Sing it, sign it
A new all-singing and signing Gaelic choir in Oban could be a world first.
The choir where members use Makaton, a sign language tool used by people with learning and communication difficulties, is up and running and working in harmony with supporting charities.
Aon Ghuth, translates as One Voice, and the choir of all ages and abilities, also has the backing of An Comunn Gàidhealach – the Royal National Mòd.
With its youngest member aged just five, Aon Ghuth will be making its first big public appearance on the opening night of this year’s Mòd when the national festival comes to town in October.
Starting up a Makaton choir had long been the idea of Arlene McLeod’s, but it was an approach by the National Mòd’s Youth and Community Engagement Committee to ask what it could do to make this year’s event as inclusive as possible that led to Aon Ghuth.
Arlene is a founder member of FAIR, which focuses on raising awareness about children with additional support needs and organising inclusive groups and events that allow them to be fully included in activities, so she said this was the perfect opportunity to set up Aon Ghuth. Arlene said:
“The idea of a Makaton choir had been floating round in my head for a while, so when Laura approached us it just seemed the right time and perfect occasion to make a start. It’s the first Gaelic Makaton choir I’ve heard of – it could even be the first in the world!”
Both FAIR and Down Syndrome Scotland (DSS) are behind the choir 100 per cent. DSS has provided its Makaton instructor Katy Lironi to give them a hand and the charity’s chief executive Eddie MacConnell was there at the first session, held earlier this month at Glencruitten Church Hall – he also signed up as a choir member.
Arlene said: “Eddie has Gaelic connections, so from the onset, from pitching the idea, he has been really excited
about it. The first turnout was impressive and we’d like more people to come and join us. We’ve already got gold Mòd medallists on board, including Mary-Catherine MacLean and Helen Pearson, so some really strong Gaelic voices there. ASN (additional support needs) advisor is Ciaran Bateman, who is in the choir too.”
Arlene continued: “We are open to anyone coming along and the plan is to get some videos made so we can do some work online and practice. We had one young man join us from as far away as Inverness. No Gaelic or Makaton experience is necessary. “Morven Gage is going to be the choir leader and music arranger, and we will be performing on the opening night of the Royal National Mòd, which is a massive honour.” A Mòd spokesperson said: “With the Royal National Mòd coming to Oban this year, it is great to see Aon Ghuth established in the town. This very exciting initiative is hugely welcomed by Mòd an Òbain 2024 to ensure the Mòd and Gaelic is inclusive to all and we look forward to the showcase during the Mòd in October.” Interested in joining or supporting Aon Ghuth? Call Arlene on 07879864453 or request to join the choir’s Facebook page.