Paul Whittaker O.B.E.

Experience the power of sign language, and how it is used to express the emotions of music and interpretation of song meaning, led by deaf musician Paul Whittaker OBE. Paul's talk "Music To Your Ears" has been delivered hundreds of times to audiences large and small and of all ages. Speaking about his experiences as a deaf musician, along with audience participation, signed song and music games and performance, Paul will inspire and encourage you, and perhaps make you cry too!

In our 10am morning event Paul will explain how BSL works, encourage participants to think about the actual meaning of a song beyond the lyrics, how it can be translated into BSL and how to include nonverbal elements of the musical text and the emotion contained in a song into a signed performance. The emphasis in this event is on participating. We’ll begin with a few really simple songs with simple signs, then build up to something a bit more complex.

Learn a new skill, pick up some sign language and, above all, have fun (you don’t have to sing!)

Come back in the afternoon at 2pm to take part in a signed language concert. Paul will be joined by members of Hull Visual Choir, a signing adult choir aimed at bringing the Deaf and hearing community together. “Signed song is a fantastic way of bringing people together, raising deaf awareness and learning about communication. It can also be a good workout and is something that all ages can enjoy” - Paul Whittaker OBE Come and join for a session of fun and laughter and learn a little more about BSL.