NYO 2022

[Musiccake]

My DS is preparing to apply for NYO.
He said the application form is quite hard to fill as so many questions to answer (Like mini essays for about 10 topics).
He just has started looking at the excerpts, also needs to upload contrasted pieces too. DS knows he is not good enough yet but as he is interested in NYO inspire too, he will give it a go!
It would be great to hear about either NYO or NYO inspire's experience.

The NYO Inspire programme has been really valuable and is well worth getting involved in. Being able to work with the actual NYO tutors is particularly useful as you really get a feel for their way of thinking and their expectations. Care is taken to match Inspire projects with the appropriate skill levels of the players and the repertoire is chosen with that in mind. I seem to recall that there is also an opportunity on the application form to identify which aspects of playing you feel need to be developed and they will try to cover that during the days.
It's also very important, I think, as a kind of apprenticeship for the actual NYO. If you get your face and playing known and show commitment, it can only be a positive for when you're actually ready to audition for the NYO itself. The competition is incredibly fierce though and I've known some amazing players who have not been chosen.
If your DS has aspirations for being in the NYO, then he should definitely throw everything at the audition, bearing in mind that a recorded and uploaded performance can sometimes be far more stressful as there is a desire for it to be perfect. We have ended up with some hellish evenings of repeating the pieces over and over because there is no sense of going into a room, doing it, warts and all, and leaving again. They are also very interested in how you present yourself in the way you introduce the pieces and what you say about them, so preparing a short script beforehand for each piece would be very helpful. Then you can ensure that there are some relevant and thoughtful reflections on the music. The video needs to replace the interview interaction that would have happened in a normal audition process, so it's really important to project your personality and passion for music in those short moments.
Spend some time getting a really good, clear position with good light. I would definitely recommend using a tripod or similar stand for phone/webcam. It's also worth getting a decent microphone. It doesn't need to be expensive, but we have done a lot of Zoom music this year and some of the microphones do no favours for the player. We have a Snowball iCE, recommended at the start of the first lockdown by my child's instrumental teacher and it's been far superior to many other microphones I've heard in virtual activities.

Thank you Ashard20 . It's very informative and encouraging!
We have Snowball Ice too as DS's teacher recommended too for zoom lesson and its really helped to improve the better sound for online lesson. According to the audition info sheet, external microphone is not allowed on this occasion but iphone mic is not bad and all candidates are in the same condition. I will show your post to DS. Another week to submit the video. I uploaded his G8 certificate now but still few questions he hasn't answered yet, I hope DS can submit the application by closing date.

Hi, Musiccake,
My DS is also applying to NYO this year. He's only doing it for the experience, as we're very aware he's not at the right playing standard get (he has got grade 8 distinction, but only took it in December and has only been playing for 6 years, with not much orchestral experience).
He has lucky enough to be part of NYO Inspire this year, and the projects he's been invited to take part in have been fantastic, so he'll definitely audition for NYO again next year (he's at a private schokl, so won't qualify for Inspire 2022).

He'd definitely agree with you about the application form - it's taken him a long time and a lot of thought to complete!

Mine is doing a late application. So far the form won’t submit- it’ll only allow inspire despite him being allowed a late application. So they’re trying to sort that. Then his instrument is going in for service for a week as of tomorrow so his video will also be late. I’m not holding out much hope tbh

Piccolo, Siriusmuggle

Thank you for your post. That's great NYO has accepted late application.
I was told the outcome for the first round will be 19 July but as the final round will be in Sep, they still have a time to sort.
I found the recording audition was very hard for my DS. He prefers to go in person audition. But it was a learning curve.
Good luck for everyone!

My DS couldn't get to the final round but offered for NYO inspire.
On NYO Musician's area, Assessment day page appeared so I assumed he got in! DS knew he is not the NYO standard yet, so he took it OK.
I wish you all the best for anyone going to the final round!

What instruments are yours applying on?

Hi Siriusmuggle

I PM you

How long did it take to hear back? Recording went in last week so probably being very impatient!

Sirius, there was a set date for results for the people who applied initially - it was 3 weeks, if I remember correctly.
DS has been offered a final round assessment day.

As I read it, you can still apply if at an independent school if you are black, Asian or ethnically diverse? Is that correct?

Yes - state school or homeschooled, or BAME (so either/or, not necessarily both), for NYO Inspire.

Thank you @Alsoplayspiccolo

Through to assessment day. Despite being at school in Manchester he’s got to go to the London one. Brilliant.
He’s done well though. Does anyone know how many they see vs how many they take?

Well done to your DS?
Bit annoying about him having to go to London; we were expecting (and wanted) London, but got Manchester and we’re told London was full when we asked if we could change.

What instrument does your DS play?

No idea where that question mark came from!

We were expecting Manchester so the opposite to you! Also been told Manchester is full. He’s a horn player.

My child has an NYO audition in London on Thursday but is ill ...... arrgghhhh! Heavy cold and sore throat. Hasn't been able to practise for the past few days, and had left preparation of one of the excerpts until this week (yes, I know ...). Had to cancel lesson yesterday. Knowing how these things work, DC unlikely to be better by Thursday. It's a wind instrument so can't play well with a cold. Even if partially-recovered, they are not going to be on form at all.

I guess that's it then? These auditions must be so complicated to plan, it's not like you can pop in the following week. We're so gutted.

That’s such a shame, igetitigetit.
I suspect a few DCs will have to withdraw due to Covid or other illness, so yours won’t be the only one.
Is it completely out of the question for them to attend? Even if not on top form, it could be valuable experience for applying again next year.

@Alsoplayspiccolo We've been hanging on to see if DC is up to it. NYO admin said they would take into account they are not on top form etc, but still in bed for yet another day and had to cancel the lesson rearranged for today. BUT - aren't the admin team amazing - they've squeezed them into the Manchester sessions next Saturday. Logistically a bit of a challenge for us (and expensive) but DC wants the experience so we'll do it. So that at least gives 9-10 day to recover and get back to practising!

That’s brilliant news!
And yes, the NYO admin team are fantastic and so lovely too!

Good luck to your DC - here’s hoping for a swift return to health and a successful assessment day 🤩

Great that they’ve squeezed you into Manchester. I wish they’d managed that for us given that it’s at his actual school during term time when he’s there! However, we’re in London ready for tomorrow now.

How did it go, Siriusmuggle? Did your DS enjoy the day?
We ended up being offered London at short notice, but have a hotel booked for Manchester so turned it down.

He loved it. He’s quite pragmatic about it but he’d really love to get in. So if he doesn’t I’ll be sad on his behalf. There were 9 on his instrument so probably the same on the second day and in Manchester so not great odds really.
He did really enjoy the whole experience though and got to catch up with people he hasn’t seen for a few years. Hope Manchester goes well for you.

That sounds like a really positive experience.
They do say that lots who get a place don’t get offers on the first attempt, so I wouldn’t be too disappointed if it’s a no this time. Is he the right age to apply again next year?

I have to say, our impression of the whole organisation is fantastic - they seem warm, encouraging and very supportive. 👌