Cwmbran Deaf Choir

Cwmbran Deaf Choir was originally formed In September 2011. They were then known as Llantarnam Deaf Choir as they were part of Llantarnam Comprehensive School Deaf Resource Base (DRB). When Llantarnam comprehensive closed, two schools amalgamated and the Base moved to its new premises Cwmbran High School, subsequently resulting in the choir being renamed Cwmbran Deaf Choir. The choir is made up of current pupils from Cwmbran High School Deaf Resource Base (DRB) and past pupils from the Base who have gone on to further education and employment but consistently return to perform as a part of this wonderful group. Members of the choir range in age from 13 – 30 and have varying degrees of hearing loss. This isn’t a traditional choir as due to their hearing loss the pupils can’t hear the music so they don’t sing, instead, the songs are interpreted and performed in the pupils’ first language, British Sign Language.

The choir is led by Miss Mary Cole and Mrs Louise Heirene. Mary is a teacher of the deaf in Cwmbran High School DRB and Lou’s role with the choir is voluntary, fitting her choir commitments around her professional role as is Obstetric Theatre Lead at the Grange University Hospital ABUHB. Together Mary and Lou have given the pupils many amazing opportunities including, performing at the Royal Albert Hall, joining a Welsh Male Voice Choir on the pitch at a WRU International match and last month headlining on the main stage at Pride Cymru in Cardiff.

The pupils love being a part of the choir and performing in front of a variety of audiences. Their self-esteem and confidence has developed greatly and their sense of pride and enjoyment is clear to see through their body language and facial expressions. Performing together continues to create memories that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Proud

You’ll Never Walk Alone

Cwmbran Deaf Choir Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/522748894489904