Just Keep Going! These words of wisdom apply to so many things. Where have you heard this wisdom before? A parent or grandparent? A teacher or coach? A friend or minister? Do you remember a time in your life when you learned to just keep going?

I sure do, and it helped shape my life as a musician, teacher, and entrepreneur.

Thanks to the deep involvement and encouragement of my violin teacher at the time, I began playing local professional gigs at the age of 14. I soon auditioned and was accepted into the local professional Pops Orchestra. It’s a good thing my teacher had already taught me to keep going no matter what, because that’s what musicians do, and the show must go on, right? Well, my first performance with the B.C. Pops was called Pops on the River. You might think that means we played music inspired by a river, but NO! We actually played a 4^th of July show on a raft on an actual river. (Sort of like Handel’s Water Music! : - )

The raft was connected to shore, but actually floating, so I could feel the floor rocking slightly. We were basically sight-reading. (Only one super-fast run-through rehearsal!) It was pretty dark and not that easy to see the music. The music was hard! (Ride of the Valkyries, anyone?) It was hot and muggy. There were LOTS of mosquitoes. Some were smushed on the music, so it was hard to tell whether it was a note or a bug. At one point, the mayor came out and conducted as a PR stunt, without the benefit of a sense of pulse. To top it off, there were (LOUD & nearby!) fireworks going off during the 1812 Overture in place of the scripted canons.

All that was quite a lot to take in. But my stand partner, a much wiser and more experienced musician than I, gave me some great wisdom just as we were getting started… just keep going. She was right. And I did. Which prepared me for a performing career which has now spanned the decades.

As professional musicians, we are trained to keep going no matter what. This is what rings in my head… Don’t let the music stop. The beat goes on. Don’t let a mistake throw you off. Stay focused. Don’t give up. Jump back in. Finish well. Don’t let down til the last note stops ringing.

So it’s in my blood. The music keeps playing because musicians don’t quit. We determine to remain faithful.

Just Keep Going is pivotal for musicians at any level! Through Scor! programs over the last 2 decades, we have helped and inspired thousands of adult string players to keep going.

·      When you feel discouraged that you don’t sound as good as you wish yet… Don’t give up. Keep going!

·      When you are playing through a phrase or piece, but make a mistake… Don’t give up. Keep going!

·      When you are playing with an ensemble and get lost or off… Don’t give up. Keep going!

·      When you are performing or sharing your music, and make a mistake or aren’t happy with the sound… Don’t give up. Keep going!

·      C’mon, you can do it! It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just keep going! Keep practicing. Keep playing. Keep learning. Keep at it. Don’t give up. Keep going!

Just Keep Going applies not only to music but to the rest of life, too. Can you think of a time in your life when keeping going has become imperative or pivotal to you?

Maybe you’ve lost a loved one. Maybe you’ve lost something else significant or meaningful… a relationship, a support community, an important role, a foundational element in your life, or something else you hold dear. Maybe you or a family member has had a serious health setback or challenge. Perhaps you or a loved one has experienced financial instability through loss of a job, a business, or unexpected circumstances. Perhaps you’ve been met with an unexpected major life transition.

If so, you have our empathy. We know what that’s like, because each and every one of these things has happened to Kyle and me in the last few years.

In case you were thinking that Scor! is fine and everything is good now because we are once again offering programs, we would be remiss if we didn’t correct you. The wreckage from pandemic shutdowns, the financial devastation from massive losses over 3 years, and the heavy debt burden from trying to remain operational hang over us every day and add up to a daunting daily reality with monumental challenges.

Some would give up when facing what we do. In fact, we’ve considered it. But, it doesn’t seem right. The Spirit within me says… Rise up. Face the challenge. Restore. Rebuild. Tell the story. Call on people to help. Just keep going.

So, I'm asking for your help. We can commit to rebuilding, but your help is absolutely crucial for us to keep going.

We invite you to stand with Scor!. Believe with us. Help bring about much-needed financial restoration. Rebuild with us. Help Scor! keep going.

Scor! has been a part of inspiring, motivating, and encouraging many like you to keep going in your learning, playing, and fulfillment of musical dreams. If you’ll come beside us to support Scor! financially, then we’ll be here for you, to help encourage and inspire you and many others, in music and in life, to keep going for years to come. ~Beth Bultman