***Please join us at our brand new website HERE.***
All current Scor! programs and answers to questions are over at the new site. This website will soon disappear. Thank you for your patience during this transition. We appreciate it!
~Scor! Founders Beth & Kyle Bultman
FAQS Page
Question about Scor!?
Here are your answers! Please note, it may be easier to see these on a laptop or tablet than on a phone. This website was originally designed for a computer. We are working on updating our website and apologize for any inconvenience.
Q: Donation Methods: Sounds like this is a rough time for Scor!. How can I help?
A: Thank you so much. Our biggest need is for charitable giving to support current and future programs. You can donate via credit card, paypal, electronic check (secure electronic transfer), or mailed check. One-time gifts or recurring monthly gifts are possible. Please CLICK HERE to see our Support Page for details.
Q: Donation Receipts: I made a donation to Scor! in 2020 (either by check/credit card/Paypal or by donating my credit). When will I receive my receipt?
A: Thank you so much for your support! At the beginning of February, we mailed donation receipts out to all those who donated $200 or more in 2020. (Thank you! :-) If you need one but did not receive one, please contact us by email, and we can get you one over email. (Email us at link on top left of page.) If you need a receipt for smaller total, please contact us to request one.
When is the next Scor! Offering?
We are pleased to offer you online educational opportunities beginning this summer. We are planning on starting to open online sign-ups by August 31. Many of you have said that you are very interested in “doing something online”. Soon, you’ll have the opportunity to have more of Scor!... all year long!
- Scor! Strings Membership: This ongoing membership affords you a valuable package of string instructional videos and printable guides, personable live Zoom Sessions & Q&As, networking with other players like you, and access to advice from Scor! faculty via a new forum!
- Scor! & Express! Courses: We are developing engaging deep-dive interactive courses that will last 4-8 weeks each. This is your chance to focus on enriching your knowledge and improving your playing. These courses are designed from the ground up to bring you value and growth in an online format, and will continue as a valuable and lasting addition to Scor!'s offerings.
- Express! Arts Membership: Delve into musical creativity! We’ll share our creativity with you from our roles as performer, composer, and improviser, and we’ll also encourage you in developing your own creativity! Experience in-depth perspective and instruction in expressive playing, refining stylistic details that help shape your musical voice, and exploring your own unique expressive voice. You'll get videos where you'll experience performances of original compositions, practice aids and demos, behind the scenes looks at the inspirational and compositional process, and technique tips to help you play the new pieces. You'll also get sheet music of various compositions by Beth Bultman. Also included are live Zoom play-in classes on the new pieces.
When is the next in-person Scor! event?
Summer 2022, Definitely. We are planning live and in-person Scor! events for the summer time frame of June-August 2022. Exact dates will be announced in the winter. We will send updates by email!
Fall 2021, Maybe. We have been hoping to plan a live and in-person Scor! event for the fall of 2021 (October?) in our local area in western New York State (Canandaigua NY). This may or may not take place, as we are heading up the extensive remodeling of new facilities at our home base, and are unsure of whether the timing will be rught, weighing a number of possibilities and potential obstacles. If this becomes possible, you'll be the first to know.
We had been unable to plan Scor! events for some time due to government restrictions, facility restricitons, and client hesitancy. Now some of these things are slowly changing, but various restrictions are still in place, and client hesitancy is still a part of the picture. This is a new journey for all of us, so we don't always know what to expect.
We will keep you updated about all our offerings through our email list.
Q: CREDITS: I have a credit from a Scor! Camp in 2020 that was cancelled. What’s happening with that?
A: We have a record of your credit. Your credit is available through December 31, 2022, so there’s still time to use your credit. You will soon have new opportunities to use your credit. Here are 3 things you can do...
- Attend an In-Person Scor! Event: In-person Scor! events are being planned for summer of 2022, in the June - August time frame. (Exact dates will be announced in the winter.) There is the possibility of an event in fall of 2021, but we'll let you know about that. You can use your credit toward your attendance of one of these events.
- Participate in an Online Instructional Course: Our enriching and engaging online courses are designed from the ground up to bring you value and growth in an online format. You will be able to apply your credit to these online courses when we begin opening them July 31.
- Donate it for a Tax Deduction: If you wish, you can convert your credit into a tax-deductible charitable donation at any time as many have already done. You can choose to do this anytime through the end of 2022. (Symerge is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt public charity formed for the purposes of the public benefit.)
We appreciate your patience in waiting for a time in which you can redeem your credit. This has certainly been an unusual time!
Q: What about refunds?
A: We don’t offer cash refunds. We offer credits instead. This is not new, but has been part of our cancellation policy for over a decade. When you signed up for a Scor! Camp, part of that process was that you legally agreed to this cancellation policy. Most of the costs involved with creating your Scor! experience are incurred well before the event. As a result, we are unfortunately unable to offer refunds, as monies have already been spent fulfilling our commitment to bring a camp to you. (For more info, please see our cancellation policy HERE.) For more information about credits, please see above.
Q: Are Scor! Camps happening this fall?
A: We're wanting to plan an event for this fall (October) in our local area of Canandaigua NY. We're not sure yet if it will be possible, as we are revamping a facility, but we'll let you know.
Q: Are you planning in-person Scor! events in the future?
A: Yes! We are fully committed to having live in-person Scor! events. The next for sure in-person events are planned for June - August 2022.
Q: Why don’t you just offer virtual camps instead of in-person ones?
A: Our in-person signature Scor! Camps can’t be directly translated to an online format. In addition to learning and instruction, they are all about ensemble playing, relationships and community, and providing encouragement and inspiration. That’s why we are still planning to offer all these things in future in-person events. Rather than quickly offering virtual events to replace live ones, we are developing carefully designed online options, memberships and courses, that will continue to complement our in-person events. These online offerings are designed from the ground up to bring you value and growth in an online format, and will continue as a valuable and lasting addition to Scor!'s offerings.
Q: What should I expect in the next few months?
A: We have much to share in upcoming communications but here’s a taste…
- News about upcoming live events: We will provide you ongoing news. At this point, we are definitely planning events in the summer of 2022, and possibly in the fall of 2021, but we'll let you know.
- News about upcoming online string instructional opportunities: We will be offering online instructional and inspirational opportunities this summer! Signups are scheduled to open July 31! You'll get to experience helpful and inspirational content related to both the technical and expressive side of string playing. Look also for a chance to share in and experience creativity, as well as explore your own! We'll be offering memberships and in-depth interactive courses.
- Sharing our creativity: We’re getting creative! We are writing and creating new music, and we’d like to share it with you! In addition to continuing to write and work out musical ideas, we’re working on creating a format and model by which we can share things like new and previously unpublished compositions, new songs, and other new or previously unshared music with you.
- Creating a home base for Scor! and Symerge events: Scor! has never had a home for events. We’ve always functioned purely on the road, always housed in other facilities. We’re working on creating a home base which can host various events. We will send updates on the various stages of this endeavor.
Q: Why can’t you offer an in-person Scor! Camp this summer of 2021?
A: We can offer online opportunities, which we will be doing starting this summer, opening July 31. But it takes time to plan in-person events. We need at least 5-6 months of lead time to plan, book, and market them. So we were unable to entertain the possibility for some time. Many of you might not realize that facility and government restrictions have been in place for 16 months that still prevent us from running Scor! events in many locations. Also, these restrictions can change unpredictably. So, due to government and facility restrictions, the fact that we need indoor, not outdoor facilities, and due to customer hesitancy, (only 15-30% of clients surveyed were willing or able to attend a Scor! event this summer) we were unable to plan anyhything in-person for this summer. Many other string instructional organizations were in the same boat, and are also offering only online opportunties this summer.
Q: What is required to run in-person Scor! Camps?
A: The Scor! Camp Tour model is built on the foundation of a society that has certain freedoms, among them the freedom to travel, to gather in the same room to play music, listen, and learn, to eat together, to make friends, to smile and laugh together, and to see each other face-to-face. Scor! requires that people be able to spread fun, enthusiasm, inspiration, and transformation.
Why freedoms? Because, without the ability to travel, assemble, or smile freely, we are unable to run even the most basic parts of Scor!. For Scor! to resume in-person offerings, these foundational elements must be in place.
Q: Can’t Scor! Just go on Pause?
It would be nice if Scor! and other such programs and businesses could be paused. I wish there were a pause button for a program like Scor!, but it just doesn’t exist. Why? Simple. Scor! has bills that are not on pause. Kyle and Beth have bills that are not on pause. And, inconveniently, the companies and organizations that collect on these bills are apparently not on pause either. We have many fixed costs and infrastructure costs that we need to maintain in order to continue running Scor! and remain ready to put on live events. These costs don’t go away just because there aren’t Scor! events happening currently.
Q: My local ensemble met recently. Doesn’t that mean that Scor! can happen now?
A: Your local orchestra is full of people who already know each other. They don't have to get over their nervousness about doing a new thing, be reassured, get to know each other for the first time, form a new supportive community, or even smile at each other to engage and create trust. They are all from the local area and don't need to stay up on travel restrictions or use hotels and restaurants in order to get together. Your local orchestra also doesn’t need to eat together or spend much time together outside of a brief rehearsal. This is a very different paradigm than Scor!, as it is a small local group of people who all previously knew each other. Scor! requires much greater friendliness, intentional trust and community building, much social engagement, and a lot of smiling and reassuring to create our trademark atmosphere of fun, encouragement, and inspiration. This simply cannot be done amidst our current environment in this country. In order for this to be possible, many things beyond our direct control have to continue to change.
Q: Aren’t other businesses or organizations struggling?
A: Yes. The things that have happened to us and to Scor! have been multiplied many times over in this nation. Our hearts go out to all of the struggling business owners. We are not just statistics but real people with real names and faces. These businesses and organizations are people’s real dreams that are being crushed and real livelihoods that are being shattered. It’s easy to shrug when you read the news about businesses and organizations being shut down and failing. But when you or someone you know is affected, it comes a lot closer to home.
Scor! is actually at the epicenter of some of the hardest hit industries in the last year. We intersect with the hospitality, travel, events, and live music industries, all of which have suffered greatly this year. And, unlike some organizations, our events have been 100% shut down for the whole past year. We are not like a restaurant that can do take-out or operate at 25% or 50% capacity, or a hotel that can reduce staffing. Our Scor! events can either happen in-person as a consecutive, structured tour, or they cannot.
Q: What Happened to Scor! in 2020?
A: Last year, in 2020, 10 out of our 12 planned Scor! Camps (the ones in March and later) had to be cancelled. This was due to governor and facility restrictions in each location making it impossible to run Scor!. We were ready to bring you Scor!, had already invested fully in the season, were already on the road, and had traveled to the other side of the country from where we live, intent to be faithful to you, our clients, in bringing you musical instruction, encouragement, and inspiration. Unfortunately, we were prevented from doing so.
This was not something we wanted or initiated. We remained in a state of readiness for months, waiting and hoping that we would be able to resume bringing you Scor!, but that never came to fruition. In addition to the governors’ mandates and restrictions in each state, facilities were also a factor. 6 out of 10 of the planned facilities we had booked for our Scor! Camps would not have let us set foot in the door. 4 out of 10 would have theoretically tried to work with us. That is, if we agreed to follow new regulations and restrictions (in some cases above and beyond the governors’) so strict that they significantly altered the Scor! program such that it was unrecognizable and not in the least bit educational, encouraging, or inspiring.
BELOW THIS LINE...QUESTIONS FROM THE ARCHIVE... NOT RELEVANT FOR SUMMER 2021
Q: How can I find out about a certain camp?
A: Please visit our Camps Page & click on the camp you'd like to know more about. (You can register from there as well.)
Q: Will I learn at Scor!? (1 minute)
Q: Can I talk to a real live person who can tell me a lot more about Scor!?
A: Absolutely. Anything you need to know. You'll get to talk with a faculty member who has taught at all the camps. Call 877-726-SCOR(7267). (Thank you for your patience and your willingness to leave a message.)
Q: Can my spouse or friend come along if they’re not a ‘camper’?
A: Sure! You are welcome to bring someone along to watch. He/she can register for the event as a "non-attendee spouse/roommate" if he/she needs to order meals. Many interesting things to see & do can be found in the areas of Scor! Camps.
Q: What kind of faculty do you have at Scor!
A: Our faculty are highly qualified with, in many cases, multiple music degrees from prestigious music schools and years of professional teaching experience, and are also very friendly & musically passionate people. National leaders in adult string education have been honing the Scor! experience for over a decade. Enrich your life by getting to know them.
Q: What can I do to prepare musically for Scor!?
A: There are no required preparations but we recommend you address a few of the following in preparation:
Get "In Shape". You'll be playing a number of hours per day at Scor!. If you've been busy and haven't played much lately, the motivation of Scor! approaching is a great excuse to get those fingers limbered up (& thicken those calluses!), review some of your favorite pieces, and generally get your body ready for some longer playing days.
Sight-read. Play some new music. The best way to get comfortable sight-reading is to do it.
Metronome. Play with a metronome to strengthen your sense of pulse. When playing with others, there's nothing more important than pulse.
Scales. Play scales in different keys. Listen especially for producing a good tone & accurate pitch.
Instrument. Take care of any required instrument maintenance such as changing strings or having your bow re-haired.
Make a Goal. Especially if you are signed up for a private lesson, give a little thought to what you'd like to address with your teacher. Plus, make a (reasonable!) goal for something you'd like to learn/improve/experience while at Scor!.
Q: Should I take off work to come to Scor!?
A: We understand how busy & dedicated many of you are at your jobs. That's why most of our Scor! events are partly on weekends. However, we invite you to take a few days off to experience a whole Scor! Camp. We like to think of it like this - at Scor!, you'll do something unique, fun, special, memorable. You'll be investing in your playing & your growth. And you'll be creating lasting memories. At work you'll be, well, working. We figure that next month or next year you won't remember what you did at work that day, but you'll still fondly remember Scor! & still be reaping the benefits of attending.
Q: Is Scor! like my community orchestra rehearsal?
A: Not really. Scor! does incorporate lots of ensemble playing, so in some ways it resembles an orchestra rehearsal or a chamber music reading session. But Scor! is much more than that. Rather than rehearsing music little by little to prepare for a concert, Scor! is more of a retreat - an immersion experience. Scor! ensembles learn music together and receive coaching & instruction from top-notch faculty along the way. Instructional sessions are peppered in to the experience to help you further develop technically & musically. Pivotal ensemble-playing skills are addressed & practiced so you can better contribute to any ensemble. And don't forget - it's fun to meet & spend time with others who are playing strings just like you. Scor! combines the instruction of a private lesson or coaching, the fun of a camp or retreat, and the musical fulfillment of ensemble playing. Learn, grow, & be inspired!
Q: What will I get when I register for Scor!?
A: Scor! is a specialized experience with lots of benefits. Here are some...
Before Scor!:
- Multiple emails about camp with lots of helpful info
- Orchestra music sent before camp
- Unlimited timely & informative answers to all your questions & concerns.
- Prepared just for you: custom-assembled music binders comprising an anthology not available anywhere else, and re-compiled annually to provide new music each year. For your use at camp!
- Prepared just for you: Personalized folders ready for you at camp with your nametag, schedule, a directory of your Scor! friends, & more!
- Expert & customizable placement by level in camp ensembles.
At Scor!:
- Helpful products at the Scor! Store: large selection of sheet music, musical products, & souvenirs
- Free faculty recital to inspire you!
- Playing & technique tips from our exceptional faculty
- Opportunity to share the joys & struggles of playing a string instrument with others like you.
- Information & insight in ensemble rehearsals, rather than just learning notes.
- Fun times making music!
- New musical friends
- New inspiration & enthusiasm for your practicing & ensembles.
Q: Is Scor! a good value?
A: Scor! offers great value, campers say. Pat says "Scor! was well worth every penny! " and Charlie says "Scor! was worth every bit of my time & money." Here are a few reasons:
- Scor! faculty have music degrees from some of the country's top music schools, are highly trained and experienced educators, and you get an all-in-one experience with them for a few days for one relatively low price.
- For the cost of 5-7 hours of private lessons, you get 15-18 hours of unique & valuable hands-on instruction on a variety of fascinating & unique topics, plus more - ensemble playing & instruction from national leading adult string educators.
- At Scor!, you won't just learn the same things you're learning in private lessons or orchestra rehearsals. Learn the secrets of professional chamber musicians and much, much more that is not typically taught in lessons or orchestra.
- Coming to Scor! is not just like an orchestra rehearsal. It's more like an immersion experience. You get invaluable instruction to improve your playing for life, not just improve the piece you're currently working on.
- The Scor! experience is tailored to you. As expert teachers, our faculty will customize instruction to the level & desires of their present students. Bring your questions.
- Make friends & gain connections for more playing in your local area. Musical camaraderie & friendship have untold value.
You'll never know how valuable your Scor! experience is until you try it!
Q: I've played for a long time and currently play with my local community orchestra. What would I experience at Scor! & how will attending benefit me?
A: Scor! benefits you by helping you improve your technical, musical, & ensemble skills, so you can bring your new-found knowledge & experience back to your home ensembles. Technique instruction can help you play more efficiently and even be good for you health. Bad technique can leave you in pain or injured. Our faculty can help.
Some skills you may have mastered earlier in your youth elude you now. Maybe you're missing a key ingredient. Our faculty can "diagnose & treat" your current skills & technique, and give you needed info and tips to play your current repetoire.The best way to experience this is through a private lesson at Scor!, but we can help a lot through classes and rehearsals too.
Rather than rehearsing music little by little to prepare for a concert, Scor! is more of a retreat - an immersion experience. Pivotal ensemble-playing skills are addressed & practiced so you can better contribute to any ensemble. And don't forget - it's fun to meet & spend time with others who are playing strings just like you. Scor! combines the instruction of a private lesson or coaching, the fun of a camp or retreat, and the musical fulfillment of ensemble.
