Lead the Way (from Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon) (arr. Larry Moore)

Larry Moore's arrangement captures the song's inspirational arc while keeping the technical demands accessible for developing musicians. The Grade 3-4 scoring balances singable melody lines with supportive instrumental writing that lets the emotional core of the piece breathe.

The piece carries an uplifting, forward-moving character rooted in themes of courage and determination. It's intimate enough for a focused ensemble performance yet anthemic in its emotional scope.

Choirs and vocal ensembles at the intermediate level who want to include contemporary film music in their programming. This works equally well for concert settings and educational contexts where students connect with music they recognize from film.

• Shape the phrase lines with a gentle but purposeful legato; this song relies on sustained vocal expression rather than rhythmic snap.
• Balance the accompaniment beneath the melody so that the lead voice remains the focal point throughout.
• Pay attention to dynamic transitions in the arrangement; Moore likely uses subtle swells to underscore moments of growing resolve in the text.

Pair this with other film music selections for a contemporary cinema-focused concert, or program it as a bridge between classical repertoire and modern listening habits. It also serves as an accessible entry point for students exploring how popular songwriters approach composition for narrative media.

• Phrasing across longer melodic lines with consistent support
• Dynamic control and expression in contemporary vocal music
• Balance between melody and accompaniment in ensemble settings
• Interpretation of music connected to visual storytelling and character motivation