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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Applications

  • The workshop target is 32 groups, totalling approximately 128 participants, with typically 12 to 16 coaches each year. Each coach is assigned 2-4 groups for the day, and coaches switch groups each day.

  • Yes, of course! We welcome musicians from all states and countries.

  • Yes. Wind players are expected to be comfortable with sight reading or must bring repertoire with which they are comfortable for a variety of different groups (quartets, trios, quintets, etc.) consisting of their instrument, string instruments, and possibly piano.

  • SoCal is a very friendly environment, and new participants usually find it easy to meet people. Monday evening’s optional assigned freelancing is one of many opportunities to meet and play with others. Great places to make friends are at meals, in dorm hallways, and at the welcome party.

  • Yes. You should expect to participate for the full week, with few exceptions.

  • Either way is fine.

    If you apply with a preformed group, your group plays together for 4 days of the week working on your preselected repertoire and plays apart for 1 day, mixed with the pool of other workshop participants. You will find out who is in your group and what repertoire you are assigned that morning.

    If you apply without a preformed group, you are put in the pool, then assigned to a different group and piece each day as a way to meet other participants and work on a variety of repertoire.

  • Depends!

    If you apply with a preformed group, you can practice parts beforehand for your preselected repertoire (which you will work on for 4 of the 5 days). On your pool day, you will be assigned a piece that morning. You may find yourself sightreading this piece depending on your familiarity with chamber music repertoire. (If you prefer a more familiar assigned piece on pool day, be sure to so request.)

    If you apply without a preformed group, you will be assigned a new piece every day, which may very well require sight reading. However, you will be given your Monday assignment before the workshop starts, giving you time for advance practice.

    If you are a pianist or wind player, we will ask you for a selection of repertoire you would be comfortable reading and your assignments on pool day(s) will be pulled from your selection.

  • Optional freelancing, of course, but lots more!

    Morning activities might include yoga classes and group reading sessions. Afternoon activities might include short classes on jazz/fiddle styles and reading music on a tablet. Evening activities usually include lectures, faculty and participant concerts, and open rehearsals with faculty.

Travel and Packing

  • Driving: Many participants who live in California drive. Free, covered parking is available on the Scripps campus.

    Flying: If you are flying in, we strongly recommend booking flights to the Ontario Airport (ONT). Transportation from LAX can take much longer, especially on a shared shuttle. Uber or cab fare from Ontario is about $25.

    For participants arriving at LAX, a much cheaper method — and potentially quicker too! — is to take the LAX Flyaway to Union Station and from there the Metrolink train to Claremont; the Claremont station is about a mile from campus. Make sure to coordinate the schedules carefully.

    If you are interested in sharing a ride, post a request on our Facebook page “I live for the SoCal Chamber Music Workshop.”

    If you apply without a preformed group, you will receive your assignment each morning. The first person listed in the group needs to pick up the music (in hardcopy form, awaiting you on a table outside the music library).

    In the early morning, a daily schedule listing groups, their repertoire for the day, and their coach(es) for the day is emailed to everyone.

    In the evening, optional freelancing is completely unrestricted. You can form a group with anyone and play anything you like.

  • Optionally. Workshop rehearsal and mini-performance rooms are equipped with sturdy stands provided by Scripps. You can also borrow a wire stand from the music library. That said, many participants do bring a stand in case they find themselves playing in a remote corner of campus not otherwise used by the workshop, or freelancing in a larger group like a sextet or octet.

    A stand light is not required either, but is a good idea.

  • Yes, if you apply with a preformed group with preselected repertoire. Someone from your group should also bring a score.

    If you apply without a preformed group, you only need to bring the music for Monday (you will be placed in a group for Monday in advance and the group will decide what to play. A group captain is assigned who will be in touch regarding Monday’s music). On Tuesday-Friday, you will be assigned and provided music from our extensive music library, which includes all standard repertoire and many hidden gems.

    We encourage you to explore and make use of the library during workshop week. You can peruse the SoCal library catalog from this page: SoCal Library

  • Probably (but not necessarily). We may have a limited supply of cellos to loan to out-of-towners. Inquire after acceptance in order to coordinate.

Refunds

  • There are no refunds after July 1st. Refunds are problematic since we have a minimum financial obligation to Scripps College and to the coaches.

Repertoire and Scheduling

  • If you apply with a preformed group, your group is free to choose your repertoire for the week. Your group captain will be asked about your repertoire about a month before the workshop starts to assist in planning daily schedules and to give coaches a heads-up.

    If you apply without a preformed group, you will receive your assignment each morning (except for Monday). The first person listed in the group needs to pick up the music (in hardcopy form, awaiting you on a table outside the music library). You will be placed in a group for Monday in advance and the group will decide what to play. A group captain is assigned who will be in touch regarding Monday’s music.

    In the early morning, a daily schedule listing groups, their repertoire for the day, and their coach(es) for the day is emailed to everyone.

    In the evening, optional freelancing is completely unrestricted. You can form a group with anyone and play anything you like.

  • Daily 9am–5pm assigned sessions are roughly divided evenly between coaching and independent group rehearsal. Your coach(es) for the day also usually attend(s) your afternoon mini-performance.

  • At the end of the coaching day, at 4pm, 2 to 4 groups meet together in a “pod” to perform a movement or part of a movement in a mini-performance that coaches attend. Each group has no more than 15 minutes, which includes setting up and tuning.

  • Your only mandatory sessions are the daily assignment sessions and mini-performances, between 9am and 5pm including lunch break. If you would like to play more, there are optional morning activities, afternoon classes, and evening freelancing sessions.

Food and Lodging

  • Most participants take meals in the Scripps cafeteria. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily (except for start/end days). Meals are included in the workshop’s room and board fees. Alternatively, the quaint college town of Claremont is a 15-minute walk from campus and offers a range of coffee shops and restaurants.

  • Most participants stay on campus in the Scripps dorms (most of them single-occupant). We try our best to accommodate special requests for room type (e.g., putting cellists on the ground floor).

  • No. You can opt to commute from off campus and your campus use fee includes a meal card for lunches and dinners in the Scripps cafeteria.

  • Yes. A non-playing adult guest may stay with you for an additional $800 room and board. Due to the terms of our contract with Scripps, children of workshop participants cannot stay on campus.

Health Protocols

  • Possibly. But you must have no symptoms (sore throat, congestion or runny nose, head and muscle aches, fever or chills, cough, fatigue) and commit to wearing a mask. We refer you to this website: CDC Respiratory Virus Recommendations

  • Unlikely. Refunds are problematic since we have a minimum financial obligation to Scripps College and to the coaches. Take precautions before the workshop and while traveling, especially if you are flying.

  • No. The full fee is non-refundable since we have a minimum financial obligation to Scripps College and to the coaches.

“As a first-time participant I loved the first-rate coaching, warm and supportive culture, well-organized programming, excellent food and setting, all shared with the most incredible group of passionate amateur musicians-- it doesn't get any better!”

“The SCCMW makes my life better and I look forward to it each year.”

“The SCCMW is a wonderful week of excellent chamber music playing and pleasant conversations with old and new music friends. After attending for over twenty summers, it just keeps getting better and is an important part of my year.”

“My week at SoCal provided an inspiring chance to make music with wonderful friends, become a better player, learn from terrific coaches, and play new literature. It was the perfect week!”

“The SoCal Chamber Music Workshop is an environment that fosters a great love and learning of music. Once here, you will be immersed in a community of people who strive to find beauty in the world.”

“I have attended 3 years now and I keep coming back for more. Each year deepens my understanding and enjoyment of chamber music. The coaching is amazing, and I’ve learned so much.”

“As a first-time participant I loved the first-rate coaching, warm and supportive culture, well-organized programming, excellent food and setting, all shared with the most incredible group of passionate amateur musicians-- it doesn't get any better!” “The SCCMW makes my life better and I look forward to it each year.” “The SCCMW is a wonderful week of excellent chamber music playing and pleasant conversations with old and new music friends. After attending for over twenty summers, it just keeps getting better and is an important part of my year.” “My week at SoCal provided an inspiring chance to make music with wonderful friends, become a better player, learn from terrific coaches, and play new literature. It was the perfect week!” “The SoCal Chamber Music Workshop is an environment that fosters a great love and learning of music. Once here, you will be immersed in a community of people who strive to find beauty in the world.” “I have attended 3 years now and I keep coming back for more. Each year deepens my understanding and enjoyment of chamber music. The coaching is amazing, and I’ve learned so much.”