Chosen Family (arr. Roger Emerson) Sheet Music Preview

Chosen Family (arr. Roger Emerson): SAB Choral Octavo

As performed by Rina Sawayama and Elton John / As performed by Elton John / As performed by Rina Sawayama / Arranged by Roger Emerson

Item: 35-DS01284908

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 10
SKU: 35-DS01284908

More about this title

About the Artist: Rina Sawayama and Elton John

Elton John stands as one of the most influential songwriters in modern music history, with a career spanning five decades of chart-topping hits, theatrical arrangements, and deeply personal ballads. His gift for melody and emotional directness has made his work a staple in choral settings, and his recent collaborative projects demonstrate his continued relevance across generations of artists.

Rina Sawayama is a British Japanese artist whose genre-defying approach to songwriting blends rock, R&B, and pop sensibilities with vulnerable, introspective lyrics. Her work with established figures like Elton John showcases her ability to create meaningful connections through music that speaks to identity, belonging, and human connection.

Why we love this

Roger Emerson's SAB arrangement opens this contemporary duet to mixed choirs without losing the emotional authenticity that makes the original resonate. The text about chosen family speaks directly to young singers navigating identity and community, making it both musically rewarding and emotionally honest for your singers.

What to expect

The piece unfolds with the intimacy of a conversation between friends, building from quiet vulnerability to affirmation. There's a directness to the melody and harmony that feels both contemporary and timeless, with moments of surprising harmonic color that lift the arrangement beyond simple pop transcription.

Who it's for

SAB choirs seeking contemporary repertoire with genuine emotional substance. This arrangement serves high schools and community choirs wanting to program music that reflects their singers' lived experiences and values.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the narrative arc carefully; this piece asks for restraint in the verse sections and genuine warmth in the chorus rather than pushing volume throughout.
  • Work the harmonic language in rehearsal as a unit. The SAB voicing creates rich color when all three parts lock the chord changes together.
  • Shape the final moments deliberately. Let silence breathe after the last phrase; the piece earns its quiet ending.

How to use it

Pair this with other contemporary or youth-focused repertoire in a concert celebrating identity and belonging, or use it as a standalone moment of connection in a mixed program. The accessible range and emotional accessibility make it ideal for spring concerts or special events centered on community and inclusion.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing contemporary pop-influenced harmony with jazz-inflected chords
  • Balancing emotional sincerity with musical sophistication
  • Sustaining legit tone across a gentle dynamic range
  • Collaborative listening within three-part texture

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