The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Uplifting video recorded by families.
Choir hits right note to mark World Down’s Syndrome Day
Families from across Tayside have come together to record an uplifting music video for World Down’s Syndrome Day.
The footage, filmed at Monikie Country Park, features members of the Dundee-based Sing It Sign It Makaton Choir narrating the lyrics of the song You Will Be Found.
Makaton is a streamlined form of sign language designed to help people communicate. It is used in conjunction with the spoken word as youngsters including those with Down’s syndrome develop their speech. The video has been unveiled today on World Down’s Syndrome Day, which this year has the theme ‘leave no one behind’ – which inspired the song choice.
The video was shot by Kieran O’Rouke and Sandie Jamieson, who also edited the clip.
It uses a version of You Will Be Found by American group One Voice Children’s Choir, but the song has become popular after its use in the Broadway-hit Dear Evan Hansen.
Mike Carlin, Makaton tutor for NHS Tayside and choirmaster for the Sing It Sign It group, said it was a natural fit for them to get involved in this year’s campaign.
“It’s about raising awareness and showing that people with Down’s syndrome are valued,” he said.
“We were keen to be involved. Everyone seemed to really enjoy taking part.”
The Sing It Sign It choir was launched in May last year by Mike, who is now looking forward to celebrating the first anniversary.
Mike added: “The group is a good way for people to meet others.
“We are always out and about performing. People don’t need to be able to sing – it’s welcomed, but the Makaton is more important.
“It’s a good way for people to practise their signing, develop their technique and have some fun in an informal way.”
The Makaton tutor was presented with a Giving Voice award last year.
The choir recently entertained guests at the ARCHIE Foundation Spring Ball.
A Dundee family starred in a Makatonthemed music video with Michael Buble in the build-up to Christmas last year. That video was premiered on This Morning.