GOSH Choir goes virtual

Thanks to a new virtual practice, the GOSH Choir is enabling staff and families to come together and share their love of music during COVID-19. Find out more about how the choir is bringing joy during this time and listen to their beautiful performance of the track ‘Better Days’.

The Great Ormond Street Hospital Staff and Parent Choir is a relaxed and informal group who sing every Wednesday. The choir was established in September 2016 and since then has seen over 200 different people participate in the weekly meetings.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, rehearsals in the Hospital Chapel have stopped and the choir has gone virtual. Zoom rehearsals start with a warm up and teaching of a virtual choir song. It has been particularly important during this time for the choir to stay in contact and have a chance to come together each week.

Singing can help lower levels of cortisol and increase levels of oxytocin in the blood helping you feel more relaxed and less stressed, it can also release muscle tension and help you sleep better, all of which have a positive impact on the wellbeing of participating staff and parents.  In addition to this, the choir is an important part of GOSH Arts’ wide ranging cultural offer for staff; when the cultural needs of clinical staff are supported there is evidence to suggest they can be more efficient in their roles and even more able to care for patients effectively and with increased compassion.

Listen to this special performance of ‘Better Days’ by members of Great Ormond Street Hospital Staff and Parents Choir, Kings Place Choir and Bella Cora:

‘Better Days’ was written by Naomi Hammerton and Joe McGrail for the virtual choir. The song was chosen to help mark Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) at GOSH. The lyrics are particularly poignant as VE Day was a turning point in thinking about a more positive future. Today we are also hoping for better days ahead.

The GOSH Choir are rehearsing regularly on a virtual basis. Whether you’re a GOSH parent or staff member, all are welcome. No experience or commitment is necessary. Email gosharts@gosh.nhs.uk to join!