If you’re looking to give your valentine something more original than flowers, chocolates, or stuffed animals this Valentine’s Day, the Deaf Redbirds Association (DRA) has the solution!

The student organization will perform “signing serenades” in American Sign Language to students, faculty, and staff members who work or take classes in Metcalf School or DeGarmo Hall. For $5, you can schedule a performance for your special someone at these two campus locations.

Three deaf education students—Brittney Tarr, Brooke Hausmann, and Ashley Potratz—will sign each performance accompanied by the song’s original musical score. Options are: “For Good” by Wicked, “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye, or “Mine” by Taylor Swift.

Payment is not required until after the signing serenade has been performed. Payment methods can be made by cash or check made out to Deaf Redbird Association. Proceeds of the signing serenades go toward sustaining the efforts of the DRA. Availability is limited.

To order a signing serenade, send an email with the following details to Brooke Hausmann:

  1. The day the signing serenade should be performed. Choose from either Thursday, February 13, or Friday, February 14.

    The American Sign Language sign for love.

    The American Sign Language sign for love.

  2. The 30-minute time slot you would like the signing serenade to be performed: between 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. February 13 and between 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. February 14. DRA will reply to you with a confirmation email that will provide the specific 15-minute window in which the signing serenade will be performed.
  3. The song to be performed. Choose from the aforementioned songs.
  4. The name of the person or entire office or class that the signing serenade should be performed for.
  5. The name of the building and room location where the signing serenade should be performed.

For questions, contact Professor Maribeth Lartz. Signing serenades will be performed at Metcalf School and DeGarmo Hall only.

About the Deaf Redbirds Association

DRA is committed to raising awareness and fostering relationships between the deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people. This spring, the DRA is also hosting a Deaf Awareness Week. During this week, the organization will hold multiple events designed to educate the student body and surrounding communities about deaf issues, community, and culture.