NOW’s System
What is it and how does it work?
The NOW System is divided into 2 parts.
Part 1 The Fast Track Learning System, integrates with part 2 The Performing Ensembles.
Anyone can join these ensembles and groups: you do not have to be an existing member of NOW.
NOW System Part 1: The Fast Track Learning System
The Fast Track Learning System which comprises of 3 two hour, one year courses only costing £2 an hour. We use the Standard of Excellence Tutor Book, which is a fully integrated band method. We learn individual techniques of your instrument, tuning, balance, ensemble, musical phrasing, scales, aural and some theory, we will also play real band music and arrangements. Book 1 is used for beginners the first year. Book 2 is used by the Improvers the second year. And book 3 is used by the Intermediates in the third year.
BEGINNERS: Anyone can join this class but usually from age nine. It is very important to join at the beginning of the year as the class moves pretty quickly. And if we keep starting beginners this slows down the progress of others. The classes are 2 hours in length. Absolute beginners (even people with no previous musical experience at all) –Adults of any age are more than welcome as we are for the whole community. We have families in the system including grandparents and grandchildren. This takes beginners up to about grade 2 Associated Board standard after only 12 months. Students should attempt to practice daily and use the CD backing tracks. The last term or Phase 3 of this course merges with Community Winds B. This means a move from Saturday morning to Monday evening. And an extra 1 ½ hours of rehearsal with NO extra charge!
IMPROVERS: Anyone can join this class; you do not have to be an existing member of NOW. NOW will take you from grade 2 standard or equivalent experience, please ask if you are unsure. You can also enter having completed the Beginner course without much difficulty keeping up. If you have had difficulty keeping up on the Beginner course please stay in Community Winds B until you are ready for moving again. This course will take you from about grade 2 standard to about grade 4 Associated Board standard. You are encouraged to join or continue playing in Community Winds A as this will increase the rate of your progress. After 12 months your playing level should be equivalent to grade 4 Associated Board if you practise regularly and play in the Community Winds A.
INTERMEDIATE – Anyone can join this class; you do not have to be an existing member of NOW. NOW will take applications you if you are at least grade 4 Associated Board standard or equivalent experience, please ask if you are unsure. You can also enter having completed the Improvers course without much difficulty keeping up. If you have had difficulty keeping up on the Beginner course please stay in Community Winds A until you are ready to take this course. This course will take you from about grade 4 standard to about grade 6 standard adding greater technical and musical facility. You are encouraged to join or continue playing in Community Winds A as this will increase the rate of your progress. After 12 months your playing level should be equivalent to grade 6 Associated Board if you practise regularly and play in the Community Winds A. After a successful course you can join the wonderful NOW Training Winds.
NOW System Part 2: The Performing Ensembles
Performing Ensembles rehearse once a week for 2 ½ hours – these groups are continuous (not set courses over a prescribed time), are run in term time only, and cost £10 a month. They are still very much learning ensembles as the main focus, even though it is fun, is always education as such we still continue with band warm ups, tuning and scales as well as playing pieces that develop musical style, technique, rhythm, balance etc. As with all the Performing ensembles entrance standard may be lower in certain less popular instruments to maintain a balanced group. For example if we a struggling to find players on a certain Bass Instrument the standard may be lowered to fill that space. All the seating positions in the Performing ensembles are at the sole discretion of the Director/Conductor of the ensemble.
It is important to recognise that all paying members can join a lower ensemble, on the same instrument, free of charge.
NOW Community Wind Orchestra B: Anyone can join this ensemble; you do not need to have completed the NOW beginner course. We normally accept applications from about Associated Board grade 1 ½ - 2 standard. If you have not completed the NOW beginner course and have sufficient experience, please speak to us about your experience.
NOW Community Wind Orchestra A: Anyone can join this ensemble: you do not have to be an existing member. The only requirements are at least grade 4 Associated Board or similar experience (if in doubt please speak to us), or a successful completion of the NOW Improvers course.
NOW Training Wind Orchestra: Anyone can join this ensemble: You do not have to be an existing member of NOW. Applications are invited from people of at least grade 6 standard Associated Board or equivalent experience. If you have completed a very successful Improvers course you are more than welcome to move up. Joining or principal positions may be subject to audition.
Northamptonshire Orchestral Winds (NOW Advanced Wind Orchestra): Anyone can join this ensemble: You do not have to be an existing member of NOW. Applications are invited from people of at least grade 8 standard Associated Board or equivalent experience. If you have completed a very successful 2 years in the Training Winds you are move up or audition. Joining or principal positions may be subject to audition. If there are gaps in the ensemble standards may be lowered to fill those positions.
NOW Wind Ensemble: Anyone can apply to join this ensemble. We stipulate players of Diploma to professional standard. Those with Music College Diplomas, and University Music Degrees are particularly encouraged to apply. We play mainly Octets, Nonets and Dectets and are looking for Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, Bassoons and French Horns. But we do not stop at that we have also performed Stravinsky octet for example which has 2 trumpets and 2 trombones. This ensemble does not meet every week but once a fortnight on a Sunday. From time to time smaller groups may be set up for certain events.The NOW System is divided into 2 parts
Part 1 The Fast Track Learning System, integrates with part 2 The Performing Ensembles.
Anyone can join these ensembles and groups: you do not have to be an existing member of NOW.
