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Extra-curricular activities

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

Original poster

Christmas and January Music Thread *Thread title edited by MNHQ*

365 replies

Wafflenose · 07/12/2018 16:54

Hi all,
Here's a new thread for the festive period - possibly including a bit of January if I'm away and unable to start another one in time. The old thread was making me nauseous.

I am a music teacher, so pretty busy athis the moment. I have just had results for 12 pupils' exams... 3 pass, 7 merit and 2 distinction. My DDs didn't do any this term, but have 9 concerts between them. Goo is 13 and plays the flute and piano. Rara is 10 and plays the cello and clarinet. What are you all up to musically?

OP posts:
Alsoplayspiccolo · 09/12/2018 19:26

Well done to mini Trumpet - sounds like he had a great concert. ( fingers crossed, he gets to do it all again next year!)

Wiifitmama · 09/12/2018 19:42

We recently bought a new piano. Our old one was literally an unseen cheapo from eBay bought when ds first decided to learn and never replaced. His teacher hinted a few times over the years that we should replace it and we ignored the hints. After he took grade 5 last year, the teacher did more than hint! We went to the Yamaha shop in soho (such a wonderful place - we stayed in there for a long long time!) and ended up buying a slimline digital one. I was very careful to enquire and buy something that would last him well past grade 8 and was assured this would. It is also such a slim profile (full sized keyboard though) that it fits our flat well and will one day go with him when he leaves home. One tip - I stood in the shop after we decided what we wanted to buy and googled them. I found them much cheaper online and asked yahama to price match which they did. Otherwise, I would have left and bought online.

We watched another end of term concert tonight. This was a folk ensemble that ds1 and ds2 play in. Ds3 is too young for it but I had a conversation with the two ensemble leaders who both have taught ds3 either in one2one lessons or in another ensemble who both agreed he should be part of this one. Not their decision unfortunately and the arbitrary 12 year old age cut off has always been enforced. I did point out that ds3 will be year 7 in September and if I had had the foresight to get pregnant with him at the right time of year, he would be on the verge of turning 12 and would be admitted (from September)- it is not his fault he is a summer birthday! They are going to raise it with the higher ups - but I am not that hopeful. Seems so ridiculous as he is better than at least half the kids in the ensemble already. And they don't have one for younger kids.

se22mother · 09/12/2018 19:43

Bluebell my 10 year old violinist has s couple of dresses from Monsoon Storm range

CruCru · 09/12/2018 19:54

I’ve just checked out Black Dress Code. How funny, I’d never realised that there would be a clothes manufacturer specifically for musicians.

I like this: blackdresscode.com/product/rebecca-dress/

CruCru · 09/12/2018 19:57

This is also nice.

catkind · 09/12/2018 22:00

Anyone watching strictly yesterday? There was a really cool bit of gypsy style fiddle playing! Never mind the dancers, someone should have name checked the violinist.

Alsoplayspiccolo · 09/12/2018 22:33

I didn't see it yesterday, but did you see it a few weeks ago, when they had a solo violinist on a platform and name checked her, Catkind? It was my friend's daughter, who was leader of NYO a couple of years ago. 😀

catkind · 09/12/2018 22:52

Oh wow, that's really cool, no didn't see that one piccolo! Had a few Saturdays off for concerts. Can you remember who/what dance so I can see if the clip's still up?

DeckTheHalls1 · 10/12/2018 00:18

Just a quick word of thanks for the advice about piano purchase. We don't live in London so can't check out the cool Yamaha shop but will look into the ones mentioned. thank you knowledgeable ladies.

Just one further question. How important are exams in your opinion? I guess for a young person they are a good marker of progression. Im just wondering if it would be worth considering that route when you start well into adulthood. I love practicing and learning all these new little pieces (even as a beginner. I never had much exposure to anything classical before now); I do like a challenge; tho not too much stress given this is a relaxing hobby! Why/When should a person consider exams? (No more hogging thread after this question - I'll lie low until I pass grade one or equivalent in non exam terms!!! Red face!) But thx in advance for any advice.

Boyskeepswinging · 10/12/2018 06:44

My biggest gripe with grades is that they don't test technique. I see kids who've got G8 but their technique is appalling. Apart from that I think in your case you might find it useful to have a target to work towards and to extend your musicality through the scales, sight-reading and aural. And if the exam itself goes horribly wrong you can retake or move on - you can have unlimited goes (unlike, say, a job interview).

Boyskeepswinging · 10/12/2018 06:49

What I was trying to say is that grades are as stressful as you want to make them. If you're just in it for a bit of fun that's absolutely fine and to be applauded! Good luck!

Trumpetboysmum · 10/12/2018 06:58

Grades are good because they get you to work on all the different aspects of becoming a musician and for children they can be good motivators to practise . But I’m not really a big fan I would rather music was learnt and played to be enjoyed . But that’s just me because I hated music exams as a child- both mine from time to time choose to do them

LooseAtTheSeams · 10/12/2018 07:25

I took up the piano in middle age and avoided grades to start off with but then got steered towards them. I think the benefit is in the incentive for learning the scales but not sure what else is helpful to latecomers like me - apart from spending more time on pieces. I may or may not bother with the grade 5 exam next term but I'm quite glad to know so many scales!

Alsoplayspiccolo · 10/12/2018 07:42

mobile.twitter.com/bbcstrictly/status/1058803868027383808

catkind

SE13Mummy · 10/12/2018 09:47

Bluebell, my DD (age 14) has to wear black for JD concerts and I've bought a couple of jumpsuits from New Look for her (one for now, one to grow into). It looks plenty smart enough for JD concerts when worn with plain black shoes but can be dressed down with trainers for less formal concerts. I've actually just bought one for DD2 too as she will be wearing black for her first concert with a band she's just joined.

Alsoplayspiccolo · 10/12/2018 11:42

I've hesitated to post this, but you are all so supportive, not just about music stuff, I feel I can.

I'm really struggling with life at the moment. This week in particular is going to be a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and my emotions are all over the place.
Both DCs have special performances - DD has her first nine lessons and carols service as a member of the school senior choir in the cathedral tomorrow. She's been looking forward to it since last Christmas, when she was too young to audition ( you have to be year 10). DS has his first concert with the county youth orchestra on Sunday. A few weeks ago, he had to audition for position and was delighted to he given 3rd desk ( I'm not back desk, mum!), even though he's the youngest in the whole orchestra.
So, lovely things to look forward to and celebrate.
But it's my sister's funeral on Wednesday, which is obviously overshadowing everything. We are having to do a round trip of 320 miles in a day and just the thought of the whole thing makes me feel sick and anxious. I feel like I might fall apart.

In addition, we are about to find out whether our much adored dog has terminal cancer. He's only young and has been my shadow since we got him at 8 weeks old.

In amongst all of the above will be NCO results and piano exam results (pretty sure NCO will be a firm no ). DD has ADHD, combined with 15 year old hormones, which means life with her is pretty stressful and exhausting at the moment.

I honestly don't know what to do with myself. I need to keep everything together for the next 10 days or so, until term finishes at least, but I'm not sure I can.

CruCru · 10/12/2018 11:52

That sounds incredibly hard Alsoplayspiccolo.

TaggieOHara · 10/12/2018 12:28

piccolo. I’m so sorry to read this. I’m not at all surprised you are struggling. You have done amazingly well to hold it together until now, but what you are facing at the moment would be too much for anyone. And yet, when you are really stressed, taking action can seem overwhelming.. yet another thing...

So you may not be able to consider my suggestion, which is to take time off as sick leave, at least until after the funeral. And to miss any concerts you are too tired for, just as if you were physically ill. There will be many many other concerts and services in the future, and your DCs will understand. Your current situation is just as disabling as any winter virus imho.

Whatever you decide, your internet friends on this thread will be with you in spirit Flowers

ealingwestmum · 10/12/2018 13:12

It all sounds horribly stressful piccolo. I also really hope the impending news on your dog is better than you expected, as the non-verbal members of our households often are the most intuitive and supportive to us during dark periods.

Wise words from Taggie. Do what has the the least negative consequences (on you) later down the line, even if they feel like the end of the world now. As parents we support pretty much 24/7. A few days out won't make that much difference long term.

Mendingfences · 10/12/2018 13:34

Thinking of you piccolo
I cant really add to the wise words above, but in terms of grades and nco they are already 'done', and what will be will be so id suggest trying to put them out of your mind (although i appreciate thats easier said than done)

I hope you have practical support with things like the driving on wednesday, and hope you are able to take advantage of things like takeaways or ready meals to lighten the household load.

catkind · 10/12/2018 14:35

Aw piccolo, sounds very tough. I second cutting down to what needs to be done and not sparing energy for the relatively unimportant.

I wonder if this is your friend's DD too? Have no idea if shows like strictly book the same band week on week. Their style sounds very similar, amd even more violin in this one.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06v1n77

MeltingWax · 10/12/2018 16:55

You have so much to cope with emotionally at the moment piccolo - Flowers. It's no wonder you are feeling under strain.

I really hope that Wednesday goes as well as it possibly can. That must be weighing on your mind above all else. I would hope you will feel more at ease after Wednesday and you can look forward to concerting on the weekend. As others have said, the auditions and exams are done. I know the waiting for results takes up more headspace but there's nothing you can actually physically do about those so try not to give them more headspace than they need.

Boyskeepswinging · 10/12/2018 17:07

I got through a similar period by being kind to myself and taking away as much pressure as possible. For me this was early nights wherever possible, lots of easy to prepare meals and minimum housework. And reminding yourself that this too will pass Flowers

Doubleup · 10/12/2018 18:36

Thinking of you piccolo Flowers

Wiifitmama · 10/12/2018 18:41

Piccollo, I am really sorry to hear how hard things are. I echo everyone else. You have to drop anything non-essential and tell yourself it is ok to be less than perfect. Do the minimum and be kind to yourself.