Play, sing and dream about sunny California with this popular classic, originally recorded by The Mamas and the Papas in 1965 and later released by The Beach Boys in 1986. ‘California Dreaming’ was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001 and was included in Rolling Stone‘s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time – and it’s the perfect tune to bring you sunshine, whatever the weather!
Before you play along, watch the ‘About this activity’ video to find out how you can join in on your percussion instrument or on the OrchLab Soundmakers. Dav and Joy will also explain how you can include a duet with one of your friends, both by singing and on your instruments. 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 along in time with the song.
- If you are using instruments with notes, like chime bars, bells or iPads, try using the notes G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb and F.
- If you are using an iPad app like ThumbJam or GarageBand, 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).
- If you are using OrchLab Soundmakers like Circles, Squares or Lines, set the key to G minor (watch the videos above for ideas for how you can join in on your Soundmaker)
- If you would like to, please sing along! The words will appear on the screen as we go through the song. There are two different lines you can sing in this song, so if you’d like to you can split your group into two and each sing a different part. Or, if you’re on your own, you might like to choose a friend to join in with you.
- In the middle of the song, there is an opportunity for you to play a duet. If you’re playing in a group, you could take it in turns to have a go in pairs, or if you are playing by yourself you could choose a friend to join in with you.
- Have fun!