"Every song we sing has a little bit of our story in it… every song has our feelings, our thoughts."
–VOH Singer
Looking for something new to sing with your college, church, high school, or community choir?
Is your ensemble interested in uplifting incarcerated voices? Browse some of the pieces that have been written by and for Voices of Hope – including special commissions, setting of texts written by Voices of Hope singers, and compositions by people who have themselves been incarcerated – below.
With a variety of levels, voicings, and themes, there's sure to be something in here that suits your ensemble!
Just Believe With Me
In early 2020, Lia Pearson, a member of Voices of Hope at the Shakopee women’s prison, approached us about an idea for a piece she wanted to compose for the choir. As part of a poetry class inside the facility, Lia had written a text about the power of friendship to get us through difficult times. Working together with Voices of Hope accompanist Zach Busch, Lia transformed her powerful text into a piece for the choir.
Lia finished the piece in early 2020, while still incarcerated. The pandemic hit before Voices of Hope could get the chance to perform it. Since Lia’s release later that year, though, “Just Believe with Me” has lived on in bigger ways than we could have imagined. Lia’s piece has received performances in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Iowa.
Lia says of her composition: "There is a future if you want it… and there's always someone who will accompany you, as long as you don't give up."
Voicing: SSA, TBB, and SATB with piano all available!
Composer: Lia Pearson (arr. Zach Busch)
Lyricist: Lia Pearson
Purchase: Email wearevoicesofhope@gmail.com to purchase this piece – 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the composer.
I’m Not
When Voices of Hope launched a commissioning project in 2020, we were surprised to receive an application from songwriter Lara Campbell, who is currently incarcerated in the state of Indiana.
Lara has been working with a composer named Eliza on the outside to help her notate her song ideas and participate in projects like ours. Over the course of numerous 15-minute prison phone calls, Lara sang this song, “I’m Not” to Eliza, and it made its way, finally, to Voices of Hope.
Lara says of her composition: "I wrote this song because I am tired of people judging me for my mistakes and my past. My past does not define me. We are so much more than the mistakes we've made. We are more than the stereotypes people label us. We matter, everyone matters. I hope people can relate and be empowered by my words."
Voicing: SSA with optional percussion
Composer: Lara Campbell
Lyricist: Lara Campbell
Purchase: Email wearevoicesofhope@gmail.com to purchase this piece!
Buried Alive
"You thought you broke me but you woke me: a survivor."
Composed as part of Voices of Hope's 2020 commissioning project, this piece features a powerful text written by a current member of Voices of Hope at the Shakopee Women's Prison. Written for 2-part choir with empowering vocal lines and an upbeat piano accompaniment, choirs of any age will find something to connect with in this piece!
Voicing: SA with piano
Composer: Emily Feld
Lyricist: Antionette Johnson
Purchase: Email wearevoicesofhope@gmail.com to purchase this piece!
There’s a Light
This tender song of faith was part of Voices of Hope's 2020 commissioning project, where composers set texts written by incarcerated authors. With a stirring solo line, gentle jazz harmonies, and a moving text about finding God's light inside of yourself, "There's a Light" will make the perfect addition to your church choir's season.
Voicing: SSA with piano and soloist
Composer: Marya Hart
Lyricist: Bobbie Bishop
Purchase: Email maryahartmusic@gmail.com to purchase this piece!
O Sister
This commission grew out of a partnership between the University of Minnesota Women's Chorus and Voices of Hope at the Shakopee women's prison. After a brainstorming session with Voices of Hope at Shakopee, poet D Allen wrote a text based on words and phrases that the choir members felt represented their community. With the refrain of "O Sister, keep us steady through the storm" woven throughout the piece, this song of solidarity is both a representation of the strength of the VOH-Shakopee community and a reflection on the importance of supportive relationships in all of our lives.
Voicing: SA with piano
Composer: Kathleen Allan
Lyricist: D Allen
Purchase: https://musicspoke.com/downloads/o-sister/
Lift Me Up
After meeting the members of Voices of Hope at the Shakopee prison, composer Linda Kachelmeier set a gripping text written by one of those choir members. Valerie Stein's text is written from a place of anguish, but it expresses hope, even desperation, for something better: "I want to smile again, I want to feel again, I'm lost, I don't know what to do." Whether you're looking to raise awareness for the struggles faced by people who are incarcerated, or in search of a text that speaks to still having hope when you've hit rock bottom, this piece will be a powerful inclusion on your program.
Voicing: SSA or SAB with bass (acoustic or electric)
Composer: Linda Kachelmeier
Lyricist: Valerie Stein
Purchase: https://lindakachelmeier.com/product/lift-me-up/
Planning to include one of these pieces on an upcoming program? Let us know!
We’d love to chat about resources for performing this repertoire, including opportunities for workshops and presentations from Voices of Hope leadership. Get in touch with us at wearevoicesofhope@gmail.com to learn more!