Hands That Sing!

James Rowe, Anna Crusis’ official Sign Language Interpreter, has been volunteering his skills and traveling from New York City at his own expense since the fall of 2005. How did the choir get so lucky?

After attending an Anna Crusis concert in 1988, he fell in love with the choir and was so impressed with the use of sign language interpreters that he was inspired to learn sign language himself. After years of study, he has interpreted for the Hetrick-Martin Institute and many theatrical performances in New York. Finally, in the fall of 2005, after coordinating the choir’s performance at The United Nations, his love of Anna and sign language came full circle when he became our official interpreter. Following is his full interview with Peggy Andrews, Board Member:

1. What do you do in real life?

I am a special events manager for the National Down Syndrome Society.

2. What is your background with ACWC?

I first saw ACWC in 1988. Two friends of mine, Cathy and Liz Clarke, introduced me to your choral music. I became a huge fan and purchased my first CD Bread and Roses. I was impressed by their use of a sign language interpreter. I attended every ACWC event. I moved to California for two years and needed to move back because ACWC doesn't perform in California. The first thing I did when I moved back to the East Coast was attend a ACWC rehearsal with Liz in 1993. I moved to NYC and came to Philly for every Spring Concert. I have always been inspired by your sign language interpreter. In 1995 I decided I would learn sign language. I studied sign language for many years. I was a sign language interpreter for Hetrick-Martin Institute in NYC which runs the Harvey Milk High School and over five theatrical performances including Shakespeare's 12th night on 42nd street (theater row).

3. Why did you decide to sign for us?

My one true wish was to sign music. I got into special events work in 2001. In 2005, I was working for the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding. I thought ACWC would make a fantastic addition. I went to ACWC's 30th Anniversary and asked if they wanted me to perform. Later, I let ACWC know I was interested in signing for them. I have refused to leave ever since.