Defying Gravity (from Wicked) (arr. Roger Emerson): SATB Choral Octavo
Defying Gravity (from Wicked) (arr. Roger Emerson) Sheet Music Preview

Defying Gravity (from Wicked) (arr. Roger Emerson): SATB Choral Octavo

Arranged by Roger Emerson

Item: 35-DS00140674
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 11
SKU: 35-DS00140674

More about this title

About the Arranger: Roger Emerson

Roger Emerson has spent decades building a catalog of accessible choral arrangements that respect the integrity of beloved songs while opening them up to singers at all levels. His work spans Broadway, pop, jazz, and standards, and his arrangements appear regularly on festival programs and in rehearsal rooms across North America. Known for clear voice leading and practical scoring, Emerson understands how to preserve what makes a song memorable while crafting parts that sit well for singers.

Why we love this

Emerson captures the defiant energy of this Wicked showstopper without sacrificing singability across your sections. The arrangement honors the song's soaring melodic line while distributing the musical weight evenly, so your sopranos carry the moment without leaving altos, tenors, and basses as afterthoughts. At 11 pages, it's substantial enough to anchor a concert program yet focused enough to fit realistically into rehearsal schedules.

What to expect

Soaring and defiant. The melody reaches for something beyond the ordinary, and the harmony supports that yearning with warmth and color. It's the kind of piece that reminds singers why they love making music together.

Who it's for

Concert choirs, show choirs, and competitive programs looking for contemporary musical theater repertoire with real substance. This works for intermediate to advanced ensembles comfortable with four-part writing and stylistically aware singing.

How to get the most out of it

  • Build the emotional arc gradually from the first verse into the chorus. The magic of this song lives in the lift and release, so resist the urge to sing it full-throttle from measure one.
  • Balance the harmony in the verse sections carefully. The inner voices establish the harmonic foundation; if they recede, the whole arrangement loses its fullness.
  • Lock the tempo before rehearsal and keep it consistent. This piece breathes best when the pulse feels inevitable, not rushed or dragging.
  • Pay attention to how Emerson has voiced the final chorus statement. There's likely a moment where the parts align in a specific way for maximum impact; rehearse that transition until it feels seamless.

How to use it

Pair it with other Broadway selections for a contemporary musical theater set, or program it as a standalone moment of joy and uplift in a mixed concert. Its inspirational text resonates as effectively at spring concerts as at holiday celebrations or graduation events.

Skills your students will build

  • Sustained legit singing technique across longer phrases
  • Balancing solo melody with four-part harmony
  • Phrasing that honors both musical and textual meaning
  • Confidence with contemporary Broadway idiom and style

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