Songs for Peace

 "We're Peacemakers!" What a way to describe yourself! This is the first song on the album. Other titles include, "I'm Always the Right Age (to Care)", "Hurray! We're Different (And Alike!)", and "I Smile at Myself." When it comes to learning important skills and placing that learning deep into the unconscious, there is nothing better than sing-along, memorable music!  When you share this music you are giving a smart tool for life to the child who listens.  

The heartfelt way Julie Penshorn presents this music, and the diverse music styles make this a toe-tapping, sing-a-long, family favorite! Originally created years ago with children from the Friends School of Minnesota and help from extremely gifted musicians (listed below), who were amazingly generous with their time and talents, the music was remastered and edited in May 2017 to be high quality for digital play. 

Help your child experience a safer, friendlier classroom environment by buying a copy of this music for your child's teacher. The music notation will soon be available as well so you won't miss a single word and classrooms and whole schools can create a musical play/concert/exhibition for parents. This music stands alone, but partners well with the other Smart Tools for Life materials, including the "I STOP for Peace" cd, and The Barnyard Buddies STOP for Peace (children's book) also available on Payhip.

This work is brought to you by the peace education specialists at the non-profit organization, Growing Communities for Peace, through its project, Children’s Peace Education Company: Smart Tools for Life.  Julie Penshorn, MBC and Rebecca Janke, M.Ed. are co-directors of the non-profit organization.  Rebecca Janke was the educational consultant on this work. Their current effort is the "I STOP for Peace" campaign.  Get involved!

Lyrics to I'm Always the Right Age to Care

I'm only 3, and already, I set plates, I can clear, put away silverware, and give a big kiss, to my grandma dear.

Chorus: 'Cause I'm always the right age to care. I'm always the right age to share. I'm never too young or too old to be kind. With love in my heart I've got peace on my mind.

I'm only 4, just 4 no more! I take baths I can scrub, put myself in the tub, help Mom or Dad with the rub-a-dub-dub.

Chorus

I'm only 6, I've got some tricks! I sort trash, take it out, I'm a recycling scout. And I teach my friends to help animals out.

Chorus

I'm only 8, but 8 is so great! I make peace, I don't fight, even when I am right. I'm a peacemaker, both day and night.

Chorus

Musicians and other key people:

Vocals, autoharp: Julie Penshorn

Keyboards, vocals: James Walsh

Guitar, banjo, pedal steel, electric guitar: Kenny Wilson

Bass: Bob Jones

Drums: Scott Dietsche

Kids Chorus: Nicholas Marsh, Rachel DeYoung, Shanti Pothapragada, Maribeth Skarie, Seth Dickey, Kate Abrams, Adrienne Brekhus, Monica Bicking, Jessica Brown, Jonah Sutton-Morse, Kathryn Monikowski, Arthur Daniels, Rachel Commerford, and others from the Friends School of Minnesota.

Producers: James Walsh, Julie Penshorn

Recording/Engineering/remastering: Randy Gildersleeve