The Ocean – Five Years

Five years after the death of his older brother Ryan, composer and Slippery Rock University Senior, Brett McCutcheon, introduces the hauntingly emotional, 5-Track EP “The Ocean – Five Years.” Written in collaboration with friend, June Bracken, “The Ocean – Five Years” fuses classical and pop genres as it explores the depth and complexity of the grief journey. The film by the same name, shares the story of a brother’s grief, loss, and love as it bridges the EP’s recording with the brothers’ backstory through archival footage, personal video diaries, interviews with friends, teachers and their parents, Dana and Bob. What we find is a family steeped in love and music. Although they still grieve Ryan’s loss, they are determined to honor his memory and legacy through music education and hope. Brett’s intention for “The Ocean – Five Years” music and film is to reach kids who have suffered loss. Both underscore the want to offer help and hope to children and their families experiencing grief. Brett visited The Caring Place after Ryan had died and was moved by what they offered kids – all for free. He wanted to give them a platform to tell others there is help in tragedy. They agreed to be part of this project and opened their space for us to learn and be part of the healing. The Caring Place was founded by Mr. Rogers and carries his legacy of giving kids a safe, trusted place to be kids. The documentary ebbs and flows honoring the order of the tracks on the EP, hitting with the initial wave of shock, wafting through the depths of despair, floating into the unknown and then finding anchors of friendship and love; ultimately experiencing the encouragement of hope through music, family and friendships. The film was shot over 5 days in 2023 and features musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and singer, songwriter Chris Jamison. Recorded at The Vault Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA. 40 minutes.