"I ask for one day where I don't have to hear about pain, or life that's lost, I ask for one day where whispers of hope are alive inside my heart." These words, written by 5th graders in a writing workshop,

Expressing a powerful message of hope for a better world, this dynamic piece strikes a universal chord for all to hear! The quiet and subdued opening gradually builds to a dramatic musical statement using

"Give us hope and we'll show you the way." This popular piece is celebrating its 20th anniversary with this edition. Identical in each voicing to the original editions - but now, more of the royalties are

Kusimama is written in a world-music style that is accessible for choirs, both young and old, that are just beginning to be exposed to world rhythms and language - a sort of introduction to new

"Can you hear my cries? I am calling out to you." The global community of children speaks together in this dramatic call for a better future that uses worldbeat sounds, unified chordal harmonies, and

The Foundation for Small Voices advocates for school music programs in many ways. Proceeds from sheet music sales of this piece by co-founder Jim Papoulis go directly to the Music Changes the World project.

Kuwa Furaha is a song about joy. More specifically, it is about the simple and beautiful way that children have of showing and expressing their joy. Jim Papoulis is well known for his world music

The essence of this work, in a world of conflict and violence, is the need for a deep understanding that peace can come from all of us. After the opening phrase, "Look in the eyes of the children, feel the

"Eneza upendo uendako, umoja ni upendo" translates to "Spread love everywhere you go, unity is love." This piece celebrates the hopeful sentiments of unity and love through both Swahili and English lyrics

Born out of the composer's virtual songwriting workshops with students during the pandemic of 2020, this piece expresses the thoughts and feelings of the younger generation. With themes of love, hope,

"When I close my eyes then I can see that I am not afraid." This song of confidence and hope for young voices resonates with positive lyrics, a strong melody and an expressive accompaniment for piano and

Subtitled Standing Tall, this original work combines Swahili and English phrases about standing with hope, strength, acceptance, and a positive spirit - all in an accessible world music style.

Middle school can be a difficult time in the life of a student, often filled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The composer explored this topic with middle school students in a songwriting

Nature not only inspires us but encourages us in this groovy tune. Plaintive text, directly from the imaginations of kids, is partnered with laid-back piano and drum parts in this cheerful and

Kindergartners cut to the essence of music when they asked the composer to write "Simplicity, beauty, love, and music" as the message they want to convey to the world. Here is a poignant song for your

A perfect choice for younger choirs, this bluesy, hip original concert pop selection has a positive and inspirational text about moving on through the challenges of life. A large portion of the setting is

Written with the Mississippi Boychoir in a Foundation for Small Voices song-writing workshop, the participants returned over and over again to the theme of "belief in oneself." While searching for words

Young people often know how to speak to the heart of matters more clearly than adults. Here, in the words of seventh graders, we hear that we all have voices singing to us, inspiring us and leading us to

Composed with young singers in a songwriting seminar, this hopeful piece resonates with the themes and musical styles of our younger generation. The lyrics are about the fact that "love, small acts of

Commissioned by World Voices, a choir committed to encouraging young people to raise their voices for a better world, this piece does just that. Exciting world rhythms and modern harmonies work with a text

Bright and sunny, this original piece has easy vocal jazz flourishes and an even-keeled beat. Mostly in unison, it has a few places of simple harmony to add to the texture, all of which are easily learned,

Here is a work with a Spanish flair but also in the style we have come to expect from Jim Papoulis. Positive, with a message that speaks to young people around the world. "We can make a difference" rings

Music has the power to enhance many aspects of young people's lives. It can teach us about discipline and working together toward a common goal, and it can stimulate the humanity in us all.

The metaphor embraced by the young poets that collaborated on this piece is that of a flame in all of us that, when encouraged, keeps dancing and giving others hope. The simple melody will give young choirs