NCO2020

[Stringchild]

So my last time of opening this thread - a place to share 😊

Delurking to say we have a yes for under 11s here (double bass). The extracts were hard so we were not sure if he would make it this year! Ds is a homesickness sufferer so deliberating about the summer course but looking forward to regionals. Several of his friends are still in under 10s so we hope they can stay in touch at regionals together.

Ada - we're in state school here - there isn't even a piano in DS's school, so it isn't a case of everyone being privately educated.
G5 at age 10 is exceptionally good. I think it is more that the violin is one of the most competitive instruments. My DS got into U11s, but he's on a shortage instrument. My DS didn't get into U10s - but he's at the same standard, just a more competitive instrument.

Ada - also, have you considered the National Schools Symphony Orchestra. My 9 year old is in this and absolutely loves it.

MinnieMolly12345 - thanks, looking at NSSO also, which is why I am trying so hard to understand what is going on; in a sense it would be easier had her feedback said that the pieces were not no up to standard, or that her playing wasn't , or whatever, but getting positive feedback, seeing her shine at local level and then this is just plain confusing.

Ada - Was there nothing that they suggested could be improved? DS9 got positive comments, but some tips for improving next time.
With the NSSO you just audition once and then you have a guaranteed place each year ('til age 18 I think). The audition was great, very informal and relaxed, and DS had a brilliant time, so I would definitely recommend it.

@Ada23 don't despair! My DD was at a similar standard on violin at your DD's age. She got regionals at U10s and U11s and was very disappointed as her BFF (slightly ahead in terms of standard) got nationals. We therefore looked for other opportunities for her and found Pro Corda. There she got 'noticed' by the course director and ended up auditioning for one of the London JD's where he now teaches her and she is flying!! She actually decided not to go for NCO this year in favour of other opportunities...

Younger DD just got a no for U10 cellos, she was on the bottom of grade standard so not too surprised and in view of big sisters experience we're not sweating it. Looking at Pro Corda and NSSO for her instead. Both offer high level training and are as wonderfully nurturing as NCO x

@Ada23 its purely that there just aren't enough places for the number of excellent little violinists out there and sadly for your DD, others were better this time. Hard to take for you and for her (believe me, I know!!!!).

Hi Folkmamma

Thank you for your previous advice for me at different thread regarding pro corda. Your info was so helpful and my DD enjoyed the course in the summer! Thank you.

Ada23, my DD enjoyed pro corda North. She supposed to go to West first but they accepted her for North. Pro corda has age ranged easter and summer course too.
In her course, there were some music specialist school kids too so the standard was quite high and I was worry but they looked after my DD well and she enjoyed and gained fantastic ensemble skills there.
So I suggest you to check their homepage.
I can't help my DD playing ( am not a string player), but I can research and find some opportunities for her

@Karate1 Hi!!!! So glad your DD enjoyed PC!!! It's a very special place for us (and the main reason DD12 decided not to do NCO) so I'm really hoping they will accept DD9 this year!! Although a very long schlepp and we could be making 3 trips... the th in a we do eh!?

I have a very happy DD with an under 11s violin place! (First time in NCO) has anyone received the email about booking regionals? I’m worried we’re going to miss out..

@Ada23 DD played Hungarian dance no5 and also one of her grade 7 pieces. Her teacher said well played excerpts would be much more important in terms of securing a place, however.
Not sure what the standard is like where you’re based, but for us it’s incredibly high. Grade 5 at 10 seems to be a good average, and the only people we (personally) know who got into NCO were grade 8 standard in U10s orchestra. Local competitions for us have a far higher standard in age-group categories than in graded categories. My DD is at state school and is also the only kid above a grade 4/5, but in her local orchestra and competitions we regularly see kids her age (10) and younger who are clearly at grade 8 standard or beyond. She also knows a couple who are at London conservatoires and they are younger than her and already grade 8.

DD did not get into U10s last year but had a great time at NSSO instead, took up the viola, and managed to get her abrsm grade 7. She auditioned on both instruments this year hoping for a viola place in u11s and was very surprised to get in on violin, given the standard. I hope that helps! Lots of opportunities out there, as others have said. :)

@Ada23 also worth a look is NYSO:

www.nyso.uk/about-us/

DD very happy with her nice email and reserve list. Expectations successfully managed! I don't think we'll go hunting for alternative residentials this year, but taking notes with a view to next year.

Did people get feedback with their email? We have to ask for it and it won't come before Feb.

has anyone had a regionals email yet! Well done to everyone - all these children are so talented and brave to audition in the first place

No regionals email here yet.

No regional email here either. I don't think we can register before that comes can we?

No email here either

Ada I think it's a sad reflection of the provision of music in state schools that so few kids play at national level. In the main the opportunities just aren't there the way they are at private schools. Obvs that's a huge generalisation, there are pockets of musical excellence in the state sector but they're few and far between. Sadly.

The residentials are extremely well-run, basically the kids don't have time to be bored. There's a very healthy mixture of musical and non-musical activities so that young lips and fingers don't get worn out. There's a large team of Social Staff as well as the Music Tutors on each course, they look after the non-musical activities, make sure they're showering and brushing their teeth, eating enough etc. They're mainly ex-NCO who are now at uni/Conservatoire and they very much have a big brother/sister relationship to the kids.

Got email!

Our email has just come through too.

Email through, but unable to actually sign up for another hour 🙄

Managed to book but how quickly sold out for many instruments. Is this because associate members had secured the place before full member book? most of brass, woodwinds were gone. Strings were available though.

I logged on at 7pm and there was 1 place left for DS's instrument (brass)- so many other instruments had sold out already.

Ahhhh within 15mins violin has sold out!!! Does anyone know how to apply for a different region? Many thanks!

wow that was a fast sell out... stressful!

That was stressful ! just managed to book violin for regional for DD. Can’t belive how quickly they get booked up. Clicked on at 7pm and nearly all sold out!