’t see an age range on the website.

It's up to and including Year 6

DD is in Year6 though will be Year7 by the time of the concert next year. Does it sound like I picked the right one?

I think that is right.
Training, under 10 & under 11 can join London juniors.
Under 12, under 13 & main can join London seniors.

Under 11 people will be y6 now.

Yes, you did Charis - U11's go into London Juniors (DD1 was in both this year).

The wait is worrying me.

3 Carol Services down, 1 to go; 3 final concerts down, 1 to go ... and my mind's on NCO results ......

Thanks to all of you replying and reassuring me I signed up to the right regional orchestra

Ahhhhhhh, DD got Reserves for 10s and Regionals! Very excited. Can someone let me know more about reserves: does everyone in Regionals get this??

well done mini-Niggle - we got reserves so not sure if it is a universal thing or not. What regional orchestra are you going to sign up for?

Not everyone gets reserves. We got reserves a couple of times, but didn't get a place.

And well done!

No they don’t. DD was a reserve and in regionals last year but just in regionals this year.

Congrats to the minis who have heard about associate membership today. My DD got associates.... violin U11s... she was associate last year but got a reserve place on the U10s course. Still waiting to hear about DS (u13s cello).
We have heard from others who have got associates for training/U11s....

Thank you! Chosen Cambridge (will see you there Trumpet!).