FAQs for parents
My son is in Year 9 at school, can he join the NCO?
It depends how old he will be on 31 December. Membership of the NCO is open to children who will be aged 7-13 on 31 December of the year that they audition. So, if on 31 December 2012 your child will still be 13 then he may audition in October 2012 for a place in NCO 2013.
Children whose date of birth falls between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2005 (inclusive) will be eligible to audition in October 2012 for NCO membership 2013.
I have a video of my daughter performing her Grade 8 pieces. Can I send this in rather than her having to apply for an audition?
No. To ensure we are fair to everybody, membership of the NCO is by audition only and your daughter must apply for an audition like all other children.
I know a really good venue that you could use for auditions, who should I let know?
Thanks. We review our audition venues every year and are always on the look out for good ones. There are a number of facilities which we need, please read this document to find out more.
I am worried that I cannot afford the fees for my son to join. How much does it cost?
We only accept the best musicians into the NCO. Other than musical talent there should be no other barrier for children to join, including financial constraints. We do ask parents, where possible, to pay a membership fee to contribute towards the costs of their child’s place. However, we recognise that this is not possible for many and so we offer bursaries according to financial circumstances. If your family's gross income is less than £56,000 a year then you are eligible to apply for assistance. Bursaries are awarded on a sliding scale so that those in most need receive the most help. For example, a family with an annual income of up to £28,000 would receive a full bursary for their child. We are also able to give guidance on other sources of grants and sponsorship.
Our fees are reviewed annually, but in 2012 are £765 for the Training, Under 11 and Under 12 Orchestras and £1,495 for the U13 and Main Orchestras. Fees include all costs for courses (tuition, accommodation, meals, etc).
We missed the October auditions last year. Is it too late for our daughter to join?
Occasionally we are able to accept late auditionees if there is a place available in the Orchestras. This is highly unlikely for instruments such as violin and flute, but more likely for the less commonly-played instruments. We can advise if you let us know what instrument your daughter plays, her age and her approximate standard of playing.
If your daughter will still be between 7 and 13 (inclusive) on 31 December 2012 then she may apply for an audition in October 2012 to be part of the NCO next year.
Where can I get an application form from?
From May there will be an application form available on our website. If you have any problems downloading it please contact us and we can send you a printed version.
How many hours will my son spend rehearsing on the course?
Usually six hours a day for the Training, Under 11 and Under 12 Orchestras and seven hours a day for the Under 13 and Main Orchestras – made up of full orchestral rehearsals and sectionals.
For the Training and Under 11 Orchestras part of this time is spent in choir rehearsals. Our experience has shown us that the younger children benefit from the variety of different musical disciplines, whilst having a break from playing their instrument – which can be tiring.
Six or seven hours may sound like a long time, but there is still plenty of leisure time on the courses for children to take part in other activities. The balance of rehearsals to free time is something we have received lots of positive feedback on and we are proud of the holistic experience that the courses offer.
My daughter has another commitment which clashes with the NCO course. Can she arrive a day late?
This is not something we encourage as missing part of the course can have a detrimental effect on your daughter’s enjoyment of it. Any request to miss part of a course must be put in writing to the Director of Music for his consideration.
Our son gets very homesick but we live near the course venue. Can he come home at night?
As a rule, no. It would not be fair on him as he would be missing out on the overall experience. We have had instances of children being homesick in previous years, but the vast majority of children do get over it within the first day or two, and by the end of the week they are usually begging to stay!
However, there may be extenuating circumstances, medical issues for example, which you would like us to take into consideration. Please put any request in writing to the Director of Music.
What kind of music will my daughter be playing on the course?
The repertoire varies across all eras of classical music plus musical theatre, film and jazz. It is balanced to ensure all instruments are represented.
Who will look after my son during the course?
A large team of staff consisting of Course Manager, Nurse, Social Staff Organiser, social staff and music staff. All staff have CRB clearance.
Where will the courses take place?
Our course venues change but in 2012 we will be at Port Regis and Sherborne Girls in Dorset for spring courses and at Wellington College in Berkshire, Sedbergh School in Cumbria and Port Regis in Dorset for Summer courses.
Will our daughter be able to practise the music before the residential course?
The NCO music tutors will select the hardest bits of music which will be sent to your daughter to practise before the course. These are known as ‘purple patches’. Children often find it helpful to work through these purple patches with their instrument teacher in advance.
Does my son have to wear a uniform?
There is a dress code for all children participating in an NCO concert.
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