Discover 10 choral selections that beautifully capture the themes of peace and unity, ideal for inspiring young voices. Whether you’re teaching elementary, middle, or high school students, these pieces offer opportunities to foster connection and meaningful music making while promoting positive messages. From upbeat pop songs to reflective ballads, these selections will resonate with your choir and your community.
With a lightly syncopated contemporary sound, this uplifting original expresses the need for a warm and welcoming community for all. Perform with piano alone or with the addition of an optional djembe. Rich with opportunities for social-emotional learning, this selection is available in SATB, SAB, and two-part voicings.
Using Hebrew, Arabic, and Latin statements and greetings, this lyrical concert selection is a call for peace and unity. Three independent melodic lines eventually combine in a beautifully layered section of harmony, making it easy to learn and hold the parts. Scored for three-part mixed choir with piano and oboe, this work is accessible to choirs of a variety of ages and sizes.
Umoja Tunaimba—Victor C. Johnson
Available in SATB, three-part mixed, and two-part voicings, this energetic original composition proclaims a message of justice and peace. Bringing voices together to stand in umoja (unity), it can be used to celebrate Kwanzaa or as a concert selection for any occasion. A piano part is included, but it can also be sung a cappella with the included percussion part.
We Are the Children—Jen Wagner
Celebrating the youth of the world and the future that they will create, this lyrical original work has a message of unity and hope. Designed with the possibility of combining the SATB, SSA. and two-part voicings for a joint choir experience, this piece can be easily learned and beautifully performed by choirs of all ages.
Together We Are Better—Greg Gilpin
Available in SATB, three-part mixed, and two-part voicings, this is the ultimate selection for musical unity! Set in a very rhythmic style with optional percussion parts, it can be sung a cappella or with piano. The text is a wonderful mix of Swahili and English, singing “Together we are better, friend to friend, heart to heart.” Sure to add energy and sound to your concert, no matter what the season.
United In Purpose—Rollo Dilworth
Available in SATB, SSA, and TTBB voicings, this is a rhythmic, contemporary gospel-style anthem. Featuring the words of Maya Angelou, this selection charges all of us to take responsibility for making our communities safe, supportive, and just. Reinforced by a gospel-inspired harmonic palette and accompaniment, your singers and audiences alike will feel united after performing this piece.
Music, Lead the Way!—Laura Farnell
Upbeat and encouraging, this gospel-style original draws inspiration from the work of the late Martin Luther King Jr. and others like him who worked to break down the barriers of racial discrimination and social injustice. A gripping Henry Van Dyke text delivers the powerful message: when we choose love and sing together in community, surely “peace and love will conquer hate and strife.” Available in SATB, SAB, TB, and SSA voicings, this is a perfect concert closer!
Elevate your spirits with this inspiring choral composition in a captivating pop style. The motivational lyrics carry an uplifting message of love, unity, and hope, where we believe that together, we can shine brighter than ever before. With SAB, two-part, and unison voicings, it’s ideally suited for younger choirs—and it can be a great choice for graduations and moving-up ceremonies or final concerts.
Caravan of Love—arr. Stacey V. Gibbs
“Everybody take a stand, join the caravan of love.” This important message resonates just as strongly now as when it was first written by Isley Jasper Isley. Featuring an inspiring gospel-like setting and powerful lyrics of unity and action, this rousing SATB arrangement of the R&B hit song is both emotionally resonant and musically engaging.
Accessible and engaging, this contemporary pop-style work has socially responsive themes of reconciliation, grace, empathy, and unity for our world. The piano part sets an irresistible groove, and the choral parts are syncopated and lively. Scored for three- or four-part treble choirs, the alto 2 part is optional throughout, making this achievable by singers of all ages.
