Chosen Family (arr. Roger Emerson): Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Rina Sawayama and Elton John / As performed by Elton John / As performed by Rina Sawayama / Arranged by Roger Emerson
Item: 35-PK01284956
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Description
"Chosen Family" is a song of encouagement to anyone who has ever felt ostracized or alone, just for being who they are. Powerful words carry this message of inclusion, for all: "We don't need to be related to relate; we don't need to share genes or a surname. You are my chosen family."
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01284956
More about this title
About the Artist: Rina Sawayama and Elton John
Rina Sawayama is a British-Japanese singer-songwriter whose work bridges art rock, R&B, and classical influences. Her fearless approach to songwriting addresses identity, belonging, and social justice with both vulnerability and defiance. Elton John, a titan of popular music across five decades, has long used his platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights and marginalized communities. His collaboration with Sawayama on "Chosen Family" represents a natural meeting of artistic spirits committed to music that speaks for those who have been left out.
Why we love this
Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the song's emotional core without sentimentality. The lyric itself becomes the anchor for every rehearsal and performance, making this a natural choice when you want your singers to understand that technique serves meaning.
What to expect
The song radiates quiet conviction. There's strength in the simplicity of the words and warmth in the harmonic support. You're not hearing a concert ballad performing emotion; you're hearing real people testifying about what family actually means.
Who it's for
Any choir ready to perform music with a direct social message. This works for groups that want to sing about inclusion without irony or distance, and for directors programming concerts around themes of acceptance and identity.
How to get the most out of it
- Let the rhythm section lock in first. The groove is the foundation; once drums and bass establish that pocket, the voices will sit naturally on top.
- Shape the phrases around the key words about belonging and family rather than at obvious musical boundaries. This keeps the message from feeling preachy.
- Balance the ensemble sound so individual singers' voices can cut through. This isn't a massive unison moment; it's an intimate conversation that happens to include many people.
- Support the vulnerability in the middle section by resisting any urge to push volume. Quieter often carries more weight in ballads like this.
How to use it
Place this alongside other contemporary songs that speak to young singers' actual lives and concerns. It pairs well in concerts focused on social justice, LGBTQ+ history month, or any program exploring what community means. The arrangement's digestible length also makes it useful as an opener or closer when you want impact without exhausting your singers.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic independence between vocal and instrumental sections
- Phrasing lyrics for conversational clarity rather than musical conventions
- Balancing ensemble blend with individual vocal presence
- Interpreting contemporary popular music in a concert setting