Singing in Silence - Part II
Genius at Work
“Multiple studies have shown that when deaf people feel the music it interacts with the auditory cortex. Once the auditory cortex is activated it engages with other parts of the brain to raise dopamine and lower cortisol. How freakin cool is that? Your brain on music!” - Amber Galloway Gallego
Amber Galloway Gallego is much much more than an interpreter for the deaf. She is a pioneer and an artist in her own right. To appreciate Galloway’s artistry, you need to know a bit about American Sign Language (ASL) and the specialized version she is using to translate music into experiences that speak to the deaf.
Please watch the video below. It does a great job of illustrating both the evolution of ASL and why Galloway’s approach is so compelling.
Galloway in Her Element
Now let’s listen to Galloway performing two songs. The first is one you will remember from my very first post, “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman.”
The second is “I Want to Be in Love” by Melissa Etheridge. It was recorded with the intention of showcasing Amber’s unique style.
Melissa Etheridge - I Want to Be In Love
So what do you think?
Do you agree this is another and equally valid kind of performance art?
How did the signing affect how you felt about the song being performed?
Can you imagine going to a live concert and watching the interpreter as much as the singer?
Below are some additional links to other interpreters I think you’ll find equally intriguing. The thing I love about each of them is that they bring their own unique artistic expression to the songs they interpret, adding another whole dimension to the music. Which is your favorite?
Resources
David Cowan - Interpreting for Atlanta PRIDE
Holly Maniatty - https://everipedia.org/wiki/lang_en/holly-maniatty
Click Holly’s name to see her interpreting for Eminem.JoAnn Benfield - YouTube Channel
Amber Galloway Gallego and JoAnn Benfield performing together
Fascinating! Amber! My heavens! Had no idea you could SIGN music! Thank you, Jena!