OVERVIEW
DeepBlue is not just a musical performance troupe, we are also a dedicated group of musical scholars, teachers and researchers who are attempting to find a way to increase interest in live, orchestra-based performance and revitalizing an art form that is in dire need of support in the USA and around the world. As most people associated with orchestral performance knows, the audience for orchestral performance is aging and is not being replaced by younger audiences, while orchestras around the world are facing severe funding cuts. In the USA alone, in 1998 there were 1,200 orchestras but by 2007 there were only 117, and the numbers continue to decline. One of the best ways to combat this decline is to revitalize orchestral performance itself, finding new audiences along the way, and teaching a new generation of musicians about the power and tradition of orchestras, while providing them the freedom and support to innovate and experiment.
DeepBlue’s performance success is based upon years of research and development at the Queensland University of Technology and the program in Creative Industries. Four DeepBlue musicians and group managers are currently conducting Ph.D and Masters -level research on the group and related topics in performance and music pedagogy. One co-creation project of DeepBlue composer and Ph.D student Dane Alexander’s, involves fans who have offered to critique various interations of a musical work. As a result, DeepBlue has thrived as a form of research and development, innovative performance and music education, and as a new way to connect with audiences earning us the Australian Performing Arts Centre Association’s Award for Excellent Audience Response.
The purpose of our project in the US is to build the DeepBlue concept in America and revitalise orchestras around the world. Currently the project looks like:
October 2014
Project development with key partners in California: Cal Poly staff, students & researchers; Schools; Community groups; Sponsors, organisations & businesses; Auditions for DeepBlue USA.
October 2015
Demo performance of DeepBlue USA with YoungBlue feature; Professional Development Program for performers & teachers; YoungBlue Program for young musicians; Cal Poly student project development & pitches; Cal Poly research presentations & projects.
The DeepBlue Professional Development Program will cover all the elements of becoming a 21st Century DeepBlue hybrid musician offering training in technology (Digital processing, development and composition & analogue manipulation), stagecraft, choreography, composition & improvisation, public speaking, creative development etc… The next step in the program is to deliver workshops for young musicians with DeepBlue.
DeepBlue have conducted workshops with thousands of young musicians and wowed sold-out audiences across Australia and Asia. DeepBlue are passionate about encouraging young people to experience a different way of playing music and the YoungBlue Holiday Programs are no exception, providing a one of a kind opportunity to the young musicians of today.
April 2016
Brisbane Development and Beta performances with select DeepBlue USA & Cal Poly students; BETA technology developed in California; BETA any musical/visual ideas developed in California; Performance extravaganza at QUT with DeepBlue performance
May/June 2016
Refine and develop a Californian DeepBlue; Develop and apply CreateX Performance to CalPoly.