Coombe’s new music video pays tribute to staff

THE Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital’s Workplace Choir has launched a music video, showcasing the positivity that the staff have shown throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Led by the Director of the Coombe Workplace Choir, Lisa Price, the video shows staff from across the Hospital coming together from their homes to perform a cover of ‘Be my Baby’ by the Ronettes.

Speaking at the launch of the music video Professor Michael O’Connell, Master of the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital said: “All of our staff at the Coombe never cease to amaze me with their resilience and positivity, and never more than during the difficult time we have all gone through since the beginning of the pandemic.

“It is vital for front-line workers to have an outlet – an activity that they can relax and enjoy after working hard day-in, day-out, and which fosters a sense of camaraderie. I am very impressed by their performance and delighted that it is being shared for all to see.”

Lisa Price has directed the Coombe Workplace Choir since 2015. In 2019 the Choir was selected as semi-finalists in the Workplace Choir of the Year; the Choir regularly performs at staff events, Christmas concerts, carol services and charity events.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to the Choir’s indoor rehearsals, Lisa has been hosting socially-distanced singalongs in the staff carpark, allowing members to continue singing and providing some relief to the pressure that comes with serving women and babies during a pandemic.

Lisa said: “I am always mindful of encouraging positive singing experiences for the Coombe Choir, and this became even more important after the onset of the pandemic. I am an advocate of the power of singing and music and the positive effect it can have on people’s lives. It brings me great joy to be able to provide some fun to the staff at the Coombe, whose dedication to the women and babies they serve is second to none.

“We chose the song Be My Baby because of the relevance of its lyrics and its impressive harmonies. It’s an upbeat, modern version of the original, reflecting the positive impact music has had on our Choir members. Each member really gave the performance their all, so we are very excited to see the finished product and to be able to share the video with them, their friends and families, patients of the Hospital and beyond. We want to show everyone that, despite the difficult circumstances of this past year, creativity remains strong at the Coombe.”

Lisa is currently undertaking Research Masters in Vocal Pedagogy with the University of Wales, Trinity St. David, which focuses on Singing and Wellbeing. She completed a Lockdown Recording Music Video project with 22 of her Singing Students in early September: the video has had almost 15,000 views on social media and even received a message of support from singer Imelda May.

The Coombe Choir’s cover of Be my Baby can be viewed here.