National Children's Orchestra - Worth the money?

[Nicmarmum]

My DS has been offered a violin place in the NCO Main Orchestra 2024. We are delighted but at the same time, struggling to decide. The £2000 fee seems high to us and we won't be eligible for any financial aid. For those with NCO prior experience, may I know whether you think it worths the £2000?

Presumably you have spent a small fortune to date on lessons?

But I would sell my right arm for my child not to miss out on this opportunity

Thanks Paltrypam for your inputs. Good point!

Accept the place! It will be the last opportunity for him to join if it’s for the main orchestra!

If you can afford it, I would go for it. Would it be worth looking for financial support from other sources, such as those listed here? www.nco.org.uk/join-in/fees-and-financial-support

Of coursexyou should not turn it down for $$ cut bsck on xmas . Ask family to give $$ instead of gifts

Link above says There is no guarantee we will be able to offer support for every application we receive, particularly if your household income is above £68,000. We recommend that you apply to other funding sources alongside your NCO Financial Support application as we are expecting significant demand.

My child has been on music residentials similar to this and it's a fantastic experience. Don't get into debt for it though.

Thanks so much for sharing your views!

It really depends on what the opportunity cost is for you. Compared to other music courses, I think it's worth it from what friends have said - two whole weeks + a weekend, high level coaching, serious repertoire, lots of fun. If your house needs a new roof though, that would come first.

It was definitely worth it for mine. It was the highest level he’d played it. He met people there who he’s still in touch with now, some who are now at conservatoire with him. He got to play in some amazing venues with NCO. Not relevant to everyone but he has included it on his bio for various ensembles too. Definitely do it if it’s at all possible.

I never played at national level, but I did do the Cornwall Youth Orchestra. Absolutely incredible experience, we played all over the county and up to London for a few concerts. It's still something I look back on with huge love and pride. If you can make it work, please do - it's a dying art.

I was in the NCO about 30 years ago!

Absolutely bloody loved it. Such an amazing experience for a few years.

thank you for all your sharing. really appreciate it!

very late answering this, but yes, absolutely worth it. It was a stretch for us too but no regrets at all - DD got so much out of it. It's important that kids from ordinary backgrounds get involved and it's not just the posh kids with competitive parents who have the chance to take up these opportunities.

Late to the party as well here, but I've had the same dilemma as my DD secured a place. We're not a high income family at all but have gone for it and prioritised it as it's such a fantastic opportunity for her that might not come up again. DD is educated at a northern state school and I'm hoping that there will be others like her. Well done to your DC- it's such a great achievement!

Thank you @Fruitloopcowabunga @Madrescuechicken for your sharing. Yes, I have eventually let DS take this opportunity. Really look forward to the coming camp in April!

I'm very late to the thread, but I'm so glad you've been able to make this happen for DS. I've just had a look at the repertoire the main orchestra is playing, and it's an absolute delight. There are pieces on the programme that I first performed when I was your DS's age, and still get to perform now, and they still make my spine tingle every time.