"My children became familiar with your songs when that were in Pat Rohrs' class at Sycamore School, probably 23-24 years ago and I came to like them as well.  Even after we left Claremont they were probably singing some of your songs at Pilgrim Pines.  I have been sorting through some old records (I will never throw them away) and came across one of yours.  I enjoyed it at the time, and I enjoy it now.

Thanks  for helping me raise my children.  They turned out great.

— Bruce Stanton

"My name is Krista and I have been working with children for over 10 years and I'm only 25.  I have never heard anyone better than Tom Hunter.  He has to be my favorite children's song writer.  My mother has a few records, but no one has a record player anymore.  My favorite songs came from the tape that has 'My Turtle Fred' and 'Pockets.'  I also love 'Monster in the Closet.'   I taught that song to a little girl I nannied for when she was afraid of the dark.   She loved it."

— Krista Higgins
 

From Mrs. Robert's 1st grade class at Cottonwood Elementary in Yakima, WA.

"Just heard you at your Eugene, OR concert tonight and just wanted to tell you how much my daughter and I enjoyed the experience.  My daughter grew up on one of your tapes ever night before going to sleep.  She is 20 today and is studying to be an early childhood ed teacher and has been encouraged to sing and play for her little ones.  Again thanks for the reminder of the simplicity, beauty, and childlike wonder that happens when we dare to sing!!!"

— Dennis Martin
 

"Last month I dug around in the CD/tape box of a local artists' recordings at Piper Music.  I was trying to find something for my children since some had won gift certificates at a recent children's event.  I found "In the Air."  Not sure of what I found and a little apprehensive, not being familiar with [Tom's] music, but hopeful that I got a 'goodie,' I got it for Charity, our 15 year-old daughter who has a rare syndrome and is developmentally delayed.   Little did I know the TREASURE I found!  Charity just LOVES it and plays it at least once a day, if not more.  In fact, at first, she played it ALL day, over and over.  But the wonderful thing is that no one in our household, including me, has gotten tired of it.  We ALL just plain LOVE it!  The playful way you did it keeps it from getting monotonous.  Also, it's done perfectly for someone like Charity, 'cause you go slow enough that she can sing along, but not too slow.  Your childlike silliness keeps her giggling, too.  Supplying the words to the songs is another thoughtful addition, along with your providing the background of many of the songs.  You'll often hear someone or two or three or more of us singing the tunes all over the house, in the yard, during our long commutes.  The fact that it is so simply done is great too — you really captured what you intended — like you have come for a visit and are singing in our living room or around the campfire.  So, naturally, we sing along with you!  Thank you, too, for the pictures of the 3 of you and your instruments, the story behind making the tape, etc...  I'm so excited I want others to know about this tape, so would it be okay to give your e-mail address to friends, including the nationwide parent e-mail list we're on for Charity's syndrome and perhaps other groups like Parent to Parent which is for parents with special needs?  Thank you so much!"

— Nina DesChane
 

Something Drives Up

Before tonight I thought the cellist's two hands worked
seperately, one drawing and pulling the bow,
the other dancing along the strings
like birds stepping sideways on a wire.
But tonight, listening to the cello in the cathedral,
Seeing these long strong strokes
and hearing sound stream from the strings,
I know that the bow sends a charge through the deep body
and that the other hand channels it into song;
that the current of rivers rolls through bedstones
who turn water into music heard at night;
that trees finger the force of the wind as it rolls over the mountain;
that lungs pump air past variously taut chords to create
a sigh, a whisper, a word, a cry;
that light pours from the sun until the prism of the eye
differentiates it into Monets and Van Goghs;
that something drives upward from below
and that we are needed, all of us,
so that it breaks into the notes of who we are.

— Gary W. Hawk

With permission from Gary and big thanks from us that he wrote it!
 

"Hi Tom, Just sitting here snuggling with my four-year-old and watching the 'Come On and Sing' video that you, Bev, and Michael put together.  It is Sam's favorite of late and when I told him I would be going to camp in a month to sing with Tom Hunter, he got very quiet... a bit later he broke into 'Red River Valley.'   Even at four, on some level, he understands the power and comfort of words like 'From this valley they say you are going, I will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile...'   And that is just one more example of why we need to sing these old songs with kids... so when they are sad or lonely, they can reach deep down inside and pull them up for comfort, don't you think?"

— Billie Oganoff
preschool teacher in Milwaukee

Thanks, Billie — we couldn't have said it any better!
 

"Recently I saw the gymnasium of my daughter's school come alive with the music and fun of Tom Hunter!  The most amazing part was that parents and students alike were absolutely captivated and having a wonderful time!  As everyone participated in the silliness and sang and acted out the songs, I realized how far too serious I am and how much freer I need to be!  I can easily see how Mr. Hunter affects lives, one song at a time."

— Becky Hall