Musical efforts raise money for the NHS

A Chester University student is using her musical talents to raise money for the NHS Charities Together and its fight against COVID-19.

Clara Ampah-Korsah from Buckinghamshire teaches languages at Westfield Academy in Watford and is also studying for a Master’s in Educational Leadership at the University of Chester.

Clara, who is classically trained in the piano and clarinet, recently bought an electronic piano and has been singing and writing songs during her spare time since the pandemic began. The song she has composed and sung, You are a Rainbow in the Sky, is available to download on all digital platforms with royalties from the streaming going to NHS Charities Together. A link to the video can be found here.

Clara said: “Music has always been in the background of my life. The song was written in lockdown and recorded after the restrictions were lifted in Acton, London, with producer Gareth Young from the Cube Recording Studio in Cornwall.

“The song aims to say 'thank you' to the NHS Staff and features staff from several hospitals in Lancashire and London. Also featured were families who shared lockdown images and artwork, as well as dancers who helped bring some 'je ne sais quoi' to the video! Through featuring the dancers, I wanted to also highlight the plight of the arts as a result of lockdown, but also the children and teenagers who have been carrying on studying at home since March 20 when the lockdown first started.”

Clara studies at Chester part-time, travelling from Watford to the University before teaching moved online due to the pandemic. She said: “The course has been excellent and my tutor, Professor Lambert, has made the journey worthwhile with great teaching and plenty of discussions to ponder on my return train home.

“The University has been really supportive, keeping students in the loop during lockdown. Also, students have access to excellent facilities and I really love the city of Chester, there is something for everyone. I am glad I took the plunge to study with at the University of Chester, as the Campus, and the study have been really great, and provided me with mini-getaways, which for a busy working mum does not happen that often!”

Professor Stephen Lambert said: “We are delighted that Clara has released this song in aid of the NHS. Not only is it a touching song, but even more remarkable given the challenges all our part time students face when balancing work and home life as well as study. We hope that the song is a success and raised money for a worthy cause.”

Pictured - Clara Ampah-Korsah.