Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
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:
sunnyflowergarden · 11/02/2019 18:19

Oh, I see.. I just applied at the beginning of February, looks like they were short of violas. Really excited.
Best of luck for you next time!

Boyskeepswinging · 11/02/2019 18:35

Thanks! Actually the July date works better for us anyway so no worries. Hope your DD really enjoys it!

violinmama · 16/02/2019 12:00

Has anybody received info/music for the northerlies yet? It’s only a week away...

ZakStarkey · 16/02/2019 12:32

No not yet violinmama

Boyskeepswinging · 16/02/2019 12:51

I love the NCO with a passion but boy are they slooooooow with the admin. Fantastic musicians, not so great administrators. To be fair, that is the way round I'd rather it be but it can be frustrating when you're trying to organise complicated logistics, which I think almost all of us are doing.

Pollymalex104 · 16/02/2019 19:09

Hello - not been around for a whole but will second that, boyskeepswinging. We have just received an email with the finalised full main Orchestra list for 2019 with no cellos, double basses or tuba and one or two other individuals missing!

Boyskeepswinging · 16/02/2019 20:17

Interesting, Polly. We have had no such email from NCO. Maybe my DS is one of the missing ones?

Pollymalex104 · 17/02/2019 18:03

Is he percussion or have I misread the post? DS says percussion is exactly the same as last year, but one of his friends has posted the list they received which does include the cellos, double basses and tuba. (But still appears to have missing names!) Very confusing!

Boyskeepswinging · 17/02/2019 19:37

Hi Polly Yes he is Perc - thank you so much for remembering! Great to hear the perc section is the same as last year - they're a such a good team. If I do get a complete list I'll PM you but I ain't holding my breath Grin

littleladsdad · 17/02/2019 21:11

We received the same as you Polly i.e. no cellos, db, tuba

folkmamma · 19/02/2019 15:34

Little bit of news here.. DD and I were feeling a little sad about not being part of NCO this year and so submitted a late audition on viola for SW regional orchestra. Excited to say she was successful! So we will see some of you at SW's 😊

Boyskeepswinging · 19/02/2019 16:18

Yay! Great to hear your news folk, that's fantastic.

violinmama · 24/02/2019 19:40

Just back from our first Northerlies. DD found it quite a challenge to sight read but said everybody else could play it... Does anyone know if the music for the U10s is any easier please?

ZakStarkey · 24/02/2019 20:31

I think you can get the northerlies music if she wants to practice it before next rehearsal violinmama- it was on an email- a link.

violinmama · 24/02/2019 20:44

Thank you Zac - we had the email but didn’t have the chance to go through the 8 pieces in just 6 days (busy with school etc) and no teacher to help. As you say, she’ll be better prepared for next time. Just wondering how the U10s music compares in terms of difficulty to regionals.

ZakStarkey · 24/02/2019 20:59

I’m not sure Violin mama- what level is your dd at and how old is she?

violinmama · 24/02/2019 21:07

She’s 8, been playing 2.5 years (but only has 15 minute lessons) and is grade 5

ZakStarkey · 24/02/2019 21:13

Is this her first time in a full orchestra? Maybe she was just a little overwhelmed. I think the music is probably around that level? Was she in 1st/2nds?

violinmama · 24/02/2019 21:23

Yes, first time playing in a full orchestra. She’s in 2nds - at the back.

Pippap1 · 25/02/2019 10:11

Hi violinmamma, I have DD (U10 violinist) in London Junior, which has parent sharing session at each rehearsal instead of a formal concert.

I watched violin sections at the sharing session and found most of violinists made mistakes and only a few played confidently at some parts.

So I am sure that your DD is not the only one who struggled to play the pieces. Anyway, there is another month until the next rehearsal, so your DD has plenty of time to practice. Don't worry, just do the best and enjoy the experience.

crocusdaffodil · 25/02/2019 12:39

I don't know yet about under 10s but when ds did S Easterlies at 8 last year the music was much harder than what he got on the summer course with training orchestra. I think they also gain massively in confidence as regionals progresses. (ps have been on the the thread further up but name changed - I have a ds in U10s and London Junior this year).

crocusdaffodil · 25/02/2019 12:40

2.5 years of 15 minute lessons and grade 5 sounds fantastic btw.

TrumpetVoluntary · 25/02/2019 13:50

My DD was in U10s last year and she said the music there was more manageable than at the regional she attended. In fact one piece was common to both and the U10 version had it an octave lower which was easier for her to play on the trumpet.

violinmama · 25/02/2019 16:34

Thank you everyone for your support. I’m trying to reassure DD that all will be fine by next rehearsal - it’s mostly just speed that needs working on (& getting used to being surrounded by lots of other instruments & counting like mad & watching the conductor..... 😬

NeleusTheStatue · 12/03/2019 17:29

Seems like they've changed concert wear. Is it only me feeling a bit sad about it? I liked the red long skirt and tie with the logo...