Scor! Levels

Go back to In-Person Events HERE

Staying Healthy at Scor!

Health Protocols & Policies for In-Person Events

Hello, folks! After the 3-year gap in having in-person events from 2020-2022, it feels great to be at it again! We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable with the "back to normal", 2019-style environment at Scor! In-Person Events. We've outlined some common questions below. We hope that, like us, you're relieved, and even thrilled, to once again enjoy smiling faces, fun meals together, & close-knit camaraderie.

It's really not possible to experience a Scor! event any other way. Scor! was founded in an era which celebrated in-person connection, and it was designed purposely with a socially uplifting, supportive, encouraging environment. Connection with others is paramount at in-person events. So many things have changed in our world, that these retreat-like, set apart, musical immersion, community-rich experiences are harder than ever to create & to find, and therefore are even more treasured & special.

We recognize that some of you may not feel ready for the "back to normal" environment at this time. We get it, & we support your need to make the best decisions for yourself that you can. For now, we hope you'll consider joining us in our Membership, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. And we look forward to possibly hosting you for an in-person event in the future!

Will there be any mask-wearing?

That's a definite NO! None of the faculty nor participants will be wearing any masks. Masks are not compatible with Scor! events for a variety of reasons. We need access to our faces at Scor! events because...

Smiles are a vital part of the Scor! experience! It's how we support, encourage, and inspire each other.
We need to be able to speak and be heard clearly, both as teachers and as learners and participants. Masks muffle speech and often make it unintelligible.
We need to be able to use non-verbal communication such as facial expression in an ensemble and learning environment. That way, the faculty can respond to those who appear to need help (i.e. look confused!). Also, we'll all experience joyful vibes from the smiles of those fully enjoying themselves!
We string players need to be able to properly and fully breathe without hindrance when we play. Yes, it's very important, and doesn't just apply to wind players or singers. We'll teach you more about the huge difference breathing makes in your playing when you come!
We need to stay hydrated. It can be hard work learning and concentrating and playing with others. Drink up!
We'll have fun conversing and eating together. Mealtime is one of the highlights of a Scor! event... it's when friendships form and connections are made. What a vital part of the experience.

We look forward to enjoying each other's company and each other's faces!

What if I'm not comfortable without my mask?

Please know that we want each of our in-person attendees to feel comfortable with the environment. Therefore, if anyone is uncomfortable, we completely understand. Although in-person Scor! would not be a good fit for you at this time, we warmly invite you to check out our valuable Membership. Right from the comfort of your home, you can enjoy and benefit from monthly live classes, monthly live Q&As, and much learning, community, and encouragement on your string-playing journey. Check out Membership HERE.

Are there any covid vaccine requirements for in-person events?

No, we will not have any vaccine requirements for the in-person events. We trust that everyome has made the best decision they can with their doctors for their own health at this point. We recognize that these are private health choices for each individual, and we respect eveyone's freedom to make the medical decisions they feel are best for their own bodies.

What if I'm not comfortable without vaccine requirements?

Will there be 6-foot social distancing?

No, that's not really possible. Although we very much respect normal personal space, it is unrealistic to expect any kind of distancing with the current facility setup.

So, this is back to normal, then?

Yes, it's "back to normal"... 2019-style. Smiling faces, fun meals together, close-knit camaraderie. Doesn't that sound good after the last few years?

What is Scor! doing to keep everyone healthy?

Holding Small Events: Scor! events aren't very big, and will have a maximum of about 25 people.
Avoiding Hand-Shaking: Scor! is not a professional conference of business people shaking hands. Usually, you won’t even have a free hand because we frequently have our hands full of our musical gear. A friendly smile & wave can suffice!
Providing Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies: Anti-viral surface wipes & hand sanitizer will be available at the events. Volunteers will help keep things as clean as possible.
Ventilation & Filtration: We will arrange for as much ventilation as possible, in both the rehearsal space and eating and lounging space. Also, we at the facility are prepared with an air filtration system that captures 99.97 % of airborne particles, down to .1 micron, and filters viruses, bacteria, mold, and dust, and is 4 times more effective than standard carbon filtration.
There are also plenty of beautiful places to hang out and enjoy the outdoors!
Asking you to participate to help keep everyone healthy. (See next section.)

Do your part to keep everyone healthy

Stay Home If Sick: If you are feeling sick, please let us know that you need to stay home. We know that would be a very disappointing situation, but if you don't feel well, you'll put others at risk of illness, and you won't feel well enough to have a good time, anyway!
Get Sick? Rest!: If you get sick during your Scor! experience, we ask that you rest up and recuperate, rather than trying to continue participating.
Consider Taking a Covid Home Test: If you might be sick, taking a home test before you come would be a good idea.
If You Choose Vaccination, Time It Well: If you have chosen to receive a Covid vaccine or booster prior to the event, make your appointment for at least 4 weeks prior to coming to an in-person Scor! event. This will be for your benefit and that of others as well, and ensure that you are at your healthiest when attending.
Take Healthy Precautions: When you need to sneeze or cough, we ask that you try to do so into your arm – which by the way is what you try to do while playing already, given that you have a bow in your hand. Keep in mind that some people may sneeze from exposure to pollen, allergens, & rosin dust. Not every sneeze is a matter of concern! :-)
Wash Hands: After the last several years, I'm sure you're aware that frequent hand-washing is a helpful practice. We'll have sinks and soap available!
Volunteer: You can also volunteer to help us keep everything clean and wiped down during the event.

What else can I do to stay healthy if I’m traveling for Scor!?

We've seen a lot of peple make poor choices when planning travel, exhausting themselves. You aren't 20 anymore! (We're not either, that's for sure!) Consider these tips to stay healthy...

Relax Your Travel Pace: Avoid packing your trip into one humongous long grueling day or getting up at some god-awful hour if you can help it. Arrive a day earlier. Take a flight at a reasonable time. Consider splitting up your drive into 2 days. Schedule a longer break into your driving. Think ahead of time how to pace yourself so you'll be able to begin the event healthy & well-rested. (Yes, it might be a little extra money, but your health is worth it!)
Prioritize Being Well-Rested: Get extra rest before & after your trip to Scor!. Don't pack your schedule full from morning til evening the few days before you depart. Our brains need to be well rested to effectively process new information, and we need more rest to retain it well. If you have a long trip home, especially if on commercial transportation, stay over the night after Scor! as well so that you can travel when refreshed. (Plus, there's so much to enjoy in the area!)
Hydrate: Be intentional about staying hydrated as you travel (even if it means stopping more often!). Dehydration can contribute to susceptibility to illness and overall exaustion.
Don’t Overdo: A day of playing and learning at Scor! is demanding – more so than a typical ‘day in the office’. Enjoy some real downtime during and at the end of the day. The added benefit is that the skills you learned that day will be more solidified and better retained by your long-term memory than if you play, practice, check in with work, or party into the wee hours. (That’s clearly demonstrated science, not just a nice-sounding idea).

Why does Scor! do in-person events?

Music-making is something done in community with other people – an amazing gift we can share with each other. There is nothing quite like experiencing the beautiful unity of a piece played by many individuals, yet creating one sound of coordinated rhythm, pitch, harmony, emotion, and spirit. The beauty of many people being united toward a common purpose is lost on most of our society in the world of culture, government, business, etc., but is something special we can explore and enjoy via music. We can’t substitute a virtual experience for real ensemble playing. There's nothing like being a part of an ensemble and like-minded community, and experiencing real people playing music next to you. We have always sought to bring instruction & learning, encouragement & growth, inspiration & transformation to others through Scor!. Live events are by far the most effective way to do this.

Much of what we constantly teach & practice at Scor! is moving forward amidst our fears. Music-making and especially learning new skills in the presence of others can produce fear, so we are always working to acknowledge our fears, and then move beyond them. The pandemic of course brought fear of an entirely new kind to the table, but is still one we must acknowledge, and then work to manage our actions & response in the best way possible. While we all want to manage our risks, we also need to keep living our lives with fullness, have hope, and do things we love – like making music!

Go back to In-Person Events HERE