Any grade 8ers this term? Options

[violin123]

Thank you everyone for the interest and lovely comments (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) the current plan is to retake (possibly in December) but changing list A (to the Haydn) and list C. Anyone have any ideas apart from the Williams for list C? I don't think I'd brave the Kreutzer...

[Rosie91]

Anyone have any ideas apart from the Williams for list C? I don't think I'd brave the Kreutzer...

I love the Kodaly! I've just listened to the Hindemith and like the sound of that too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[inigo]

the current plan is to retake (possibly in December) but changing list A (to the Haydn) and list C.

Without wishing at all to be nosy, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) I wondered why you want to retake? You've done really well! I considered (briefly!) retaking it myself last year, mainly to see if I could do it without collapsing with stress (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) and stagefright.

[violin123]

I just feel I'd really like to try and get a distinction, because I know I could do it if I didn't get nervous and now I know I can cope with aural/SR (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Violin Hero]

I would try the Kodaly. I have performed it a few times including for my TG grade 8. I think it is great and requires lots of expression but is not technically challenging.

[Hubicka]

If it makes you feel better to get a better mark then certainly go for it, but please don't feel like you have to (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) You got a mark to be very proud of and I do hope you are (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
I was the same as you, I think I got 128 and was absolutely gutted as I had aimed for a distinction. I didn't re-take, and now i'm in music college and can honestly say nobody even thinks about or ever mentions grade 8, and it doesn't bother me in the slightest what I got. Grade 8 isn't even thought about (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) It may be more beneficial just to put it behind you and onwards and upwards with new repertoire and stuff (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Whatever makes you happiest!

[inigo]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I agree with Hubicka, it isn't necessary and no-one will ever think about it! What you have done already is a super achievement!
I don't know if it's relevant to you, but my decision not to retake was based on considering the marksheet. Most it was pretty ok, and I got a good merit overall - the bits I lost marks on were poor rhythm in the scales and a particular technical issue (double stops!!) in one of the pieces. I reckoned that it meant that lots of other important aspects were fine, (and I could have improved those bits if I wasn't really really terrified (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) )
However - only you and your teacher know how a retake will benefit you - best of luck with whatever you end up doing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[ELLAonthepiano]

Well.. it's come through... FINALLY...

Good news: I can now say I passed my grade 8 at the age of 14 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif)
Bad news: I'm disappointed with the result..

I got 120/150 = low merit

I'll admit it didn't go as well as expected, and pieces weren't as good as the ones I put on youtube.

I'll show my reaction to each mark with a smily...

Vivaldi - 22 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)
Dancla - 26 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif)
Williams - 23 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

Scales - 15 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)
SR - 18 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Aural - 16 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (actually can't believe I got 16 for grade 8 aural !!! )

but overall, I'm really diappointed. I got 133 at grade 7 and 131 at grade 6. The examiner was really scathing about my tone... but... atl east I've passed (with merit) and I'm proud. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Good luck yo any still to come.

Well done!..the difference between a low merit (or even a pass) and a distinction isn't huge. Onwards and upwards. Be proud and work on that which needs work. You don't have to do it again.

My grade 8 violin was similar - I did it in March and went in so desperate to get a distinction and therefore so incredibly nervous that I couldn't stop my bow arm shaking, hence getting marked down a bit. I ended up with 124 (including a very unfair 15 for scales which were nowhere near that bad) but I'm retaking. Well done though, at 14 that's brilliant!

[CrescentoftheMoon]

Thank you! I actually recorded my pieces last night, if anyone would be kind enough to look... They're not perfect yet but hopefully they will be on the 26th (exam day (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQYctl1E6X0...;feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQrbGydiD3A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKZCU8snpek&feature=plcp

I know it's quite late to be replying, but I'm new to this site.

Anyways. I'm no expert or anything, but I'd say you probably did quite well on your exam. Your confidence and enthusiasm are amazing. I'm not sure how good that kind of mark is, since my exams were out of 100.

However, I think your right arm could use a bit of work. I only watched a bit of one, so maybe this doesn't always apply - maybe you were unusually nervous - but I'd like to point out that your arm was pulling the bow at an odd angle - inwards. Try to keep the bow consistently straight - your bow and the string should make a cross. The bow should be moved by mostly you lower arm and your wrist, not your shoulder. Your elbow probably shouldn't always be bent like that - it looks kind of awkward. You can practice on open strings just watching your arm straighten and bend as you pull the bow along, and probably some wrist movement too.

I'm rambling. I didn't want to sound like such a know-it-all (really, I'm not), but I would think that since you posted those videos, you would want some critism.

[GMc]

I am not a violinist so am in no position to make specific technical recommendations but I think that the marks for the pieces seemed fair. Not to say that you aren't an excellent violinist for your age and you have great poise but I would expect that you should really be able to grab an audience for a grade 8 distinction. Its hard to comment on tone when you dont know how bad the recording is but if he/she the examiner really didnt like it it probably does need work.

Its difficult to know how much to say here but I personally thought from the video that the Williams was not a great choice for you. The intonation problems detracted from any potential emotional impact of the piece and the emotions of it anyway are a very big ask at your age. It didnt really connect at all with me I am afraid. I happened to hear that played recently locally at a showcase Suzuki concert (so a highly contested by video audition type concert) and it was very, very moving. I think you will do that one much better in a couple of years time.

I would talk to your teacher about the relative merits of retake versus specific technique work for short term goals or whether you can combine those two successfully. And clearly there is a difference in perception about the scales that needs some attention too.

It's a very good result at your age and you should be very proud as it is obvious that you put a lot of work in and are a dedicated girl. Well done and good luck. I am sorry that you feel a bit deflated but am sure you will bounce back and develop from the experience.

[LearnerFlute]

Thank you everyone for the interest and lovely comments (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) the current plan is to retake (possibly in December) but changing list A (to the Haydn) and list C. Anyone have any ideas apart from the Williams for list C? I don't think I'd brave the Kreutzer...

Well done for passing Grade 8. That is a tremendous acheivement at 14!

I know how you feel though. I passed my grade 4 flute and felt sad for ages that I hadn't done better. I was also talking about retaking but my teacher said a pass is a pass and just trying again for a higher mark would just hold me back. He wanted to move me on a bit. I wasn't sure at first but even though I struggle with the new pieces I no longer feel the need to retake. Why don't you give it a few months and see if you still want to retake. Maybe your teacher will want to move you on. I think the examiner was harsh to say your tone is bad. You sounded amazing in the links you posted.

LearnerFlute xx

[miffy]

Well done with your merit.
Is there any huge rush to retake for a higher mark? It might be worth thinking about whether the extra term really would earn you the extra 10 marks and what exactly you would need to improve in order to achieve this. As previous posters have said, both your bowing arm and intonation need significant attention and perhaps taking some time to work on your technique and explore the huge repertoire the violin has to offer may help to correct these plus help to to gain the more mature tone that these pieces and grade 8 requires.

[ansatz496]

Well done with your merit.
Is there any huge rush to retake for a higher mark? It might be worth thinking about whether the extra term really would earn you the extra 10 marks and what exactly you would need to improve in order to achieve this. As previous posters have said, both your bowing arm and intonation need significant attention and perhaps taking some time to work on your technique and explore the huge repertoire the violin has to offer may help to correct these plus help to to gain the more mature tone that these pieces and grade 8 requires.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) I'm not a violinist, so I don't know these pieces well, and I've never taken a string exam, but I have to say the marks for the pieces seem fair to me. I think at this stage it's more important for you to explore more pieces and work on tone and intonation than to retake. You might get the 10 points, but what's that worth if you haven't developed as a violinist? If I were you, I would forget about the exam, and if a year or two down the road you still want a better mark so you can have "grade 8 distinction" on paper you can retake. If you focus on your technical issues, I would expect you'll be able to get distinction in your sleep by then (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

(that being said, of the pieces I know in the C list, definitely the Debussy. I don't see why anyone in their right mind would play Kreutzer - technically a pain and musically uninteresting (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif))

[AntonPiano]

Anyone have any ideas apart from the Williams for list C? I don't think I'd brave the Kreutzer...

I love the Kodaly! I've just listened to the Hindemith and like the sound of that too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I've chosen the Kodaly - it's absolutely gorgeous!

Along with that I've picked the Vivaldi and the Bruch.. Absolutely smitten with my choices at the moment which has never been the case. There's always been one list of pieces I've not liked and ended up loathing the piece. Thankfully, my luck couldn't have come at a better time at grade 8!

What is everyone else playing?

Congratulations Violin123! I get your decision to re-sit, but have you thought about just getting on with your ABRSMDip/ATCL? I think that qualification would top a grade 8 and could possibly be more of an enjoyable experience with not having aural etc..

[jcassell]

Anyone have any ideas apart from the Williams for list C? I don't think I'd brave the Kreutzer...

I love the Kodaly! I've just listened to the Hindemith and like the sound of that too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I've chosen the Kodaly - it's absolutely gorgeous!

Along with that I've picked the Vivaldi and the Bruch.. Absolutely smitten with my choices at the moment which has never been the case. There's always been one list of pieces I've not liked and ended up loathing the piece. Thankfully, my luck couldn't have come at a better time at grade 8!

What is everyone else playing?

Congratulations Violin123! I get your decision to re-sit, but have you thought about just getting on with your ABRSMDip/ATCL? I think that qualification would top a grade 8 and could possibly be more of an enjoyable experience with not having aural etc..


I'm an elderly ex-/amateur violinist and my daughter - like you - took grade 8 this time at the age of 14. She was very clear that she wanted to take it now before schoolwork got serious in year 10. And if she didn't get a distinction she would retake in year 12, with a lot more maturity behind her, with new repertoire. (debussy list c this time, if you're interested, but took a lot of work with the piano). I think you have done fantastically well now, but by year 12 you will be z completely different violinist. Give yourself a breather, and time to grow, before you decide whether to retake now, or ever. Good luck for the long game.