Hungry To Learn

Honestly, we were not thinking about the popular movie, The Hunger Games when we created this song. It really was just a coincidence. Plus we are referring to a different kind of hunger – the hunger for knowledge. To some, this comes naturally. To others, it may need a bit of encouragement. And especially for children in today's world, learning is critical. Anything we can do to inspire and motivate is fair game, and that includes (of course) music. That's why we have decided to make the subject of learning the topic for this year's all-school revue, Hungry To Learn. In this issue (September/October 2012), you will find the first two songs for the revue. In the third issue (January/February 2013), you will find the rest of the music as well as a script to tie it all together. We'll also give you a teacher's guide to help you produce it, should you choose to use it that way.

The opening song for the revue, "Hungry To Learn" shares the title of the revue. It sets the tone and hopefully gets your students interested at the outset. It's a rock tune with a bit of a retro groove, punctuated by some fun and funky winds (a.k.a. horn band). Which means that you will get the most out of it by using the Performance/ Accompaniment recording with it. The lyrics are deliberately simple, but strong. The message they deliver is universal – they can apply to school and academic education, but not necessarily. In fact, we suggest you allow the revue to take on a broader meaning, beyond the classroom. What excellent opportunities for dreaming and discussing "what if" with your students!

Melodically, the tune should not be too challenging, especially if your students learn it with our singers on the recording. The second time at measure 7, it breaks into a call and response, which is optional. But it does give you a chance to let less confident singers shine for a moment with an easy echo. Be sure to have students sing with energy and enthusiasm!

To help with this, you might consider adding some movement to the song. Our choreographer, Melissa Schott, has devised some movement ideas for you which you are free to use, adapt, or just get inspiration from. You will find a free video of her ideas on our web site, MusicK8.com (See the box on page 63 for details.)

One more thing. Tucked into this issue, you will also find a free student part for this song. (If your subscription is downloadable, you will receive the downloadable version of the student part in your packet.) This gift is reproducible for all of your students (as the music in the magazine always is), and offers you a chance to try out the student parts to see if they are right for you. For more information on the parts for the rest of the music, you can find details in the Home Journal included with this issue, or just visit our web site, MusicK8.com (Calling us works, too: 1-800-437-0832)