Spring 21 virtual music thread

[thirdfiddle]

New year, new lockdown, new virtual ensembles and digital exams - welcome to a new, virtual, all digital, socially distanced music thread.

This is a continuation of a very long running and friendly series of threads, dating from long before my time, and anyone with music learning kids from pre beginner to music college is welcome to jump in at any point. Thank you to our esteemed founder and to all the lovely knowledgeable folk who chip in.

PS success stories welcome too, we like a cheery post. Never mind the stealth boasting here, just boast, your kids earned it.

*Minisnowballs ds is supposed to play one of his pieces accompanied although the JD have said that due to COVID they understand if accompaniment isn't possible. We had a recording of the piano part but just couldn't get the tech right and it got horribly stressful (ds is also Autistic so adds another level of stress on top). In the end he has decided to play it unaccompanied but that's also stressful.

Thank god that others are having the "It all sounds the same dynamic" conversation too. I'm so sick of the whole process. I'll be bloody glad when it's over.

DDs exam result back already (3 days) it’s 127, so a high merit. I’m thrilled for her and the stress of the recording now seems worth it!

Good luck to everyone else recording and auditioning.

@WordsandMusic2020 I am sorry for my late reply. I didn’t notice your message. I will PM you.

@teachocolate We went to the online open day too for RAM. I was impressed with their nurturing ethos, they seems like nice people! I didn't notice much in the way of children playing pieces, though, perhaps that was because we looked at the Junior open day rather than Primary... Do you happen to know if they have put up the videos on youtube yet? I can't see them.

@bostik The performances at Primary Academy were all live on Zoom so I don't think they'll be on Youtube. They were very impressive though!

Thanks @wordsandmusic2020 I misunderstood, thinking they were going to capture the meeting, including performances, and put on youtube later. Must be confused with some other online thing! Thanks :)

Ooh, and I meant to say well done to Paddington's DD - worth all the stress!

Well done to mini Paddington, that's a great result and lovely to have it so quickly too.

Mini, I love your DC's comments. Tbh, my DD would much rather be in a concert than go to one although she'd take anything just now I think. Only about 8 attempts at last night's video 🤦

Hello all me again! Does anyone know, are you allowed to take more than one rough piece of paper into the online theory exam? And is one allowed to be manuscript paper?
Thank you

Hi, I think it was only one sheet but can't remember about manuscript.
Am looking for some ideas for a gift for our woodwind teacher for all his help with auditions etc. Also, as he is a private teacher, we don't really have an end of year at all when you might naturally get someone a gift so probably misses out!
I found the perfect bassoon wine but it was only available in a Portuguese shop with about £15 delivery so think that is out unfortunately. Maybe wine or gin with music on label or something else but stuck for ideas.

I'm afraid i'm no help on gifts for bassoon teachers, horsey - but what on earth is bassoon wine? The mind boggles.

Ha ha, it was wine with a bassoon on the label, came up on a Google search! Thought it was perfect but shipping definitely too expensive!

One year I bought gifts from The Musicroom, they do some food things.
For dc very musical friend also bought a necklace with a guitar on it, from Amazon I am guessing.
I'm at the moment trying very hard to persuade dc to join NYRO day next week, Piers Adams will be joining!!

fiveoldteddies What age does NYRO go up up to please? My friend's daughter is a recorder player in her late teens and could be interested.

@greenmonkeypuzzle there’s an FAQ on the Abrsm website. Hopefully attached as a photo

@horseymum had to google the bassoon wine. It looks great but agree the postage expensive.

I’ve seen on the ISM website that it looks like face to face lessons can happen from 8th March where children are working towards an exam or audition so that’s such good news. Will be contacting DDs teachers to check later if I’ve understood it correctly.

Forgot to attach photo

@horseymum I'm just so glad that it wasn't wine aged in a bassoon or something. DD2 has been playing one for a year, and frankly nothing would surprise me anymore

Good morning. Is anyone applying for Junior Guildhall? I submitted the application form but cannot find the information audition and even don’t know if it is online or not.

@PaddingtonPaddington thank you so much, I'm really struggling keeping it together homeschooling, working, prep for theory and a music competition this week! Much appreciated

Quick question about second instruments and practice and how other people's DC organise themselves. DD started a second instrument in January. She is doing really well and usually does a very short practice tagged on the end or beginning of her more established instrument. Obviously as she gets better she is going to need to do more than 5-10 minutes a day. Do other people do one big practice or do they keep the instruments quite separate? They are both woodwind by the way.

MumsMeaningfulMayhem
recorder day: 8-25, with minimum of grade 3.
They also do easter (online) course: "The groups will be set by standard and will be approximately Grades 3-5, Grades 6-7 and Grade 8+, depending on the numbers booked",
summer course "aged 10-25 with a playing standard of Grade 5 up to Diploma"

@teachocolate Yes, we've got Junior Guildhall info. I'll PM you.

Thanks fiveoldteddies will pass this on