Sue – Rock Choir Selby
Six years ago, Sue made a decision that would quietly change her life.
After seeing Caroline Redman Lusher MBE talking about Rock Choir on television, she booked herself onto a free taster session in Selby. She went along on her own, unsure what to expect, but immediately knew she wanted to become part of it.
“I’d been thinking about going for a few months. It was a big step for me.”
Although rehearsals didn’t begin until after the Christmas break, Sue couldn’t wait to get started. She had found something that felt right.
Finding joy during a challenging time
Before joining Rock Choir, Sue had been struggling with the effects of menopause, experiencing extreme fatigue and brain fog.
Seeking help from a menopause consultant led to some unexpected advice.
“She said to help with the brain fog I should learn to sing and dance, and learn a new language.”
Sue had already begun learning British Sign Language (BSL) after experiencing hearing difficulties, achieving her Level 1 qualification before joining Rock Choir. Singing became the next part of that journey.
Just a few months after becoming a Rockie in January 2020, rehearsals moved online during the Coronavirus pandemic. While it took time to adjust, Sue says nothing could replace singing together in person.
“Rock Choir is such a lifeline to so many people for many different reasons.”
Bringing music to life through sign language
During the online rehearsals, Sue discovered Rock and Sign, where members learn to interpret Rock Choir songs using British Sign Language.
Led by deaf musician and performer Paul Whittaker OBE, the sessions brought together Sue’s growing knowledge of BSL with her love of singing.
The experience eventually led her to become part of The Hands That Rock, a dedicated group of Rock Choir Members who provide live BSL interpretation during performances, helping make concerts more accessible for deaf audiences.
“When you’re signing in BSL, you’re signing the meaning of the song.”
Sue explains that every performance is about far more than translating individual words.
“It’s your job to interpret the joy or the sadness of a song to your audience.”
Today, Sue holds a Level 2 BSL qualification and continues to learn new ways of bringing music to life for others.
Making a difference through music
Being part of The Hands That Rock has given Sue opportunities she never imagined, including signing at the Edinburgh Fringe.
For Sue, however, one performance will always stand apart.
A close Rock Choir friend, Frieda, who was terminally ill, made one final request.
She wanted Rock Choir to sing at her funeral and asked Sue to sign her favourite song, A Thousand Years.
“I was with her two days before she died. She asked me to sign it for her one last time at the funeral.”
As the choir filled the church with music, Sue honoured her friend’s final wish.
“She loved the song, A Thousand Years, and she loved to watch me sign it.”
It remains one of the most meaningful moments of Sue’s Rock Choir journey.
Giving something back
Reflecting on everything she has experienced, Sue says learning BSL through Rock Choir has given her the chance to make performances more inclusive while giving something back to the community.
“I’m able to interpret songs for people that can’t always hear the music and this makes Rock Choir even more accessible.”
She is proud of what she has achieved and hopes more members will discover Rock and Sign for themselves.
“Just come along and have a try. There’s no obligation, it’s great fun.”
For Sue, joining Rock Choir has become about far more than singing.
It has brought friendship, purpose, new skills and the opportunity to help others experience the joy of music in a completely different way.
