NCO 2019

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Traditionally for many years MN has had an audition thread; so here it is as the auditions start in a few days 😀

manky my DD (9) got u10s. She has only done a gr4 exam this summer so played a gr4 price for audition.

For those who are new and DC feeling nervous: My DD initially didn’t want to go on the U10s residential as she didn’t know anyone and hadn’t been away from us for a whole week before (had done a few nights away with school and brownies but obviously she knew the people on those trips.) However, after meeting people at South Easterlies and emailing another U10 girl (whose parent is also on mumsnet) then she felt confident enough to go and had an amazing time. She is now desperate to get in to U11s - fingers crossed for today! I have promised her we will look for other summer music courses if she doesn’t get in as spending a week doing music over the summer with similar aged kids is now her idea of bliss!

Still no news U11

If yesterday is anything to go by, we didn't hear until 6:30pm.

Dd has never been away on a residential without me. She's excited to make new friends

Best of luck to everyone today!!

Manky, my DD (9) also got U10, she took gr5 this summer, played 2 gr6 pieces in audition. No specialist music school here.

She was in the training orchestra last year and really had the most amazing time. It was a mix of people from all backgrounds including some incredibly talented children (DD was placed in the second violins). We didn’t meet anyone at the regionals, but she quickly made friends at the residential. Like Trumpet said, it is a chance to make music with a bunch of kids of similar age

Manky, DD got in U10. She is grade 8 and privately educated. She has played past grade 8 pieces. Good luck to yours!

Just a little anecdote for those not getting the news they hope for this week....

This time last year we were a little disappointed that DD1 didn't get full membership - she got Regionals for the second year, which was an amazing experience and a great achievement. But we were not-so-secretly hoping for Nationals. So, I researched other opportunities and we decided to give Pro Corda a go. She had the most AMAZING time on their two residentials, found a love of chamber music, tried and loved the viola (now her second instrument), made some wonderful friends, and her playing improved tremendously. Most importantly, she made a good impression on the then course director, who suggested we try out for the JD he teaches at. She got in, and he is now her teacher - a partnership which is just so completely wonderful on every level!! None of this would have happened if she had gotten full membership as I would never have looked for anything else. So the old adage 'when one door closes, another one opens' couldn't have been more true in our case!

@folkmamma
Hi thank you for sharing yr experience with us

@folkmama, you know, this really does help with the tension of waiting, thank you! xx

Folk you are absolutely right

I like that folk

It certainly does put things in perspective :) That's a great story, Folk.

Re results, I am struggling with the waiting now despite being super-composed yesterday...We've got one happy face with the U10s outcome. Just waiting for the U12s now...

Congrats to all who had good news yesterday, and commiserations but well done too to those trying again next year. (I have a feeling we'll have a foot in both camps at some point this week...!)

...I must stop refreshing this page and my emails...

Ha also waiting for u12’s here too, after getting U10’s yesterday 😊

Just received the email and my Dd got in U11. Cannot believe it!!!! So happy!!

We’ve got a U11 yes!! (Viola)
Can’t wait to tell my girl....

The email arrived at 1637. DS has a place in the U11 National Orchestra on the viola. I hope you all get to hear soon.

He seems really excited about the residential course in the summer. We're a bit hazy on how the Regional Orchestras work, and the level of commitment required. DS already does a Saturday music school, so the idea of doing on Sundays as well seems like a lot. I think he'd be eligible for the London Juniors.

Any advice, from those who know more than me…?

Congrats guys!!!! And Yay to team viola!!!!

Regionals aren't a major commitment- they've said 4 full days this year. They're a great part of it x

A violin place in the U11 for DD! I can't believe it! :)

Dd in u11s on violin! She's very happy.

DD is in U11s - she is thrilled! Congratulations to other U11s!

Teabiscuit I suspect it’s not so much the grade but how they play the pieces... a lot of teachers/auditioners look for potential and musicality. If you’re not happy with his teacher I’d suggest you change teachers. Bad technique can be really hard to unlearn. Do you have a JD near you?

Brilliant news, everyone!

@teabiscuit - which age band is your DS? Also, I wouldn't necessarily worry re no involvement with other music groups. I do agree though - music can be an expensive interest/passion for both money and time. It didn't used to be like that - I had free lessons and orchestras at my primary school when I was a kid.

I think being supportive and interested like you clearly are goes a very long way...I know there are a few trusts that offer to pay fees and loan instruments to promising young musicians.

It’s a no for us. Slightly odd email saying it wasn’t the standard email and then positive feedback and saying they very much wanted to see him again.

Congratulations and commiserations to other U11 candidates and good luck to those waiting.