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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

NCO 2019

840 replies

stringchild · 26/09/2018 08:07

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

OP posts:
littleladsdad · 14/12/2018 08:13

The initial euphoria quickly subsides following a visit to the fees section. Grin What were you saying about 'squeezed middle' folk?

Lotsofmilkonesugar · 14/12/2018 08:32

teabiscuit would be interested to hear what they say as we are in the same position... I think in our case DD plays a very popular instrument with very few places (flute) so they won’t have been able to give all the ‘At standard’ people a place . It was all good experience especially if she does end up choosing music for university as it’s a tough career. Hope your DC is not too disappointed

Bronnye · 14/12/2018 09:18

Ah, thanks littleladsdad - that makes sense! DS is just having lessons at (primary) school at the moment. Looks like a whole musical world is waiting out there! (We only applied for an audition at the very last moment when I happened to spot a tweet about NCO.) It'll be lovely for DS to meet lots of other musicians from around the country this year.

violinandpiano · 14/12/2018 10:00

teabiscuit NCO violin place is very competitive. There are lots of other musical activities including your local youth orchestra or other chamber music for your DC. The most important thing is your DC really enjoy music. That is enough for these ages.

TrumpetVoluntary · 14/12/2018 15:29

I assume everyone has heard now? Congratulations to all the NCO 2019 members!
Commiserations to those who didn’t get in this time - they are all doing so well and will hopefully find other fun musical things to do. It is hard getting news like this as a child though.

TrumpetVoluntary · 14/12/2018 15:31

Waffle - my DD will be sorry not to see Rara at the course as they had a great time together last year. I hope she isn’t too upset and enjoys regionals.

TrumpetVoluntary · 14/12/2018 15:34

I mean they had a great time on the course this year rather than last year!

Suzukichippy · 14/12/2018 15:47

I just came across this thread and thanks for sharing all your experience! We have entered the audition this year and my 7 year old is on the reserve list for violin U11. Hope a place will come up but it not, we will try again next year. Will see some of you at regional rehearsals. X

Suzukichippy · 14/12/2018 15:49

Oops I mean U10!

PatricksViolin · 14/12/2018 16:16

Name changed and have been away from the music/NCO threads for a while. But popped in to see how everyone was doing. To avoid confusion I'm back to 'Patrick' for now. Smile

Congratulations to those who won a membership for 2019 and good luck next year to those who didn't get in this time. NCO is a bit bittersweet. Nevertheless it's a great opportunity and experience for young musicians. I hope it's been a positive challenge for all of you.

Doubleup · 14/12/2018 17:17

Hey Patrick, long time since we heard from you! How is miniPatrick getting on?

PatricksViolin · 14/12/2018 18:38

Hi Double! Haven't followed the music thread so I probably missed many fabulous news as DCs on the thread achieve so much in a short time. At least I managed to catch up with the NCO thread (just!). Congratulations to your DD. DS will see her in Easter. Smile

Doubleup · 14/12/2018 18:42

Well done to miniPatrick! Look forward to catching up with you at Easter Smile

Decafcoffee · 14/12/2018 21:38

Well done to all your talented dcs!
They’ve all done incredibly well Grin

Does anyone know when they’ll let us know about registering for regionals?

Doubleup · 14/12/2018 23:16

The e-mail said that there would be an e-mail ‘in the next week’ Decaf

squintsoftheworldunite · 15/12/2018 05:39

Is it new that U10s do choir on their course? “ For the youngest orchestra some of this time is also spent in choir rehearsals and ensemble playing”

Decafcoffee · 15/12/2018 07:10

Thanks double I’m clearly not very good with the small print

Squints I had no idea they will be doing choir. That does sound new.

WindMum · 15/12/2018 07:18

Squints - that’s new since my DD did U10s.

They are trying new things, last year they introduced ‘surround sound’ which was smaller ensembles for most of the orchestras - not sure if U10s did it but U11s did!

Choir sounds like a good idea as the week can be exhausting with 7 hours playing each day, for some its painful playing all day (sore lips for some and sore fingers for others!) not to mention arm/wrist ache!

littleladsdad · 15/12/2018 07:32

Hi Patrick, nice to hear from you - hope that your ds has enjoyed his first term at school.

Doubleup · 15/12/2018 08:11

Has your dd come home from school yet littlelad? Interested to know what made it into the case this time Smile

Doubleup · 15/12/2018 08:16

Sorry littlelad - ds, not dd! Fat fingers with the typing!

littleladsdad · 15/12/2018 10:36

The Eagle has landed double, with all present and correct! Grin

PatricksViolin · 15/12/2018 10:41

Hi littlelads, thanks for asking. Indeed DS enjoyed it especially after half term. He's cleared all the first hurdles of solo performances in and out of school, assessments, etc, and seems to feel very much belonged to the school now. How's your DS's first term? I bet he absolutely loved it. He didn't have a wobbly start like mine anyway. He sounded very much ready for the commitment. Smile

Although I can see the great benefit of introducing choir, DS would rather like to play instruments than singing so not sure how much he enjoys the aspect. Or is it only for U10? He loved trying guitar last year (2018).

Doubleup · 15/12/2018 11:15

Hooray for lists littlelad!

Trumpetboysmum · 15/12/2018 12:12

Lists rule Wink

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