NCO 2026

[Wishfulmasterchef]

Is now the right time to start the conversation? NCO 2026 audition results?

(As in, for parents.)

DD just been offered a place in U12 orchestral weeks!
Would be keen to hear from parents whose children joined before - I know she will be delighted but also nervous. Especially curious about pastoral support and whether it's easy to make friends.

I’d love to hear more too. I didn’t tell DD too much about NCO as wasn’t sure she had a strong chance to get in so I think she’ll be nervous about being away for a week with people she doesn’t know.

Which section is yours? Mine is wind.

The pastoral side is really strong tbh. And they really do make friends quickly. I was nervous with mine being away with the u12s but fast forward two years and he’s in touch with the other kids a fair bit and it’s his favourite thing.

Lovely, great to hear strong pastoral care. Even I feel nervous about her being away for a week.
She's also wind! It was her first time to audition, she didn't think she had a high chance but really enjoyed doing it so hopefully it will be a very positive experience overall.

They can call you each day as well so you do get to check in. And they have online meet ups before with pastoral staff and the other kids which help prep them.

Yes please!

My DD had cold feet before the first residential, but she absolutely loved it once she went and I’ve had no worries since. She likes music but she definitely wouldn’t have repeated the experience unless she met some fantastic friends. They are always messaging each other and I imagine the chats will be going off tonight!

We only auditioned for weekends. Will try orchestral weeks next year. Two grade 8 Distinctions, 11 year old boy. We do not know whether we now have to stick to one instrument for good? He genuinely likes both. And has also suddenly taken to the piano as well. DS has friends who applied for the orchestral weeks.

Wow! That’s amazing!! What instruments?

Yes for DD u14s too :)

Araminta1003 you def don't have to stick to one, they reaudition each year and if you put in an audition for both you choose order of preference when you submit the audition. Also crikey, two grade 8s at 11, well done! DD doesn't have any yet.

In u12 and u13 there were various players putting down their instruments and hopping over to the piano for a piece and back again. So if he's also brilliant at piano, there is a chance to mention level and he may get a bit of that too.

DD auditioned on two grade 8 instruments once, the offer was for the one more in demand. She continues playing both but it doesn't make much sense to audition, the orchestras will always pick
what they need more, even if the standard is lower.

If your instruments are both in demand like oboe and horn (which is a rare combination in itself and I'm not even sure if it's possible 😂), then it's different and probably worth auditioning on both.

I feel your pain it was agonising waiting for projects email! I have 1 into projects and 1 u13 so everyone will be very happy

Read the small print (which is probably not there till next year's auditions open), but I thought it was at one point said that NCO do respect your preference if you would have got in on both. DD decided she preferred viola anyway so the point became moot.

It's just on paper. There were quite a few string players one or two grade lower than DD so she would have certainly got in had she not auditioned on brass as well 😁

Thanks all. I guess I will wait until next year’s audition period and see how he feels about it! I have been forbidden specifically by DS to disclose any information about him online that is identifying. He tells me I am a MN addict. He said normal mums drink tea when they are bored of working from home, whereas I post on MN. He may have a point! Looking forward to meeting some of you in real life though.

yes Bizet, beauty and the beast....all quite high level orchestral pieces really.

Yes for under 13s. Phew. Well done everyone. The pastoral is great and your children will love it- if they haven't been before and are worried.

Well done to all these young musicians for their great results! They’ve all done brilliantly 👏🏻

DD was so excited when I told her she got into U12s! I still can’t quite believe it! I also told her about NCO hoodies … they’re still a thing right?? She can’t wait to order one 😃

Thanks also for the reassurance about pastoral care. My DD was initially v worried when she realised it’s residential but greatly relieved when I told her how much fun all the kids have and how well they’re looked after. She’s a social butterfly so think she’ll be in her element!

Way back when I was the grade 6 who got into things the grade 8s at my school didn't. So I wouldn't assume based on a grade or two (for other readers), but you likely know something about your DCs playing quality more than just the grade and I'll take your word on that one.

Lol, hoodies are always a thing! Wondering if there will be a new concert uniform too with the rebrand.

We knew roughly a third of the section via various other projects or just as friends so we knew not just formal grades but the actual standard, music is a small world. DD auditioned for a specialist school half a year later and got a scholarship so I guess it kind of confirmed the standard on both instruments. The choice was definitely between an "oversupplied" instrument and a "not-so-rare-but-useful" one.

NCO does not look for grades only, that's true. DD auditioned with non-graded and not very difficult pieces this time, I'd say grade 7-ish level though difficult to tell. Her technique is good though as she was grade 8 a while ago and has been focussing on improving technique since then, not on grades or diplomas. I thought it would be an interesting experiment to see if she gets in with not so challenging pieces, and apparently technique is more important than level which is logical as orchestral sound requires solid technique.

Just found out DD has a place - she was waitlisted for u13 residential so joining in!

That’s brilliant news @northerngoldilocks! Congrats to your DD, she must be thrilled!

Fab news!