Learn to sign with Rock Choir!
At Rock Choir, we are committed to ensuring equality, accessibility, and inclusivity across every part of our business and membership experience. With this in mind, we are delighted to tell you about our Sign Language initiatives, which help communicate our Rock Choir performances to D/Deaf people.
Led by Deaf musician Paul Whittaker OBE, we run free, fun, and active sessions using British Sign Language (BSL) as part of our Rock Choir membership.
Each session allows Rock Choir members to explore aspects of Deaf awareness and learn more about BSL and the D/Deaf community in a fun, supportive, and friendly environment.
If you are a Rock Choir member, you can find full access to these sessions – including times and dates – inside your Members Area.
Every new and existing Rock Choir member can take advantage of this unique opportunity and join in with these sessions.
Take a look below to see what’s on offer and learn more about this exclusive Rock Choir benefit.
ROCK & SIGN
Our online Rock and Sign sessions are available to all Rock Choir members.
You’ll learn a range of songs – including some Rock Choir tracks – using British Sign Language. It’s a great way to understand the meaning of a song while also thinking about how to convey rhythm, emotion, and character.
Our leader, Paul Whittaker OBE, believes that being in a signing choir is actually the best way to learn BSL – so you’ll be gaining a valuable new skill while enjoying your favourite songs.
You don’t need to be able to sign to join in. Paul will teach you everything, and you’ll also have access to videos and resources to help you practise. Sessions are one hour long and take place in a fun, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re really keen and want to sign at Rock Choir performances, you may want to audition for The Hands That Rock, our official BSL performance group. See below for more details.
Full access to Rock and Sign sessions – plus dates and times – can be found in the Members Area, under the ‘Rock and Sign’ tab.
THE HANDS THAT ROCK
The Hands That Rock is our dedicated group of Rockies who are committed to providing BSL access at Rock Choir performances.
Membership is through an informal audition, and you’re expected to have an interest and passion for BSL and for access, as well as being able to sign Rock Choir repertoire.
In addition to the weekly online sessions, you can also have 1-to-1 meetings with Paul Whittaker OBE to polish up your skills, focus on specific songs, and even create your own translations to teach and share with other members.
The Hands That Rock also have occasional get-togethers to rehearse, socialise, and support each other – and you’re allowed to wear the official Rock Choir The Hands That Rock t-shirt!
Join Rock Choir to take part in our exclusive membership benefits.