Jim Papoulis is donating his composer royalties to the Foundation For Small Voices, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness and funding to programs supporting the empowerment of children throughout the world by fostering their creativity through music and role models.

Written for and with the Indiana Music Education Association Elementary Honor Choir, the singers kept returning to the theme that love, small acts of kindness, and genuine positivity can alter us.

A World We Cannot See was composed for the Chorus America Commission series. Drawing from a message he hears around the country from young singers, Jim writes of the importance of nurturing and developing of one's inner spirit and personality, as well as the acceptance of others. This rhythmic and energetic new piece celebrates the journey of our individuality, one that we cannot always see. Duration: ca. 3 minutes 40 seconds

In 2012, when tragedy struck at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, Jim was approached to address the loss of those whose lives were taken too soon. The hope that families and loved ones of those who were lost could find some comfort in their memories, and the idea that their children, their angels, would always be with them, inspired this beautiful music and these powerful lyrics.

Especially effective for choirs with changing voices, this energetic a cappella work speaks to the world's universal hope for peace and freedom. With percussion.

Celebrating the inner strength that is unique to each of us, here is a wonderful new piece from Jim Papoulis. Identifying the choral music room and the friends they make there as a safe place, we are reminded of the power of music making and the freedom we experience when making that music.

Be With Me embraces the years of a child's life before becoming an adult. Focusing on the early years of learning and growing in a child's life, the nature of this piece, and its performance, is simple, pure, and genuine.

Commissioned for the 2014 Saint Angela Children and Youth Choir Festival in Bandung, Indonesia, with the theme of Diversity in Harmony. In that spirit, composer Jim Papoulis also celebrates the language of Indonesia by using Bahasa, the native language of that country. He weaves the beauty and lyricism of the language along with the harmony and rhythm of both American and Indonesian cultures to create this inspiring and uplifting piece. With percussion.

Country: Indonesia

Created during an inspirational collaboration between the Fairfax Choral Society Poetry of Music, the Fairfax Public Schools and the composer, young people were encouraged to write poetry. The metaphor embraced by the young poets is that of a flame in all of us that, which when encouraged, keeps dancing and giving others hope. The music embraces this reverence and when joined by the text, a truly special message is shared.

This is a piece about discovering the power of our own voices, and letting them dance - setting ourselves free, exploring and learning to let go of preconceived notions of how we should be or should think.

In Swahili and English, this piece celebrates that common and hopeful sentiment that we hear over and over from young people: I hope we can spread love

I can see that beauty lives deep inside of me is a message all young people are discovering. They can make a difference in the world if they believe this important sentiment. As always, Jim's music is full of rhythm and energy. This song of hope and possibilities will inspire your singers and your audience.

Commissioned for the AGO National Convention in 2014, this piece is about embracing the diverse character of the human voice and exploring the sounds and the emotions those sounds can suggest. With percussion and an alternate organ part is included in the back of the octavo for occasions when an organ is available.

From Where Is Light celebrates the light that lies within each of us. It is a light that can inspire, create, motivate and encourage from the inside out. Performance suggestions utilizing special light effects are included in the performance notes.

This special 20th anniversary edition has the same notes as the first edition but now, more of the royalties are going to the Foundation for Small Voices. See Jim talk about this special piece on the Hal Leonard Website.

Jim Papoulis is donating his composer royalties to the Foundation For Small Voices, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness and funding to programs supporting the empowerment of children throughout the world by fostering their creativity through music and role models.

Arranger: Francisco Núñez

Commissioned by the Cantare division of The Young People's Chorus of New York City, composer Jim Papoulis raises the profile of Boomwhackers out of the elementary classroom and on to the concert stage. With an original, inspirational text that urges young people to know thyself, seek beauty, freedom and justice and celebrate virtue, prudence, courage and life this is the song that your chorus will ask for every day before they leave the choir room.

From the album Coolside of Yuletide, this is a musical wish for peace on earth that will have contemporary relevance and will resonate with today's youth. Serving as an appeal to strike down the differences that create division among us, the song offers an inspirational message for any holiday concert.

Performed By: Young People's Chorus of NYC

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 12 year old Claire Latimer, 7th grader, moved the composer to create this inspiring work.

Written with the Young Voices Toronto, these students wanted to express the need to find a collective voice, to bring light to their concern for so much division in society, and to give a voice to those that are not heard. They felt it was their duty, as responsible global citizens, to not be silent. A QR code is included with the music which takes you to a video showing sign language for this song--increasing the reach of this powerful message.

Drawing inspiration from the young people in his song writing workshop, here are words of hope from middle schoolers who see the change beginning with them. Words of hope and inspiration are set to a song of quiet intensity.

Here is a bluesy and hip setting of a positive and inspirational lyric--just the type that we expect from the positive and inspirational composer Jim Papoulis.

Children love to sing about nature--trees, birds, flowers, sunshine and the moon! Plaintive text, directly from the imaginations of kids, is partnered with a laid-back piano and drum groove in this cheerful and conversational work aimed squarely at the youthful nature living in each one of us.

Seeking to write a piece that would empower young people to rise up in the face of adversity, here is the result. A piece that is a call to every voice in the world, sharing that each one is important and deserves to be heard. World rhythms and a beautifully singable melody will inspire.

Young people are almost always full of hope. They value and hope for respect and kindness from the adults around them. Henry Leck has always been a champion of young people and their values. He commissioned Jim to write this piece with a request that it focuses on the importance of young people cherishing our planet. Henry's vision and Jim's passion have created a truly inspirational piece.

Written at a song-writing workshop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, this song explores the importance of looking inside one's heart to find real freedom. The gentle, reflective opening is followed by a powerful chorus and bridge, and then the piece closes quietly.

Tyler Clementi put a face on the consequences of cruelty. Through the Tyler Clementi Foundation, tens of thousands of youth and adults have been inspired to speak out and stand up in the face of bullying, harassment and humiliation across the globe (www.tylerclementi.org). And a multitude of important and inspirational songs have been written to support this important cause. This song was commssioned by the Tyler Clementi Foundation and the Leman Manhattan Preparatory School and is an important contribution to this oeuvre.

Commissioned by the South Dakota Music Educator's Association for the 15th anniversary of the elementary honor choir, this rhythmic and uplifting piece proclaims there is a voice inside me and I must let it sing. Duration ca. 3:00.

Composed in the World Music style with a text in Swahili, Imbakwa was written for a film score that features an organization benefiting orphans in Tanzania. This organization called TunaHAKI uses the arts to empower the children and give them the future they deserve. Hand drum part in vocal score. Duration 4:20.

In My Heart is a gentle look at the innocence of how important it is to know that inside a child's heart and mind is a safe and nurturing place. It is a gentle, reverent, 2-part treble piece suitable for any age.

Three part treble voices, two percussion players and piano sing in a Latino style that is becoming a signature style of composer Jim Papoulis. This original text by the composer itentifies the strength and power that exists when we learn to work and walk together. The title Juntos means together and through Latin dance rhythms builds to a powerful Unidad. Duration ca. 4 min.

Country: Latin America

Drawing from a simple idea, that reaching even just one heart can be a very powerful gesture, here is the positive message in music that we have come to expect in the music of Jim Papoulis. World rhythms, optional percussion and positive lyrics make this a great selection for young people.

Written with the young people who were part of the Wisconsin School Music Association (WMSA) High School State Honors Treble Choir. These young people were moved by current events and settled on a text When I hear Hands Up, when I hear I Can't Breathe, I will not be silent anymore. Powerful and meaningful words in a powerful setting.

Composed for the 2007 ACDA National Multicultural Honor Choir, this dynamic and complex work explores the truths that will cross cultural boundaries to help light the way toward global understanding. Kolenna Sawa brings American choirs closer to appreciating the melodies and rhythms of the Middle East and Arabic cultures.

The composer's work with African choirs has introduced him to many people who, although facing extreme adversity, somehow they maintain a joyous spirit that is more powerful than we can realize. The text is Swahili which adds to the rhythm and spirit of the music. Duration ca. 3 minutes 30 seconds.

Kusimama is written in the world music style that is accessible for all choirs. The text which is in both Swahili and English, is about standing tall on the earth, not with anger or aggression, but with hope, strength, acceptance, and a positive spirit. The voices along with hand claps, stomps, Djembe, shaker and piano all combine for an exciting world music presentation. Duration: ca. 3:00. Performed by Young People's Chorus of NYC Prelude division, Sophia Miller, conductor.

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 style of writing and this rhythmic and energetic song, using a Swahili text, will be quickly learned and one that your singers ask for every rehearsal. Duration ca. 3 minutes.

The essence of this piece gives reverence to the message that music is universal as a language, as an art, as a part of who we are. The choral singing required is grand and celebratory. With opt. C instrument.

This rhythmic, high-energy Latino style piece lends itself to movement and celebrates life. Using traditional Latino harmonies and rhythms, it also incorporates world music sounds. The a cappella sections feature the vocals and when the piano and percussion come back in, it creates a fun party atmosphere.

Country: Latin America

It seems like a simple concept that kindness in the world will open up the doors to our hearts. Yet we often need to be reminded of this by our young people. In a song writing workshop that occured just before we were all sent inside by the Corona Virus pandemic, young people in grades 2-8 did just that. Almost like magic, Jim has captured this inspiring sentiment in a beautiful new anthem.

The Latin and English texts stress the worldwide desire for freedom, combining a traditional Latin motet style with contemporary musical elements.

Commissioned by Joseph Ohrt and the Central Bucks High School choir for a festival honoring Rollo Dilworth. Rollo's feel and insight for gospel music is reverent and accessible to all. In this new and exciting composition, the composer incorporates lyrical quotes from some of Rollo's great arrangements. This is pure joy.

Written in a song-writing workshop with the Ridge High School Choir of basking Ridge, New Jersey, here is a song of hopes. I wanna believe in beauty, I wanna be seen in darkness, I wanna be heard in chaos. Composed in the world music style that has become Jim's signature, here is a song that will spark conversations in your classroom about the potential of young people.

Composed in a Foundation for Small Voices songwriting workshop, the young women who are members of the workshop settled on a text that calls for hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Such a positive attitude reflects many young people's thoughts and hopes during these trying times. Lessons we all need to hear.

Written with the Mississippi Boychoir, here is a song with energy and driving rhythms. The phrase living what I believe is repeated over and over, almost like a mantra and represents the struggle that young people have as they discover what is important in their lives. The syncopated verse feels like a spoken phrase with pitches. A hip and relevant song your young singers will love.

Written as a commission for the Los Angeles Colburn School, this piece is full of joy, celebrating all of our differences as people, and the importance of being accepting, kind souls. The lyrics are in Swahili and English.

Country: Africa

The Papoulis Foundation for Small Voices advocates for school music programs in many ways with proceeds from sheet music sales of this piece going directly to the Music Changes the World project. This selection is high energy with a positive message and full of world music rhythms allowing you and your choir to contribute their art toward a great cause.

With a belief that music can give to us everything we need, this work celebrates the understanding that music has the power to enhance many aspects of a young life, creating a bridge of honest feeling and inspiration between singer and listener. With percussion.

Beginning with a free and gentle style then moving into a more up tempo and rhythmic B section, this piece speaks of a bittersweet time when we close one chapter in our lives and move on to another new beginning. Written for a group of teens who wanted to celebrate their wonderful and inspirational choral director and also celebrating what was coming next in their lives.

High energy with a text that speaks to our time, here is a 12/8 SSA with descant anthem that will close any concert. African languages and English mix to create this exciting new work by Jim Papoulis.