American Sign Language concert entertains 200 at Bovee UC

• Tweet
• 

Natalie Gordinier performed her own version of Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” to a crowd of about 200 Thursday night at the Bovee University Center Auditorium.

But this version was different — it consisted of no spoken words. Instead, the Madison Heights sophomore used symbolism through body movements to express the song.

She threw her hands in the air during the chorus and also made them into “butterflies flying away.”

“Everyone loves Party in the USA,” Gordinier said.

She also performed “Take a Bow” by Rihanna and did a duet of “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat with Tecumseh junior Nick Royal.

Her and Royal’s duet was part of an ASL project.

It was just a few of the performances for a concert the American Sign Language Society hosts at the end of Deaf Awareness Week every semester.

Twelve students and two professors performed. The performers did their own versions of songs and also told jokes and stories.

Freeland senior Kelly Laatsch performed “Inside Your Heaven” by Carrie Underwood and “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.

“Deaf people can enjoy music as well,” Laatsch said, through interpreter Stacey Horman, a sign language instructor. “(We) can be involved with music and feel the rhythm and beat. I’m deaf and I enjoy music.”

Laatsch said she likes to read song lyrics and feel the beat.

She said her favorite part of the night was being able to see both deaf and hearing people come together and enjoy music as one culture.

Royal performed “Rescue Me” by Aretha Franklin in addition to his duet.

“You kind of put your own personality into it,” Royal said of interpreting songs with sign language. “It’s awesome.”

Kaila Trombley, vice president of the American Sign Language Society, said the event was a success.

“I was surprised at how many people showed up,” Trombley said. “All the performances were awesome.”