The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Choir on song with sign2sing
An Aberdeen choir is hoping to inspire a generation to learn sign language when they take part in a world record attempt for the most people singing and signing next month.
The city branch of Rock Choir is taking part in deaf charity SignHealth’s “sign2sing” fundraising event in February.
Earlier this year 116,980 teachers and pupils from across the country and overseas took part in the organisation’s t hird sign2sing event and broke t he Guinness World Record. The previous record, which the charity also set was 114,277.
Chris Mutch, Rock Choir leader for Aberdeen, said: “During the event all of our members will sing and sign True Colours by Cyndi Lauper. Learning to sign as well as sing will add a new and very interesting element to the song.
“We hope lots of people will go along to their nearest Rock Choir session and join with us in helping to raise moneyandawareness for such a worthy cause.”
Rock Choir was set up in 2005 by musician Caroline Redman Lusher and is the UK’s largest contemporary singing group with more than 16,000 members. The singers learn specially arranged versions of pop, rock and Motown songs and many of the events they perform at help to raise moneyandawareness for charity.
The world record attempt will take place in multiple locations on February 5 and it is not too late to get involved.
Linda Petrons, events and corporate fundraiser at SignHealth, said: “People from Aberdeen wishing to take part in sign2sing are i nvited to register at www.sign2sing.org.uk
“People will haveachoice of two sign2sing songs to learn for the record attempt. Deaf people often find it more difficult than hearing people to access healthcare and health information and because of this, deaf men, women and children are more likely to suffer ill health.
“By ensuring our next generation of healthcare professionals are aware of deafness and British Sign Language, we will help to break down communication barriers and ensure equal access and opportunities for deaf people.”