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Extra-curricular activities

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

Original poster

NCO projects audition process

18 replies

LoveBlueCheese · 18/12/2022 16:48

Hello! My son is interested in auditioning for NCO 2024 projects. There doesn't seem to be much info online about the audition process other than sending in a performance video. Has anyone had a DC who went through auditions for the projects team and can shed more light?

OP posts:
TheTurn0fTheScrew · 18/12/2022 19:31

There's not much more to it than they say on the website to be honest. Your DC will film a video with a couple of sentences by way of introduction, and then perform two contrasting pieces of their own choosing, so one faster/more technical and one slower showing musicality.

There is a time limit on the video -10 mins IIRC - but DC2 was been successful with a much shorter video. The tricky part is it has to be one continuous take. You don't need an accompanist or fancy equipment. I recorded DC2 on my phone in the sitting room. Because it's a continuous take you and your DC need to accept that it's unlikely to be perfect - I think DC got bored after three goes so we sent the best of those.

DC2 had a blast so hopefully your DC will get in and enjoy it.

Original poster
LoveBlueCheese · 18/12/2022 20:20

Thanks so much! What level or grade was ur DC when he auditioned? Mine plays the flute but has yet to do any exams.

OP posts:
TheTurn0fTheScrew · 19/12/2022 07:40

DC was probably playing around grade 4-5 standard. I think one of her audition pieces was on the G5 syllabus. Obviously I wouldn't know detailed information but of the three kids in her section she was in the middle in terms of ability/experience.

Pollypocket81 · 19/12/2022 22:20

@TheTurn0fTheScrew if you don't mind responding, was your DC playing a more obscure instrument or a popular one? I have a violin playing DC and not sure if the required standard for the London projects will be around Grade 4-5 or higher for violin.

TheTurn0fTheScrew · 19/12/2022 22:51

@Pollypocket81 I have no idea about the strings levels I'm afraid, as she's in a different section. But if your DC is enthusiastic about ensemble playing I'm sure it's worth a punt.

minisnowballs · 20/12/2022 08:40

Hi LoveBlueCheese - My dd is a flautist but did projects on her second instrument last year. What I did notice was that some of the flautists were older/more experienced than those on rarer instruments - I guess because it is so hard to get into nationals on flute. Some were grade 8, whereas DD2 was playing her second instrument at barely grade 5 and got in. She had a good time, and it's an easy audition process so definitely worth a go! She enjoyed it a lot and met some nice people. Strings levels and ages were hugely varied from what I could see.

Original poster
LoveBlueCheese · 20/12/2022 17:36

Thanks very much @minisnowballs . So my son is a cathedral chorister (non boarding) and the flute is his second study. He is only 8 and yet to take exams but that said, he did a RAM summer camp earlier this year and he was playing at G2 then. Flute teacher keen for him to sit G3 in Dec next year and try the auditions for NCO as she participated way back when. I have no idea what level of experience or grade playing is required but his sight reading is very good due to all the singing. Figured we'll give it a try anyway since it's a performance video by way of audition

OP posts:
minisnowballs · 20/12/2022 18:04

@LoveBlueCheese it's definitely worth a try - I think they take age and experience into account for Projects - and it is great fun for them. Choristers have such great training so I'm sure he'll be really ready for the ensemble stuff.

thirdfiddle · 20/12/2022 19:32

Pollypocket, DD got in playing half baked grade 5 pieces last year on violin. She'd learned the notes over the summer but not yet had lessons on them. I imagine polished g4 pieces would be seen more favourably but that's what we had at the time.

Pollypocket81 · 20/12/2022 21:45

Thanks @thirdfiddle that sounds encouraging. Maybe my DC will have a go next year!

Trumpetdad · 26/12/2022 13:35
Original poster
LoveBlueCheese · 01/01/2023 08:58

Thanks so much @Trumpetdad ! Incredibly helpful video

OP posts:
Trumpetdad · 01/01/2023 10:49

Happy New Year @LoveBlueCheese. Lots of other helpful videos on their YouTube channel and the team are lovely.

Main advice is that your DS should choose pieces that he can play well. Not those that are a stretch.

lolo99 · 26/10/2023 17:33

Where are the London. Projects based?

thirdfiddle · 26/10/2023 18:08

Your DC is in right? There should be a link near the top of your audition results email to a page with dates and venues.

lolo99 · 27/10/2023 13:47

yes it just shows Goldsmiths but I wondered what the other London venue is

minisnowballs · 28/10/2023 12:37

@lolo99 Think it was a school in North London last year (you can probably see on NCO's social media) - but you only get assigned one.

lolo99 · 28/10/2023 12:42

minisnowballs · 28/10/2023 12:37

@lolo99 Think it was a school in North London last year (you can probably see on NCO's social media) - but you only get assigned one.

Thank you, yes I have the info now :)

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