Sounds of a Better World

Jim Papoulis : Give Us Hope

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.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

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.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

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

Composer: Jim Papoulis

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.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

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

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.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

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.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

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.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

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.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

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.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

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.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

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.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

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.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

Composer Jim Papoulis created this uplifting Spanish original as a result of his work with children in Mexico. The message that the Mexican children wanted to convey to the world: Listen. With optional percussion and bass.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

Acceptance and unity, even through our differences, are an essential part of our evolving world. Here is a powerful and uplifting song commissioned by Plymouth, Massachusetts and Plymouth, England as these two schools came together to celebrate and model Unity in the World.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

A bright and uplifting original work with a Celtic flavor. Optional Bodhran drum part is included. Performance/Accompaniment CD available.

Composer: Jim Papoulis

The composer's strong commitment to the power of belief in oneself is reflected in the strength and conviction of this music. Opening as a subtle ballad, the music creates a sense of how important imagination and listening are within one's journey. Then there is a distinct style change to a more rhythmic and accented style that builds to an uplifting conclusion.

Composer: Jim Papoulis