When I was preparing for an author visit to read Strum and The Wild Turkeys in June, I decided to switch things up. For previous author visit readings since the book was first released in April, I would use the part of the book where Strum is singing (see pic above) as a way to connect with the audience and would ask them to pick a genre of music. Then, I would sing the lyrics in that way, as best as possible. It was fun and a bit silly. I had decided that for my visit to this larger event, I wanted to teach the hundreds of students on Zoom a melody before I began reading, so that when we got to that part of the book, we could all sing together:
Different is good
Be yourself
You don’t have to look like, talk like, walk like
Anybody else.
The tune for the chorus just came to me. I shared it with my youngest daughter, and she was singing it all day. I taught it to the JK-Grade 2’s from both campuses of that school. Not only were hundreds of kids mouthing the words and clapping (choral singing does not work on Zoom), I was hearing from parents afterwards that the melody stuck in their heads. That gave me an idea.
I wanted to invite people to complete the song. After a good conversation with the team, we decided I would write the remainder of the song first. I invited people to contribute lines of lyrics they would want to see, and the verses began infolding in my mind. Beyond putting my own lyrics to a song in tribute to others for birthdays, anniversaries, goodbyes, learning experiences etc, I hadn’t written a song since I was 14, and I had never actually put anything to music. Regardless, I felt empowered and ready, so I competed the lyrics. They felt right. Since this is a pivotal part of the book where Strum is working through some challenges, I wanted to capture those plot elements while also leading to this conclusion where Strum feels self belonging and joy.
Working on this team of connected people still amazes me. Avi, who was one of the brothers who originally commissioned me to write this story and who enables so much, arranged a meeting with the Magen Boys. They are generous with their time and ideas. We had a wonderful brainstorming session that ended in them suggesting that I work with Marc Shapiro who runs their Main Event Music business. Before I had the chance to sit down with him, I was also introduced to the children’s musician, Kayla Goren. She sat with me over the phone to talk about the song, and she taught me that the rhythm of the lyrics dictate the melody. I could see a flaw in the cadence of my lyrics, so I woke up early the next day to rejig them. As I was doing so, the melody for the verses became clear.
I met with Marc Shapiro that morning in his backyard. We had met briefly many years ago through a mutual friend, and I knew that he was very talented. He was also kind. I tried to explain my vision for the melody and the chorus, and I tried to not feel silly explaining a tune since I can neither read music nor play an instrument. He found the notes to my ideas and played them. In a few hours, we had the song. He welcomed everything that I brought to the table which he integrated when composing Different is Good. His wife, Robin, returned home just in time to record this early version with us. She has a great voice, so I was so happy when Marc had her sing on the demo.
Now, the demo is ready (listen above , lyrics on video) and so is the campaign. We are delighted to invite families, camps, classes, musicians, and anyone who wants to to share their version of Different is Good for our Strum Into Song initiative. Here is the sheet music. You can send your videos to ideas@strumandthewildturkeys.com. We will feature every submission on our website and have a vision for a montage. This song exemplifies the meaning and message of the the story. Strum and the Wild Turkeys is a beautiful and special children’s book with themes that help people of all ages connect to it. We want to build a community from the book to give people a place to be themselves, rock their differences and celebrate what we each bring to the world. This opportunity to share is just the beginning. Come Strum Into Song with us.
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