Govan orchestra boosts community spirits

Govan’s own orchestra known as The Glasgow Barons has been running hugely-popular music sessions to entertain shoppers and passers-by at Govan Cross each Wednesday.

Govan orchestra boosts community spirits

Now, members of the community are participating in online singalong sessions and one-to-one coaching to beat the lockdown blues.    

It is being paid for thanks to Scottish Government funding distributed locally by the three local housing associations – Elderpark, Govan and Linthouse along with regeneration group Govan Thriving Place.

“The Govan Glee Club” delivers 30-minute one-to-one coaching to help individuals learn favourite show choir songs.

“The Linties” is a weekly singalong of old standards and classic tunes – particularly popular with older people.

Govan orchestra boosts community spirits

Both are free and provided via the Zoom communications platform to comply with current social distancing rules. They are delivered by Govan resident Paul MacAlindin, artistic director of The Glasgow Barons.

Interestingly, the Glasgow Barons takes its name from the shipbuilding barons who presided over Govan’s world-beating maritime industrial prowess.

Mr MacAlindin said: “Music has widely recognised therapeutic values and the money we have received will help people enjoy music more - especially during the ongoing health emergency. The Linties and The Govan Glee Club are important ways of encouraging people to enjoy music.”

A spokesperson for Elderpark, Govan and Linthouse housing associations, added: “The work of The Glasgow Barons and Paul’s inspirational leadership are well known within our communities.

“Anything that lifts people’s spirits during a difficult time is to be welcomed and is typical of how local organisations have found new ways of helping people at a time when it is needed most.”

  • Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.
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