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Original poster

NCO 2018

991 replies

stringchild · 23/08/2017 19:07

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 :)

OP posts:
Siriusmuggle · 14/12/2017 09:35

Hi all. I’m new to mumsnet but found this thread whilst googling nco results. My son auditioned for the first (and only-due to age) time this year. We found out yesterday that he’s got a place in the main orchestra. We weren’t expecting that at all but obviously we’re delighted.
This may be an odd question but does anyone have any idea how long the main orchestra concert is likely to be? I’ve got the first of many logistical headaches that weekend.
I don’t think he’ll do regionals as he can’t make the first two rehearsals and we’re almost 2 hours away from the closest one.
Hope the rest of you hear soon.

Original poster
stringchild · 14/12/2017 09:55

Sirius - allow 2-3hours if last weeks is standard. And v well done - which instrument?

OP posts:
TaggieOHara · 14/12/2017 09:56

Well done to Siriusmuggle's DS (short for 'dear son'). That is an awesome result. What instrument does he play?

And welcome to mumsnet!

TaggieOHara · 14/12/2017 09:59

Kutik - my musings on tech a day or two ago were not intended as criticism, just sharing of thoughts Smile They are doing their best, as you say, and probably don't have the budget for a full bells and whistles automated system. Our experience has been very positive in all respects.

Siriusmuggle · 14/12/2017 09:59

Thanks. He’s French horn, they always seem to be in demand.
The longer the concert the better! I’m running a marathon in Manchester on the day of the Bristol concert. I could probably make it to Bristol by around 7.00 so should catch most of it then- trains permitting.

threesfun · 14/12/2017 10:15

Hi all - new to posting and this thread, but been following as we're still waiting for U13s results! DS (cello) has been a full member for the last three years and has absolutely loved the NCO experience. We did Northerlies for 2 years which was excellent but weren't able to do it last year as the move to Manchester, combined with a number of date clashes made it really difficult for us. Congratulations to all of your children who have achieved places at associate or full level - they will have the most wonderful time :-) And well done to everyone for auditioning - the level that all of these children play it just astounding. DS is desperate to hear his result and so wants to achieve an U13s place - but we're very aware that it gets harder the higher up the age bands they go. Here's hoping the rest of the emails come in soon!

Josamac · 14/12/2017 10:17

Siriusmuggle - that sounds like our life. Just gets too busy doesn’t it! My girls summer concert locally is the day after I’m doing my first ultra. I may sleep through the whole thing!
Congratulations to your son.

Siriusmuggle · 14/12/2017 10:20

Nice to know I’m not the only one who tried to fit long distance running around roadie duties! I don’t fancy an ultra yet, it probably ever.

Musicdoc · 14/12/2017 10:20

Hi there threesfun ... I think our cello boys are friends... fingers crossed for them Smile

Josamac · 14/12/2017 10:55

Siriusmuggle - I don’t fancy it either. My husband seems to think it’s a good idea to ‘do together’. He’s mad. I won’t be running it all!

folkmamma · 14/12/2017 10:57

Update from BFF Mum who is unable to post:

"Just spoke to lady at NCO, there is no pattern, different people are loading them on which means they do it in different ways. Some do alphabetically by first name, others by surname. They tried to do that all at once but server couldn’t do it, as they have over 1000...."

GI76 · 14/12/2017 10:59

I just think all our children have done so well with playing at this high standard and when they are so young.
I agree that it is hard when they have been in NCO previous years, know what to expect and loved it; now either do not get in or get associate, which is an amazing achievement.
My little U10 (cello boy) will be joining either south easterlies or London junior and I hope he make friends before the summer so that he loves his musical experience with his new friends.
Hope you all hear soon and am happy I do not have to wait and keep refreshing my e-mail so often.

Itsnevereasy · 14/12/2017 11:27

Finally U13 result. A yes for DC in strings. Good luck everyone still waiting.

bassclef · 14/12/2017 11:29

Fantastic itsnevereasy!
Siriusmuggle - my DS is Mains too - yours will have a great time I'm sure, DS has lots of friends in NCO.

Kutik73 · 14/12/2017 11:29

So...., it seems to have moved to U13... Haven't heard here yet (U11)... Feel like we were skipped!

Kutik73 · 14/12/2017 11:30

Congratulations Itsnever and all those who have hard the news by now. Smile

Musicdoc · 14/12/2017 11:33

We've had a U13s yes for cellos... thrilled for my DS! Hopefully the rest of you don't have too long to wait.

Musicdoc · 14/12/2017 11:39

kutik73 feeling frustrated for you - all the U11s we know have had their results, and as they say, it is still random even though we are seeing some patterns... but 2yrs ago my DS had a 10 day wait after everyone else with a positive outcome. Fingers crossed for your DS

Siriusmuggle · 14/12/2017 11:41

Hi Bassclef. He’s looking forward to it. It’ll be great for him to be playing with so many musicians of his own age. He’s usually the youngest by a few years in things like county youth orchestra and windband so this is a novelty!

Kutik73 · 14/12/2017 11:44

Super well done to your DS, Musicdoc. And thank you for your comforting words. To be honest, I don't know why I am waiting. DS was reserve last year, then this year he didn't do particularly well, as DS said so who is usually unbelievably optimistic. I probably just want to end this asap!

Kutik73 · 14/12/2017 11:45

Perhaps Rara and my DS are in the same person's hand who really decided to do it randomly! Grin

Musicdoc · 14/12/2017 11:52

kutik73 only the email will tell you the results. My DS was full for two years, reserve last year (and got a place for the second course) and then full this year. My DD was full for two years, reserve last year (and got a place) and this year only an associate. She's a hard worker, G7 merit age age 9.5... although was aiming for U11 violin which seemingly is the most competitive instrument and it gets harder every year.

Paulweller11 · 14/12/2017 11:59

Congrats to your Cello playing DS musicdoc xx
Congrats also to your DD violinist xx
Congrats to it’snevereasy too
I think I preferred the postal method- only had to wait once a day for the postman rather than endless looking at emails.
Yesterday the email were 2 hrs apart- it sent me crazy GrinSmile

Kutik73 · 14/12/2017 12:00

Musicdoc, thanks. So nice to have a place to share our thoughts. Your DD sounds extremely talented. I can tell how fierce the competition is from that... By the way, if she is still 9, she should be auditioning for U10?

Musicdoc · 14/12/2017 12:12

kutik73 she turned 10 in August, so has gone from being in the middle of the age bracket by last years NCO, to the youngest now. So definitely u11s. Her best friend turned 10 this month and is in U10s for a second year - they would have been separated anyway.