Ahoy! In this activity, we’re going to create musical waves inspired by Felix Mendelssohn’s ‘Hebrides Overture.’ This piece was inspired by Mendelssohn’s visit to Scotland in 1829 and it’s also known as ‘Fingal’s Cave,’ after the landmark which inspired it. However, its original title was ‘The Lonely Isle’ – you can learn more about Mendelssohn’s piece with our Listening Guide.
In this activity, you will play along with musicians from the London Philharmonic Orchestra to create your own musical waves. You can use your voices, musical instruments, or a music-making app or OrchLab Soundmaker. Watch the ‘About this activity’ video first so you know how to join in. Then, once you’ve had a practice run, watch the ‘Play along’ video. Have fun!
About this activity
Play along
How to join in with this activity
- You can do this activity in a group or on your own. You may want to use some musical instruments or iPads, or you can use your voices.
- If you are using drums, shakers or tambourines, you can play and shake along with John and the musicians.
- If you are using instruments with notes, like chime bars, bells or OrchLab Bars, try using the notes G, B and D.
- If you are using an iPad app like ThumbJam or GarageBand, or OrchLab Circles, Squares or Lines, set them to the key of G minor (you can click on the links to ThumbJam and GarageBand for instructions on how to do this).
- Have fun!