What is everyone talking about?
The Story
Through American Sign Language paired with singing, SIGNING THE SONG: POWER OF BELONGING shares the true story of a boy who grew up in a deaf household with little exposure to TV, radio, or movies. Because of his incredible 8th-grade music teacher, Mrs. Norma Freeman, William came out of his silent world and discovered his voice through music. Watch how ASL (American Sign Language) and song lyrics meld together into a beautifully unique art form. This presentation is a heartwarming celebration of the incredible impact teachers have on each child’s life… regardless of their struggles.

All the Details
About
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Educators Inspired
In the past seven years, William has spoken for state, regional, and national conferences as well as visited countless school districts…all to inspire thousands of teachers to remember the incredible impact they have on their students lives! Teachers are rockstars!
Inspirational
SIGNing The Song: Power of Belonging‘s main purpose is to celebrate and honor teachers. The incredible influence teachers have on children and adults alike is immeasurable and deserves to be recognized and celebrated.
Musically Spectacular
Performed by the phenomenal William Martinez, the presentation features a mixture of well known songs and a couple originals written specifically for this presentation. With gorgeous music and orchestrations by David Bawiec, your audience is bound to be filled with awe.
Interactive
Not only do participants get to discover the deaf culture, but they also learn some American Sign Language at the same time. Throughout the presentation, William has the audience actively participating. Did we mention there are plenty of laughs to be had as well?
What Others Say
Testimonials

Upcoming Events
Calendar
Upcoming Appearances
Date | City | Venue |
---|---|---|
06/06/23 - 06/07/23 | Las Vegas, NV | Summer Arts Integration Institute (ConFABulation) – The Smith Center |
Time: 8:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: KO Knudson Middle School – 2400 Atlantic St.. Registration info will be available soon! Cancelled | ||
06/08/23 | Cypress, TX | Cypress-Fairbanks ISD |
Time: 8:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Berry Center – 8877 Barker Cypress Rd.. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
06/15/23 | Cape Coral, FL | Heartland Educational Consortium |
Time: 10:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village – 5951 Silver King Blvd.. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
07/27/23 | Las Vegas, NV | Clark County School District |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Rio Hotel & Casino-3700 W Flamingo Rd. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/01/23 | Cumberland, MD | Allegany County Public Schools – Administrative Advance |
Time: 8:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Allegany High School – 900 Seaton Dr. Venue phone: 301-759-2000. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/04/23 | Omaha, NE | Omaha Public Schools |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Buena Vista High School – 5616 L St.. Venue phone: 531-299-0220. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/07/23 | Chattanooga, TN | Boyd Buchanan School |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 4650 Buccaneer Trail. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/08/23 | Argyle, TX | Argyle ISD |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Argyle High School – 6701 Canyon Falls Drive. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/09/23 | Brusly, LA | West Baton Rouge Schools |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Brusly High School – 630 North Vaughn Drive. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/10/23 | Derrby, KS | Derby Public Schools |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Derby High School – 920 N. Rock Road. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/11/23 | Fort Worth, TX | White Settlement ISD |
Time: 9:15am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Brewer High School – 1025 W Loop 820 North. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/14/23 | Keyser, WV | Mineral County Schools |
Time: 8:30am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Church-McKee Arts Center – 121 Arnold Street. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/14/23 | Keyser, WV | WVU – Potomac State College |
Time: 11:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Church-McKee Arts Center – 121 Arnold Street. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/18/23 | Cumberland, MD | Allegany County Public Schools |
Time: 8:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Fort Hill High School – 500 Greenway Ave. Venue phone: 301-759-2000. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/21/23 | Orland Park, IL | Orland School District |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Parkview Christian Church – 11100 Orland Parkway. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/23/23 | Lancaster, PA | Reach Cyber Charter School |
Time: 8:30am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Lancaster Convention Center – 25 S. Queen Street. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/29/23 | Corning, NY | Corning-Painted Post Area School District |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 201 Cantigney St.. Venue phone: 607 936-3704. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/30/23 | Hammondsport, NY | Hammondsport Central School District |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 8272 Main Street. Venue phone: 607-569-5200. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
08/31/23 | Canisteo, NY | Canisteo-Greenwood CSD |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Canisteo-Greenwood High School – 84 Greenwood Street. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
09/05/23 | Horseheads, NY | Great Southern Tier BOCES |
Time: 8:30am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Aront Event Center – 3300 Chambers Rd. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
09/06/23 | Elmira, NY | Elmira City School District |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Elmira High School – 777 South Main Street. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
09/23/23 | Hagerstown, MD | Apples for Children |
Time: 2:45pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Kepler Theatre at Hagerstown Community College -11400 Robinwood Dr.. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
11/09/23 | Salisbury, MD | Salisbury University – E. Pauline Riall Lecture Series |
Time: 7:00pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Holloway Hall – 1101 Camden Avenue. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! |
Recent Appearances
Date | City | Venue |
---|---|---|
04/27/23 | College Park, MD | Coppin State University – P2P Leadership Academy |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: The Hotel @ Univ. of Maryland – 7777 Baltimore Ave. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
03/29/23 | St. Louis, MO | Education Plus – Innovate Conference |
Time: 12:00pm. Admission: $325. Age restrictions: All Ages. Box office: 314-692-1200. Address: The Armory District – 3676 Market Street. Venue phone: 314-692-1200. Registration is OPEN! Can’t wait to see you there! | ||
02/03/23 | Omaha, NE | Omaha Public Schools |
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Buena Vista High School – 5616 L St.. Venue phone: 531-299-0220. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
01/09/23 | Lynwood, CA | Lynwood Unified School District |
Time: 8:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School – 5246 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Venue phone: (310) 886-1600. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
01/03/23 | Mesa, AZ | Mesa Public Schools |
Time: 8:30am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 1025 N Country Club Drive. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
12/20/22 | Willard, OH | Willard City Schools |
Time: 12:45pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Willard High School – One Flashes Ave. Venue phone: 419-935-0181. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! | ||
10/12/22 | Oberlin, LA | Allen Parish School Board |
Time: 8:30am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: West 7th Avenue. Venue phone: 337-639-4311. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us! |

Questions Answered
FAQ
Does the audience need to know ASL to enjoy William's presentation?
Not at all! Although William uses sign throughout, he is always speaking or singing simultaneously. Also, he teaches some words in ASL during his presentation, so everyone will walk away knowing some signs!
What is the running time of the presentation?
We have three different lengths based on your needs: 60, 90, and 120 minutes.
Is my event too big/small?
Nope! “SIGNing The Song: You Have Changed My Life” has been presented for thousands down to just 30. The message is powerful regardless the size of the audience.
Can William travel?
Of course! He even has his passport, so international requests are also welcomed!
Who do I contact for booking information?
You can email William directly. Use the contact form at the bottom of this page.
What are William's technical needs?
Not to worry! He can make almost any situation work! We have a very easy to read Tech Needs info sheet that he can send you. Send him a message!
Is the presentation prepared for the deaf and hard-of-hearing?
Although “SIGNing The Song: You Have Changed My Life” combines elements of American Sign Language, unfortunately, the entire show is not signed, so if you or any of your party members require the assistance of an interpreter we recommend you bring one with you to the show.
Send a Message
Contact & Booking Inquiries
Ready to book William Martinez for your conference or school event? Send a message directly to William today.