Step Into the Unknown

Step into the Unknown was commissioned in 2009 by Arts North, Department of Education and Training, and made its world première in the Opera House. It is written for Australian teacher, entrepreneur and adventurer Andrew Hughes who became the first person to summit the highest peak of each state and territory in Australia using only human powered transport. He paddled 600km, rode 14,000km, walked 400km and spent 250 nights in a tent.

Andrew Hughes-thumb-400x220-96201

He has dedicated this quest and his many other groundbreaking other ambitions to the education and empowerment of school children. Students around the world can follow his journeys via an engaging website called Expedition Class. Many children in Tasmania have joined Andrew along the way, studying flora and fauna, endangered species, survival techniques, resilience and learning about the remarkable natural world we live in.

Other interesting achievements include the Tassie Tiger Hunt of 2010, the Crusoe Project 2011, Coastwatchers 2012, and in 2013 Andrew is chasing volcanoes. Andrew has been Tasmanian Australian of the Year and Australian adventurer of the year.

Andrews website is Expedition Class

Sample recording courtesy of the Hillcrest Christian College Choir, directed by Jenny Moon

Themes

Sing a choir favourite Sing a concert opener Sing a global story Sing an Australian story Sing the adventure
Duration 4:20
Key C Lydian, modulates to D and Eb
Range Standard SA with optional High A in the finale
More info Features enthusiastic spoken word, body percussion, effects and optional subtle movement
Price AU$3.00 per copy

Lyrics

S T E P   I N T O   T H E   U N K N O W N                    
                           		   
 By Paul Jarman
                       
Step into the unknown, following a dream
Far away my home seems a distant memory
You take a breath, open the door and the journey begins
Now I’m finding new horizons around me and within

The grinding of gears, the spinning of the wheels
The sound of my heart beating in rhythm with my thoughts
The splashing of the oars, the lapping of the waves
The stillness and the silence, endless sky, endless space

Through ice and wind, smoke and fire, dust and pouring rain
The landscape of Australia running through my veins
Ride the desert, walk the plains, paddle lonely seas
Step into the unknown, following a dream

Every dream begins with the courage to believe
Passion and commitment helps a dream come true
Now you can evolve, accepting who you are
Be as one with your surroundings, yet follow your own path

I’ve seen so many things I never thought I’d see
I’ve opened up my mind to nature’s harmony
I’ve felt pain and fatigue, loneliness and fear
But I’m out here in this world and I’ve never felt more real

© Paul Jarman 2010