Drawing from a message he hears around the country from young singers, Jim Papoulis writes of the importance of nurturing and developing one's inner spirit and personality, as well as accepting others for

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

With Gnothi Safton, composer Jim Papoulis raises the profile of Boomwhackers out of the elementary classroom and onto the concert stage. Including an original inspirational text that urges young

Another first-rate multicultural piece by Jim Papoulis! The composer's work with African choirs has introduced him to many people who, although facing extreme adversity, somehow maintain a joyous spirit

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.

"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,

This energetic, uplifting work fuses the rhythms of African, American and Latin cultures, and uses a text primarily in Swahili but interspersed with phrases in Spanish. Supported by shaker, djembe and agogo

There is a desire among children from all countries and all walks of life to be aware and listen carefully to those around us and who are different than us. This song, commissioned by the International

This rhythmic, high-energy Latino-style piece lends itself to movement as it celebrates life. Using traditional Latino harmonies and rhythms, it also incorporates world music sounds. The a cappella sections

This piece uses half-empty Tic Tac boxes as percussion instruments to remind us that "all we have to do is listen and open our hearts to get along." The rhythm of the music and the "shakers" is infectious

The essence of this piece gives reverence to the message that music is universal; as a language, as an art and as a part of who we are. "From a distance we sing, music is universal. We sing for joy, we live

In My Heart is a gentle look at the importance of knowing that the inside of a child's heart and mind is a safe and nurturing place. This is a sweet, innocent piece suitable for any age.

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

Great melodic interest, rhythmic drive, and a worthy message work together to create something extra special. The slow pace of the opening sets up an energetic and uplifting portrayal of the text. Not to be