Musescore is an open-source software that anyone can use at their discretion and can modify to their desired needs. It is the main program that RMCC uses to create scores, whether that be individual scores or a big group score. The tool is not perfect and it is always changing, but the biggest thing that is great about this program is that it is FREE.
There is more information regarding Musescore on the Music Basics and Music Theory page of this website.
Unfortunately, there is not a sharing option with Musescore so not everyone can be working on a score at once in real time, but we created a Dropbox account to upload any updated files of the current score we're working on.
Flat is a little more underdeveloped than Musescore, but has the capability of having multiple people collaborate on one score real-time. Note input into the program is a little wonky, and this program is only recommended with small group scores. The program crashes a lot on a Chromebook, so if you choose to use such a program, make sure to save a lot (or increase the frequency of the auto save function).
Cameyo is a website that allows someone to edit Musescore files on the Chromebook within a short-period of time. You might have to make an account to extend the time limit of your session. Without an account, the amount of time someone is allowed to work on a score is around 15 min. With an account it is about 30 min. In any case, this is the go-to website if you do not have access to a good laptop and do not wish to use Flat.
There are some other programs available that might be a better option that those listed above. Although, someone should be experienced in music notation programs before looking at commercial options:
VST Samples such as East West Music Samples (WARNING: THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE SAMPLES! The software can be a bit of a headache to setup, but the 3rd video down below will explain my situation when I bought these samples and the viewer can learn from my experience)
What is shown down below is a taste of what you can do with the samples....if you know what you are doing. There is a decent learning curve to mixing, recording, and other terms that may seem a bit confusing to a novice. This is not a promotion. It is just something that might be interesting to those that want orchestral samples after getting a DAW program.
There are other samples from other companies, such as Native Instruments too.