So, here we are, the last day of the last week of this session. I had a candidate sitting Grade 7 (clarinet) this afternoon; three hours before the exam, her mum phoned to say that Candidate had a heavy cold, still wanting to do the exam, but a bit bunged up and struggling a bit with breath control over long phrases as a result of aforementioned cold.

I sent her in with a note for the examiner, written in my neatest bestest handwriting, explaining the situation, but acknowledging that he can only assess what he hears. Was this the right thing to do? If not, what should I have done?

Incidentally, I was much amused to find a copy of the first copy of this year's Libretto in the waiting room, complete with the article about the forums concerts.

i think that's what i would have done too. the only other option would have been to get a doctor's note, but even then i think the examiner would say that of course they can (as you said) only judge by what they hear on the day.

i hope your pupil did ok.

That's the problem... the examiner can only assess what he/she hears. I think you've done the best you can in the situation Deborah, hope your pupil is successful.

Way back when, I did my grade 4 clarinet with a similar cold. I went into the exam room and the examiner apologised for having his desk covered in cough sweets. And the desk was literally covered in them, and cough sweet wrappers.....

I still passed the grade (116).....

Yes, interesting that one. We don't want our pupils giving things to the examiner but maybe we don't want to catch things from the examiner either!!