Singers sign up for success at contest
A choir has come second in a national competition – without singing a single word.
Instead, the 26 performers used sign language to communicate two songs – Robbie Williams’ I Love My Life and title track from The Phantom of the Opera in front of an audience Nottingham’s Albert Hall.
The National Signing Choir Competition was held for the first time on Saturday, March 11. And the prize was even sweeter for the Maidstone members of Vision Signing Choir, with the group only having been in the town since January.
It was set up by Karen Clifford, 54, in a bid to help people learn signing in a less formal environment, through music, with sessions held in Maidstone and Gillingham. And remarkably not a single member is deaf.
Ms Clifford, who is one of three choirmasters, said: “Our members signed beautifully and had great feedback from the judges. Everybody worked really hard and I’m extremely proud of them. Everyone has their own reasons for why they joined. Some were curious to learn signing, a couple are hard of hearing and may experience deafness in the future.
“A few came to us from a singing choir but loved how friendly it was and have been with us ever since. It’s also been nice to see people who are really shy or have anxiety problems grow in confidence, from hiding at the back to being in the front row. We’re a signing family and I think that’s what shone through at the competition.”
Usually singers express the song through the pitch, tone and emotion of their voices. Signing performers do it with hands, body and facial expressions.
Since the Vision Signing Choir was set up in Gillingham in 2012, it has performed everywhere from pubs to railway stations and even Rochester Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. From January, weekly sessions began at the YMCA in Cripple Street, Maidstone, running every Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm. For more visit tinyurl.com/KMvision.