I'm Not Scared

Just at a time when many students are thinking and singing about lots of scary stuff, here's a song to celebrate not being scared! Touching on subjects from the neighbor's barking dog, to a darkened bedroom at night, to singing in music class, this song will help youngsters affirm their own bravery.

Half sung and half rapped, the song is very simple and perfect for your youngest students. They are, after all, the ones most likely to be in need of the reassurance. Everyone gets scared now and then, even when things aren't as bad as our imaginations make them seem. It's perfectly normal. And it's also okay to talk about it, sing about it, and decide not to be scared after all!

The P/A Compact Disc (or Cassette) is very helpful with this song as it is filled with not scary sound effects your students will enjoy. There are many cool synthesizer sounds, as well as organ, percussion, and a real rhythm section.

If you want to try to perform the piece live, use your own electronic keyboard(s) and add your own special sound effects. Rattles, shells, bones, rainsticks, etc., would be interesting for sporadic punctuation at predetermined times. The bass part, which begins at measure 9, is very repetitious and might be within the capabilities of learning young bass players. Your drummer can imitate the player on the recording, or he can invent his own rock beat. If you don't have a drummer, consider using a percussionist or two. A cowbell with a steady quarter note pulse would drive the piece nicely. Add a little tambourine or other non-pitched percussion, and create your own rhythm ensemble.

Use older students from other classes for your live background group to give all of the students experience in cooperation and teamwork. The older students will feel very important to help the younger ones with their performance!