14 Guangxi deaf-mute children create miracles with melody

Equality shall not be brought to the deaf and hard of hearing, yet they shall become equal themselves.

In Beijing Concert Hall, 14 deaf-mute children from Guangxi, aged 9 to 16, debuted a stunning 12-minute choir performance in 2018 that earned silent approval through a thumbs-up gesture from the audience.

This achievement resulted from five years of dedication by artist Li Bo and musician Zhang Yong, who were inspired by a deaf-mute shout they heard in Beijing. They decided to train these children despite having no precedent to follow.

Li and Zhang developed unique methods to help the children perceive sound through vibrations and used tools like popsicle sticks and tuners to teach them pitch and harmony. They faced numerous challenges, including financial struggles and skepticism from others, but persisted with their mission. Their efforts culminated in a performance showcasing the children's newfound vocal abilities and brought hope and joy to the performers and the audience.

Initially, the children were hesitant and unsure, but through the innovative techniques and unwavering support of Li and Zhang, they gradually learned to make sounds and sing. The training involved using vibrations to feel the existence of sound, practicing with popsicle sticks to articulate different sounds, and using tuners to produce standard pitches. The children practiced tirelessly, pressing their backs against walls and standing on tiptoes to stabilize their voices.

The performance at Beijing Concert Hall marked the culmination of their hard work. Accompanied by Cai Yayi on the dongxiao, bamboo flute, and Wang Yong on the chen, a self-making instrument, the children sang with confidence and joy.

Their voices, described as celestial, captivated the audience, leading to spontaneous applause and tears. The choir's rendition of silent, playful, and hopeful voices left a lasting impact, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the beauty of their unique voices.

Fourteen deaf and hard of hearing children with white clothes are on the stage. [Photo/People's Daily]