Workshop 30th September

Mary Louise put forth the suggestion "Zoom Time - Over and Out," and this became the chosen name for the new piece. As the workshop progressed, the pressure was palpable. Damian Mills, a facilitator, showcased how his mentees utilized XR to play their virtual instruments. The whole room was abuzz with curiosity, eager to understand the mechanics of what the musicians were experiencing. Damian clarified that musicians would summon an instrument to them, activated via a pointer in their headset. When this process was displayed for all to see, Frank Lyons, the musical director, amusingly likened it to "sorcery."

This 'magical' experience persisted throughout the workshop. Facilitator Lewis Smith, in collaboration with musician Jay Hagon, triggered live sounds using a VR headset, employing the "WithFeel VR" software—a tool co-developed by Jay and Lewis through participatory design. Another captivating demonstration was presented by a facilitator, highlighting musician James Cunningham's Accessible Long Cane. This unique device, although resembling a cane, is equipped with a stretch sensor and a computer interface at its tip. It operates wirelessly and features two control mechanisms. There were myriad ideas proposed on how James could seamlessly integrate with "Zoom Time- Over and Out."

During the workshop, the presence of Gavin Kearney, the website designer, made the project's progression tangible. 

Providing an update, Richard Campbell from the Tech team detailed how he planned to streamline the technical commands for "Zoom Time - Over and Out." It was resolved that the tech team would convene separately for a more focused discussion. Over a lunchtime conversation, the musicians deliberated on their attire for the performance evening. A striking observation was that the two distinct sets of musicians now viewed themselves as a singular, cohesive unit. Franziska Schroeder, the musical director for Performance without Barriers, stressed the importance of ensuring the audience could grasp what the VR-headset-equipped musicians were experiencing.

To cap off the workshop, the group ventured to the Atrium to familiarize themselves with the venue for their October 27th performance. The impending reality of their showcase was undeniable, and a wave of excitement and fervor enveloped everyone.