HANDBAND

Come and see the Ole Miss Handband!

The Ole Miss Handband is a group of students from Ole Miss who is interested in learning sign language to songs. The concept of learning sign language to songs is a practical, but fun approach to acquire sign language skills. Not only must “everyday” vocabulary be learned for these songs, but also fluency skills are gained immediately. The songs do not “slow down the pace” in order to accommodate the “beginning” signer. The signer is immediately “forced” to increase the rate and fluency of their expressive signing. Skills are being gained almost without any awareness because learning to sign songs is FUN!!!

The Handband also takes their “show on the road”. The members have learned several different songs and have been performing these songs at various places. This year the Handband performed at banquets, conferences, community churches, football games and graduation. The Handband also performed at the 2004 ASHA National Convention in Philadelphia, PA.

Anyone can join Handband at any time. New songs are continually being taught and new members are joining with each performance. If anyone is interested in joining the Handband or having the Handband come perform, that person can contact Rebecca Lowe at the University of Mississippi Speech and Hearing Center (915–7271).