The KMEA All-State Middle Level Choir is excited to welcome Jim Papoulis as the 2019 guest clinician.
Jim Papoulis composes in many genres and is known for work that combines contemporary, classical, and world sounds. Papoulis has made significant contributions to choral music by revitalizing the choral repertoire with songs whose roots are classical and world, with voicing that incorporates lead vocalists with choirs, vocal percussion, and world rhythms. His choral work often is sung from the perspective of the singer, and is constantly inspired by the work he does through the Foundation for Small Voices. He firmly believes that music can heal, educate, celebrate, and empower the lives of children.
Through the Foundation for Small Voices he has conducted songwriting workshops with choirs from the United States, China, Japan, Mexico, Kenya, Haiti, England, Norway, Canada, Spain, Italy, Kenya, Jordan, Australia, Holland, Dubai, and Greece. He has worked with choirs and ensembles on all continents and from all walks of life. Papoulis has also worked with Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Beyonce, the New York Philharmonic, London Boys Choir, London Symphony, Beijing Children’s Choir, Faith Hill, Natalie Cole, Snoop Dogg, Tokyo String Quartet, and the Moscow Philharmonic. His music has recently been featured at the Beijing Olympics, and the Give Us Hope exhibit at the 9-11 Museum in New York.
We are excited to welcome Mr. Papoulis back to Kansas this February, and for the opportunity our students will have to work with this dynamic and enthusiastic conductor.
