‘Lean on Me’ was released by Bill Withers in 1972, and became instantly one of the most popular soul tracks of all time. We love performing it in OrchLab sessions, so we’ve created a video version so you can play or sing along whenever you like!
Watch the video titled ‘About this activity’ first. Then, when you know how to join in, watch the video titled ‘Play along.’
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 or bells try using the notes F, G, A, Bb, C, D and E (if you don’t have all of these, just use what you have).
- If you are using an iPad app like ThumbJam or GarageBand, set them to the key of F major (you can click on the links to ThumbJam and GarageBand for instructions for how to do this).
- If you are using OrchLab Soundmakers like Circles or Squares, set the key to F major (you can click on the link to OrchLab Soundmakers for instructions for how to do this).
- See if you can play and hum along with the musicians from the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
- If you would like to, please sing along! The words will appear on the screen as we go through the song.
- In the middle of the piece, Dav has left space for you to play solos. These could be passed around the group if you are playing together, or if you are playing by yourself use it as your moment to shine.
- Have fun!