We are the Future is a collection of 10 upbeat fun-to-sing original songs by Sharon Joy that reflect a sense of hope and vision that begins with young people, but includes people of all ages, races, creeds, nationalities and religious affiliations. The songs promote a positive view of the world, a commitment to personal responsibility for our environment and society, and an attitude of hope that we can celebrate out differences and work together for a better world. The beautiful vocals are performed by FUTURE!, a talented ensemble of multi-ethnic teens who embody the high ideals that the music promotes. The album features heart-warming JoySounds favorites and award-winning songs What Can I Do, Your Own Song, and We are the Future. These songs have been used in schools, multi-cultural festivals, families, camps, religious centers, and homes with great success. The recording sessions brought together youth and musicians from many backgrounds. The sessions were filled with a level of love that permeates the music. For the montage at the beginning of Your Own Song, a world percussionist brought drums from all over the world. As each new instrument was pulled from the “treasure bag,” a sense of inclusiveness and world community grew. California musician and recording wizard Rom Rosenblum created the montage that blends these distinct sounds from all over the globe. Give Back was written on an airplane during the moments that the first Gulf War began. I wanted a sweet “Ode to the Planet Earth,” but this urgent plea came out instead, somewhere over Arizona. I was on my way from Houston to Oakland for a recording session. When the plane landed to pick up passengers in Denver I jokingly asked if a war had started yet and was told quite seriously that it had just begun. He Neh Mah Tov is a ubiquitous Hebrew folk song based upon Psalm 133. There are several well-known tunes to this song. I wanted to create an English version of the song to spread its simple, yet profound message. How Good and How Pleasant is the result. What Can I Do has probably been sung more than any other song on this album. It has been used at peace gatherings, school programs, graduation ceremonies, and international conferences. Shawnee Press has published a choral arrangement to facilitate performances by children’s choirs. It, too, carries a simple, yet profound message. Are we doing all we can to help the world?………Sharon Joy What other have said about We are the Future: Vocal arrangements are superb…successfully avoids lyric clichés…creative portrayal of honest emotions…songs of joy and self affirmation..............School Library Journal Powerful entertainment for today’s youth…strong statement of determination and faith…promotes diversity and cooperation, ecological values and human dignity….All ages can enjoy this recording, but it is probably most resonant for people 11-16 years old.............Heartsong Review Addresses issues including fear, love, achieving goals, and giving something back to our planet…appeals to the taste of kids, while satisfying the desires of parents...........Big Apple Parents’ Paper, New York City Sung with joyous conviction, these ten new songs reach out to nourish the optimist and idealist in each of us. The vision is bright, the melodies are bright, the voices of the singers are bright, and they are indeed the future. The title track contains some genuinely inspiring moments. .................................New Renaissance Snappy solos, duets, and vocal choruses in rhythms and styles from folk to calypso to soft rock…uplifting lyrics in a pleasant contrast to the heavy metal pop scene............................................Booklist What a pleasure to find such positive messages! This recording is upbeat and joyful, and will be loved by young and old alike. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Quality sound and lyrics.........................The Joyful Child *Choral arrangements of most songs (unison, 2-part and SATB) and accompaniment tracks available from JoySounds.