ABRSM, Trinity etc Spring session exams - who's on the bench?

[Floottoot]

DS is taking grade 5 cello ABRSM next week, and I have a flute pupil taking grade 5 this week ( both dates different exam centres).
Pupil is destined for a merit, I think. Her pieces are pretty good, scales could go well if she concentrates, aurals should be fine as she's already passed grade 7 piano, but sightreading is inexplicably weak; she really struggles with rhythm, despite my best efforts and her piano experience.

DS's pieces are great, his scales are pretty secure but he's finding legato arpeggios a bit of a chore ( made harder by changing from a 1/2 size to a 4/4 size cello this term), his sightreading has the potential to be good ( he does well when I'm standing over him, cheering him on!) but he's prone to forgetting the last sharp/flat in the key signature and making the odd silly rhythm mistake, and his aurals are ok...IF he would just sing!
He's taking the exam at school, which is very convenient but does mean I won't be able to hiss last minute reminders at him!

So, what grades are other people's children/ pupils taking, and how's it all going?
As a parent of an exam child, I can now fully empathise with my own mum, who had to endure 2 of us taking exams in 3 different instruments, plus theory - much easier to be the child doing the exams! 🤣

DS's piano teacher's approach really suits DS so I am very thankful for her. But there is nothing wrong to be motivated by exams/certificates. 10 different methods for 10 different people. Working hard and pushing boundaries are admirable no matter why and how. I also have massive admiration for adult learners.

DS's exam is today, at 3pm. He's doing at school (a first for him - he has always taken them at a local exam centre) so it's down to him to sort out all those things he needs to do before going in...Which is nerve wracking, given that he went on stage in an orchestra concert without his spike stop on Tuesday!
I am feeling much calmer than I have been - what will be will be and it's out of my hands now. Just hope he comes out happy with how it went, as he has worked incredibly hard to prepare and his pieces and scales sound great.

Any results for anyone yet, other than Japanese?

Cantkeepaway that sounds like an excellent attitude from the teacher. Good luck to Floot’s son. My DS is on Saturday morning and I am accompanying him so will have no illusions about how it will go but he is better prepared now so fingers crossed.

Good luck minifloot today! I'm sure it will go well!

Thanks, Radio and Loose.
My husband picked up DS from school and he fell asleep in the car on the way home, so I think we can say he's worn out by the exam experience!
He seems happy with how it went. The examiner asked him which was his favourite piece - she is also a cellist, it transpires, and agreed with his choice.
We had a lovely email from his accompanist ( who we have never met), saying that he played beautifully and nailed it, so just have to hope he did ok on the supporting tests.
Time for a gin and a sigh of relief!

Good luck to your DCs, Letlovewin - everything crossed for them tomorrow.

Well done mini loose. We have now done g3 Clarinet "fine " I'm told by dd. We shall see. Rad ballet exam today. Came out ecstatic. Just g5 violin to go next week . Not sure my nerves can take it

musicaltheatremum, my DD is taking her first LCM musical theatre exam next month - grade 2. She only started lessons last term, so I'm not sure what to expect.
What sort of questions are they asked?
Which theatre school does your DD hope to go to after she finishes mainstream?

Floor not loose

Thank you, se22.
You sound like you're up to your ears in exams! Well done for the first 2 and lots of luck for next week's. I'm sure it's worse for parents than it is for our DCs!

Se22.. "Fine" in a grumpy tone usually means distinctions for the Madcat house. It is almost as if DD is upset we've dared to consider she was a bit marginal.

The ABRSM results take a week or 2, don't they?

Observing about how nice it is to have positive comments from an accompanist (DD's poor school class music teacher does all theirs). It really seems to motivate children if they get praise from somebody who isn't their instrument teacher or parent.

Good luck to one and all.
I don't think my dd has any coming up but think both grade 8's before summer, not 100% sure.
I'm always the last to know.
Finally doing theory though, it's only taken her 7 years

DS has his Grade 8 the day before DD's Advanced 1 ISTD Modern Theatre exam.... the joys....

She will be MUCH more stressed, for much less cause. However, as she has an unblemished track record of distinctions, all the way from primary class test ballet up to the advanced vocational exams, it's almost as if the stress builds incrementally for each one just in case it is 'the one that gets away'.

I played for four little ones on Monday (Trinity recorder exams) while wearing a ridiculous costume. We don't have any results yet. 1x ABRSM Grade 2 clarinet and 1x Trinity Grade 3 clarinet next week.

I'm intrigued by the ridiculous costume waffle, what and why? DC have two dress up days next week either side of exam - nearly had DS taking exam in full Viking getup!

The ABRSM results take a week or two? Wow, that's quick. I thought it would take a lot more.

ABRSM gives the dates for exam results in their website - so for each week of examining, there is a set of dates the results will be issued. I have several friends who are examiners and the whole process is seemingly quite involved; what they are able to say on the mark sheets is quite restricted, for example, an examiner can't say " You could have used a greater variety of dynamics" - because who's to say that that particular candidate WAS able to play more dynamics? Also, general comments in the bottom box are only allowed in certain circumstances, for example when a candidate has failed.

Thanks for all advice on how to handle exam failures! I hope it won't happen, but it's nice to hear positive stories just in case... Both exams today, as usual am more nervous than the kids!

Interesting, Floot. DS got comments written in the bottom box for all the exams he took in the past. They are just commenting where DS did particularly well or just saying 'well done', so they don't sound like comments 'in certain circumstances'. I will see if he gets another comment in the box for G7!

Good luck to all who is taking exams today!

Just looked at DD’s last ABRSM flute exam and in the bottom box additional comments it says “some lovely performing today - well done!”

It was World Book Day #2 because the other one was snowed off, so the kids all did their exams in costume and I went dressed up as Willy Wonka!

That's hilarious, Waffle!

I think the ' certain circumstances' include distinctions and fails, but not pass or merit. So, either end of the mark range - that's what my examiner friends have told me. I know DS has had comments for his distinctions but not for his last exam, which was a merit.

Oh I see. There may be no comment in the box this time around then.