Yes, deaf people can play a musical instrument. This is the message that the Hummingbird Orchestra wants to convey. To prove this, he uses the model of a musical ensemble where deaf and hearing children come together. Everyone learns at their own pace and thus benefits from the virtues of Music and group practice.
It is a project that breaks preconceived ideas about disability. In Marseille, for more than a year, five deaf or hard of hearing children have been taking music lessons at the Pierre Barbizet Conservatory. There they learn music theory and the practice of an instrument (violin, viola, cello or flute). Like everyone else, and with everyone else. “Each is associated with a “twin”, namely a child of approximately the same age and playing the same instrument. A sort of tutor who helps him learn. It’s important both musically and humanly”underlines Frédéric Isoletta, conductor at the initiative of this project carried out by the Collective of Lyric Artists and Musicians for Solidarity (aka CALMS – read bonus). Each pair is also headed by a professional musician who acts as godfather/godmother. They all form a real orchestra: the Hummingbird Orchestra.
Adapted songs
Concretely, the children of the small group of deaf or hard of hearing people have three weekly meetings with music. A private instrument lesson, provided by a conservatory teacher. Another music theory one. And a group rehearsal every Saturday. Twins join them every two weeks, and every three weeks the godparents. A rather intensive pace which allows them to progress and above all to gain in ease.
This Saturday in January, the first after the Christmas holidays, all the members of the Hummingbird Orchestra are gathered together. And rehearse a piece written especially for them by Frédéric Isoletta. “I approached researchers to compose it. It is adapted to their disability and they can play it”he explains. Each group has its own partition. As for the flutes, Alpha and Evan apply themselves. The first helps the second to follow the rhythm, checks that he has understood the instructions. Juliette Jolain, flautist at the Marseille Opera, supervises. “I make sure that they have a real relationship as colleagues, which is actually the case. They like this orchestral aspect, it’s a “safe place” here”she appreciates.
♦ Also read the article “How music transforms and heals the brain”
Colleagues and especially friends
When the ensemble plays together, magic happens. Nothing distinguishes deaf or hard of hearing children from others, except the hearing aids visible in some. “Everyone has their place and brings what they have to contribute”summarizes Mikhael Piccone, founder of CALMS. And Frédéric Isoletta to abound: “It does them good in terms of psychomotor skills, language, sociability. And that makes them proud”.
This is confirmed by the main stakeholders, who were followed for a year by the director Daniela Lanzuisi (bonus). “Being with other deaf children reassures me a little because I’m not the only one”confides Alexandre, the cellist of the troupe. Léandre, who opted for the violin, adds: “If I didn’t have the orchestra, I would have fewer friends, I think. They’re real friends.”. A group cohesion which proves beneficial in practice. “They were afraid at the beginning of playing in front of others, of hitting wrong notes. They are much more comfortable today”notes Juliette Jolain. A feeling corroborated by the young violinist. “I feel free to do what I want. Even if I fail, I feel free”he slips.
Make music universal
The aim of the project is not to train children for careers. “It’s to show that everyone can make music, because we are convinced of it”explains Malvina Pastor, the educational referent of the project. This professional musician was born half-deaf and started playing the piano even before being fitted with hearing aids. “Music is a multisensory experience. We can also hear through the skin, via vibrations. My experience allows me to help deaf people to play music and to explain to hearing people how they achieve it”she smiled.
In addition to the support of Malvina Pastor, the godparents and teachers of the conservatory were made aware of disabilities by Urapeda Sud. This association, which works for the autonomy and citizenship of deaf or hard of hearing people, has notably trained them in “good practices”. “Like, for example, how to properly address children. That is to say by positioning ourselves in front of them so that they can read our lips”illustrates Juliette Jolain. Simple but essential gestures to make them feel comfortable and confident.
-♦ Also read the article “Classical music within reach of children from disadvantaged neighborhoods”
Duplicate the orchestra
Building on the success of the Marseille experience, CALMS now wishes to duplicate the Orchester des Hummingbirds. A second has already started in September 2024 in the eastern basin of Étang de Berre (which brings together the municipalities of Vitrolles, Marignane and Berre l’Étang). There are currently only two pairs, so there are still places left. “Deaf children are accepted whatever their level. They just have to want to learn music.”says Mikhael Piccone. For twins/twins, they must have two to three years of orchestra training in order to be able to fully play their role as tutor.
By next September, the Darius Milhaud Conservatory of Aix-en-Provence and the Conservatoire Départemental de Musique des Alpes-Maritimes (affecting Nice and its surroundings) should also launch their own inclusive orchestra. Elsewhere, talks are underway in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and Montpellier. For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, a glass ceiling is shattering. ♦
Bonus
# A project born from personal experience – That of Frédéric Isoletta, father of a child born deaf. As a conductor, he put Alexandre in contact with music from the start, thanks to the vibrations of the piano. “When my son learned signed French, I imagined and designed conducting gestures directly inspired by this sign language. Little by little, seeing his reactions to music, and even having him practice, I began to imagine this new concept: teaching music to these children and integrating them into an orchestra.he rewinds. Having played within CALMS, he became closer to this structure with which the project as it stands today was developed.
# A documentary not to be missed – “Deaf music” by Daniela Lanzuisi. This director based in Marseille followed and filmed the entire first year of existence of the Orchester des Colibris. To find by clicking here.
# CALMS always more united – The Hummingbird Orchestra is one of the projects carried out by this Collective of Lyric Artists and Musicians for Solidarity. This association created in 2019 (our report can be found here) continues its other activities in parallel. Namely “Déconfinés Operas”, opera concerts in priority neighborhoods and rural areas. Or even “Quartiers enchantés”, choirs created to unite the inhabitants of working-class neighborhoods. As for the “Solidarity Voices” concerts, the event is taking a break this year to return in a national format next season.
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