I'm Still Standing (arr. Roger Emerson): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the defiant energy of this anthem while keeping the voicing accessible for developing ensembles. The 2-part texture allows younger singers to engage with a song that carries genuine emotional weight, and the familiar melody ensures students stay invested across nine pages of material.

Buoyant and steadfast, with an undercurrent of resilience that stays present even when the arrangement strips down to essentials. The song's famous message of perseverance translates clearly in voices, creating moments where students feel the power of their collective statement.

Middle and high school choirs looking for contemporary material that connects with students' lived experience while offering real musicianship challenges. Pop arrangements by Emerson work especially well for groups building confidence in blend, intonation, and stylistic ownership of songs they know.

• Establish the rhythmic groove early in rehearsal by having the ensemble tap the offbeat patterns before adding text; this song lives and dies by its pocket, not its precision.
• Layer dynamics carefully between the two parts so that neither voice disappears into the harmony; Emerson's arrangement likely gives each line moments to shine, so claim them.
• Keep the tempo stable and energetic from downbeat to final note; any dragging drains the defiance out of the message.

Place this in concerts celebrating modern songwriting, or use it as a springboard for conversations about how classic pop songs translate to choral performance. It pairs naturally with other uplifting contemporary fare or stands alone as a powerful closer that leaves audiences energized.

• Sustaining a steady groove across phrase lengths
• Balancing melody and harmonic support in 2-part texture
• Performing contemporary material with stylistic authenticity
• Maintaining vocal independence when both parts carry melodic weight