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Sojourner Scor!

Intermediate Level Ensemble Camp

Ensemble Camp Perfect for the Intermediate Player, and many amateur players & enthusiasts. Let us come beside you on your string playing journey! Dig into ensemble playing, learn musical skills, tricks, & tips rarely taught to propel you forward, prepare for chamber music, improve your ensemble skills by leaps and bounds, be inspired, and of course HAVE FUN(!) playing with others! THIS YEAR ONLY benefit from our “Play Expressively” Theme, focusing on using the bow as an expressive tool, making your playing more articulate, and your dynamics and moods more interesting and diverse. (This theme is a ONE-TIME OFFERING, & will not happen next year.)

June 17-21, 2025 (Tues - Sat)

Held in Canandaigua NY (Finger Lakes Region in western New York State)

Travel In: Tues June 17  Casual, Fun Evening Cookout Starts at 6:15pm. Get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment.

Travel Back: Sun June 22  Activities go through Saturday. Stay around & relax before traveling on Sunday.

Join us for our 137th event in our 22nd season!

Space is currently available for you. This event will be popular, so Apply Now! (No payment due at time of application.)

Save $200 with early-bird prices only through May 13! 

For pricing info, continue down the page.

What will I experience at Sojourner Scor!?

  • TOGETHER!: Enjoy playing music together with friends each day!

  • GROW & IMPROVE: Develop your skills, increase your confidence, and sound fantastic under the expert tutelage of our dynamite faculty.

  • AT YOUR LEVEL: The entire event is customized to your level - instruction, ensemble music, & others... all at your level!

Ensemble

Build your ensemble skills, learn some beautiful string orchestra music, and focus on making a good section sound. Experience the joy of playing with others like yourself, and enhance your ensemble skills and musicality.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Scor! is unique & special. It's a learning, growing, fun, exciting, supportive, encouraging, educational, low-pressure, challenging, inspirational, & transformational experience. And, it's tailored especially for adult string players like you & at your level by national leaders in the field of adult string education. Plus, you'll have a great time in the relaxed, fun atmosphere. So, you'll make music with newfound friends in ensemble, participate in unique & amazingly informative instructional sessions, and work with incredible, knowledgeable faculty. It's a special immersion experience created just for you!

Sessions & Classes

Benefit from our “Play Expressively” Focus (this year only!)

NEW EVERY YEAR, attend instructional sessions offered at Scor! tailored especially for adult string players like you... at your level. Look forward to informative, interactive, and fun skills classes! The finer mysteries of string playing are not only revealed, but taught step by step with immediate application & improvement! THIS YEAR ONLY benefit from our “Play Expressively” Theme, focusing on tips for making your playing more crisp & dynamic. Don’t just get the notes right, but play with feeling! (This theme is a ONE-TIME OFFERING, & will not happen next year.)

Camaraderie

Are you hungry for some REAL HUMAN CONNECTION? How about MUSICAL CAMARADERIE? We all need connection with others. And 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, & spirit. It's so special to be part of an ensemble, and in addition hang out, socialize, & FEEL CONNECTED TO A LIKE-MINDED COMMUNITY.

Faculty

National Leading Experts in Adult String Education

Don't miss working with our extraordinary faculty. After over 25 years of working with adult string players, WE KNOW ALL ABOUT YOUR PLAYING SUCCESSES, STRUGGLES, JOYS, & CHALLENGES. And we know exactly what to do to get you sounding great & feeling even better. So, get ready for your playing to soar to the next level!

Is This Event the Right Level for me?

Each event has been designed with certain levels in mind. Come an event that's right for you! You'll feel right at home surrounded by others at your level with your musical interests. The ensemble music & instruction is catered right to you, giving you the best possible musical, learning, and community experience.

At Sojourner Scor!, we accept participants at the Intermediate Level.

Is the Intermediate Level right for you?

What about other levels?

For complete descriptions of all 5 levels, plus event recommendations for each level, see our In-Person Levels Page.

Are You Ready?

Sojourner Scor! & Intermediate Level FAQs

  • Am I Ready to come to Sojourner Scor!?

    We understand you might feel nervous, hesitant, or unsure. In fact, 90% of first-time Scor! attendees feel that way. But don't miss out on Scor! because of your hesitation. We're here to help you, not judge you. There's a perfect place for you at Scor!, and we'll help you find it!

  • Should I wait to come until I'm better?

    NO! Instead, you should COME NOW SO YOU CAN GET BETTER. If you wait to come, you'll delay your progress, & miss your opportunity to build your confidence & get better NOW!

  • What will ensemble be like?

    You'll be in an ensemble tailored to your level. (No feeling like you're swimming trying to keep up.) You'll learn and practice ensemble skills, such as counting & feeling a solid pulse together, playing as a section, starting and stopping right together, breathing & following a leader, and playing expressively. You'll experience some instruction in keys, scales, feeling & reading rhythms, & sight-reading,. All the music will be tailored to your level.

  • What if I'm still not sure?

    Don't let level concerns (or any concerns!) stop you from attending Scor! Our unique approach is helpful, encouraging, and challenging to you and others at your level. We're happy to help you find out where you fit at Scor! Just ask! (contact Scor! link at bottom of page)

Sojourner Scor! Schedule

June 17-21, 2025 (Tues - Sat, travel back on Sun)

Tues: Travel in. 6:15 - 8pm Kickoff Cookout!

Wed 10:00-5:30

Thurs 10:00-5:30

Fri 10:00-1:00 Enjoy Area; 1:30-8:00 Rehearsals & Fun Dinner

Sat 10:00-3:30

Sun: Travel back

See below for more details!

Full Detailed Event Schedule

Tuesday (6:15pm-8:00pm)

Daytime: Travel into Town/ Check into Lodging

6:15 - 8:00 Welcome Cookout (FREE FOOD!)

Join us for a free get-to-know-you hang out and chill evening with a dinner cookout right at the Scor! Venue on Tuesday evening from 6:15 - 8pm. Meet your faculty & all your new friends, chow down, & relax after traveling.

Wednesday (10:00-5:30)

9:30 – 9:50 Arrive

10:00 – 10:30 Orientation

10:45 – 11:45 Ensemble Rehearsal

12:00 – 12:45 Session: How to Play Together No Matter What

12:45 – 1:45 Lunch Break

2:00 – 3:15 Ensemble Rehearsal

3:15 - 4:00 Break - Enjoy the outdoors, chat, shop, practice, ask questions

4:00 – 5:30 Sight-Reading Strategies & Fun!

6:00 – 7:30 Dinner at Restaurant


Thursday (10:00-5:30)

9:30 – 9:50 Arrive

10:00 – 11:15 Ensemble Rehearsal

11:45 – 12:30 Session: All About Instruments & Bows with Luthier from The String House

12:30 – 1:00 String House Exhibit Open

12:45 – 1:45 Lunch Break

2:00 – 3:15 Ensemble Rehearsal

3:15 – 4:00 Instrument & Bow Q&A/ Trying Session with String House

4:00 – 5:30 Session: Expand Your Dynamic Toolkit

6:00 – 7:30 Dinner at Restaurant


Friday (1:30-8:30)

10:00 - 12:00 Enjoy the Area Tourist Time

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Out

1:00 – 1:30 Arrive back at Venue

1:30 – 3:00 Ensemble Rehearsal / Fun Sight-Reading

3:30 – 4:15 Faculty Recital 

4:45 – 6:00 Session: Ensemble Rehearsal Focusing on Expression

6:00 – 7:00 Fun Dinner on Site

7:00 – 8:00 Sunset Social Hour: Conversations/Informal Chamber Music/Jamming


Saturday (10:00-3:30)

9:30 - 9:50 Arrive

10:00 – 11:30 Session: Play Expressively! / Ensemble Rehearsal

11:45 – 12:45 Lunch Break

1:00 – 2:15 Ensemble Rehearsal

2:30 – 3:30 Music Sharing Time

5:30 - 7:00 Optional Relaxing Dinner Out


Sunday

Travel back. Or... consider staying in the area a few extra days to further enjoy your music vacation!

*This schedule may change or have minor adjustments, but the start and end times each day will remain the same. Attendees will receive updated schedule info over email.

Schedule FAQs

When should I travel? Travel in on Tuesday in time for the Kickoff Cookout. Travel back on Sunday. (See top of page for more specifics.)

Should I plan to leave early? You have traveled all the way here. You've put forth all the effort of planning and invested in yourself. Why sell yourself short? Why miss out on the final hours of camp? Would you leave a lovely restaurant meal or treasured vacation before it was over? Don't think so. You'd milk it! Or would you leave your plane flight before it was over? (Not recommended! : - ) We know you're the kind of person that doesn't give up, and finishes what you started. So why miss out on the final hours of camp? You'll want to milk every bit of your Scor! experience, and get your money's worth. Plus, you won't want to miss out on the best part - the Final Music Sharing at the end of Saturday! Relax. Plan to stay and travel back on Sunday!

Should I plan to be available the whole time? The event schedule is designed to provide you with a fantastic experience. Make sure you arrange your schedule so that you don't miss out on any of itThat's how you'll get the most out of your experience. Don't try to go to work, or squeeze in other committments around your Scor! experience. Plan your schedule around the start and end times above.

Am I going to be playing my instrument for 6-8 hours a day? Not exactly. Amidst our rehearsals & classes, there is plenty of time in the schedule to rest, converse, and relax. And rehearsals and classes involve playing, but also stopping, listening, and waiting. The schedule is balanced so you'll enjoy lots of playing and learning, but also have the needed breaks to help your physical and mental stamina.

Where are Scor! Events?

In Canandaigua, in the western New York State Finger Lakes Region

Canandaigua (can-an-DAY-gwa) is a jewel in the nationally recognized Finger Lakes Region of NY, known for its 5 large finger-shaped lakes. Wineries & breweries abound, in addition to a variety of dining and shopping experiences, outdoor recreation, historic atmosphere, and loads of summer fun!

Where's Canandaigua?

Canandaigua is situated in western New York State, about 35 minutes southeast of Rochester, 1.75 hours east of Niagara Falls, & almost 6 hours northwest of New York City. (Flying? It's Rochester NY - ROC.)

Discover Where to Stay, What to Do, & more area info for your Music Vacation!

What about the Scor! Venue?

Join us on the Mountaintop!

Make music and enjoy your Mountaintop Experience at our peaceful, inspiring mountain retreat, nestled in the bucolic Finger Lakes region of western New York State.

What makes Scor! so special?

Scor! stands out from the rest. Here's why...

A Treasured In-Person Experience with Genuine Connection: Being together in person is indeed special. After several string workshops have disappeared in the past few years, it's more important than ever to connect with friends in person, play music together, & receive top-notch instruction & inspiration in this unique immersion environment. After everything we all went through just a few years ago pandemic-wise, who can put a price on in-person musical camaraderie & friendship? A treasured experience, to say the least.

Best Faculty Ever: Your faculty are the most experienced, highest quality, & most inspirational instructors in adult string education that you'll find anywhere. The expertise is unsurpassed... 25+ years experience & 130+ Scor! camps & counting. They know exactly how to help you gain confidence, sound better, & soar to the next level, guaranteed.

Inspirational Retreat: Scor! events are held in a premium location, with beautiful surroundings in a peaceful, serene environment. Come away with us! Escape to this gorgeous retreat, calm your mind, body, & spirit, and give yourself the chance to learn, hone, & grow in a beautiful & inspirational place. There's never been a better time to escape & play music!

Learning at Your Level: Scor! events are designed with your level in mind, so you'll have a terrific learning experience. You'll feel right at home surrounded by others at your level who share your musical interests, with music & instruction tailored just for you, giving you the best possible musical, learning, & community experience.

Vacation Destination: You're coming to a great location.... the renowned Finger Lakes Region of New York State, a hot spot for tourism, wineries, breweries, history, unique dining & shopping, and beautiful natural surroundings... Music Retreat Vacation, HERE I COME!

Best Customer Service in the Business: We've raised the bar & offer the most professional customer service around. We don't have volunteer, hobbyist, part-time, or fly-by-night staff and administration. In fact, we are the only fully professional adult string-focused operation out there. That means you'll be treated the way you want and the way you deserve - to a quality experience, receiving more individual attention, help, customization, interaction, substantial information, and thorough communication than anywhere else. You're in good hands, and we'll help you the whole way!

Invaluable Instruction to Transform your Playing for Life: You'll receive many hours of unique, valuable, key instruction that will unlock playing mysteries, reveal the secrets of professional players, and provide you with a musically enjoyable, transformational experienceA Scor! event is NOT JUST LIKE AN ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL!!!!!!! Most teachers, orchestras, and workshops just teach you how to play a given piece better. THERE'S SO MUCH MORE AT SCOR! Through a unique immersion experience, we help you develop skills, techniques, and approaches that professional musicians use. These are not normally taught in lessons or orchestra rehearsal, but they will help you improve immeasurably. It’s like the old saying, “Hand someone a fish, they eat for a day. Teach them to fish, they eat for a lifetime.” We'll teach you to fish (with technical & musical skills) so that you can apply what you’ve learned anywhere. Now, no matter what piece you tackle in the future, or what ensemble you play with, you'll have the ability to take your playing to new heights!

Pricing

No payment is due at time of application. (See Application process below.)

Want to spread out your payments? Take advantage of our Installment Plan.


If you haven't already, sign up for Scor! E-News HERE to receive exclusive coupons & discounts, info on deadlines, plus free classes & more!


Item Fee Description
Scor! Camp Tuition

(Pat from Florida says "Scor! was well worth every penny!")
*$1559 --> $1359 Save $200 with Discount price only through May 13!
Save $50 or more with Additional Coupon Savings Available Through E-News. Inquire about current coupon!
(No payment is due at time of application. Above discount automatically applies.)
Tues - Sat: 5 fun-filled days of playing music together, top-notch instruction by national leading experts, relaxing with friends, & enjoying a music vacation! Why is Scor! so special? See above!
Installment Plan
(optional)
$25 Split up your balance into 3-5 easy payments! See more info HERE.
Meals during Scor! $179

Eating together is part of the fun of Scor!. Includes Wed lunch, Thurs lunch, Fri dinner, & Sat lunch. (Fri lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant. Breakfasts are often included with your lodging.)

Tues Kickoff Cookout FREE! Food, Friends, & Fun! Join us for a free get-to-know-you hang out & chill evening with a dinner cookout right at the Scor! Venue on Tues eve from 6:15-8pm. Meet all your new friends, chow down, & relax!
Friday Catered Dinner for Spouse/ Traveling Companion
(optional add-on)
$54 Bringing a guest? Purchase a Friday dinner. We'll have a fun & scrumptious spread! (Plus, dinner on Tues is FREE for you & a guest!)
Instrument Rental
(optional add-on)
$125 Flying in? Rent a quality instrument & bow so you don't have to bring yours on a plane.
Optional Donation
(optional add-on)
If you wish to support Scor!, you can opt to include a donation to Scor! in your registration.
$50? $100? $250? $500?
Help us recover from devastating pandemic-era losses & build foundational infrastructure at our venue that will be used for years to come. For more info on Donations, CLICK HERE. (Scor! is a program of Symerge, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization & donations are tax deductible according to IRS rules.)

*TUITION OFFERED WAY (WAY!) BELOW COST: Scor! has endured vast and devastating pandemic-era losses from forced event shutdowns. We are walking the long hard (scary) road of seeking restoration & building again from the ground up. Our current actual costs per person to put on events are substantial ($2680!) due largely to pandemic debt. However, good news for you... we are not passing on those costs to you. You can come to Scor! at just over 1/2 of the actual cost (53%) as indicated in the table above. It's like a 50% discount right off the top. We hope you enjoy this sacrificial REALLY GOOD DEAL! :-)

Staying Healthy at Scor!

Health Protocols & Policies for In-Person Events

Get lots of great tips on staying healthy both at Scor! and while traveling (from experienced travelers!). Check out our health protocols & policies, and find out more about the environment at In-Person Scor!.

Looking for more info about in-person events?

Question?

Just ask!