I Want It That Way (arr. Roger Emerson): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's arrangement preserves the song's irresistible hook while stripping it down to essential vocal writing. The 2-part voicing opens this certified pop staple to younger or developing ensembles without losing the emotional directness that makes students actually want to sing it.

The arrangement captures the song's signature longing and directness. It's lean and conversational, built on the tension between the vocal line and its harmonic support, creating moments of vulnerability wrapped in an undeniably catchy melody.

Middle and high school choirs looking for pop repertoire with real singability. Works equally well for adult community choruses seeking contemporary material that doesn't require advanced vocal ranges or complex harmonic language.

• Balance the melody between parts so the hook lands clearly; this song's power comes from its simplicity, not from layered complexity.
• Shape each phrase with a gentle lift into the "that way" moments; they're questions, not statements.
• Keep the accompaniment (if using recorded tracks) slightly behind the choir's natural tempo to prevent rushing through the short phrases.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements to build a concert set that reflects your singers' musical lives. It also works as a crowd-pleasing finale or as a bridge between classical and pop repertoire in a mixed concert.

• Phrase shaping in pop idiom
• Sustaining interest in a melody with repetitive structure
• Balancing unison and harmonic moments
• Connecting with contemporary repertoire