Lead The Way (from Raya And The Last Dragon) (arr. Roger Emerson): SSA Choral Octavo

Emerson captures the anthemic quality of this song without oversimplifying it. The SSA voicing gives treble choirs a chance to own a Disney film number that actually sounds mature in performance, with harmonic layers that reward careful listening.

Energizing and purposeful. The arrangement carries the film's sense of adventure and determination without requiring vocal gymnastics. Singers feel like they're performing something that matters, not just executing a celebrity song.

Middle school through high school treble choirs looking for contemporary repertoire with substance. This works equally well for concert settings or as a featured number in a larger program.

• Find the emotional core in the opening phrases. This arrangement thrives when singers commit to the song's message of courage and determination rather than treating it as a feel-good pop tune.
• Balance the upper voices carefully during key sections. Emerson likely layers soloistic moments throughout, so highlighting individual lines prevents the arrangement from becoming a wall of sound.
• Lean into dynamic contrasts. Most Disney arrangements benefit from clear shape and momentum; map out your peaks and valleys early in rehearsal.

Place this on a concert celebrating resilience or courage in storytelling. It pairs naturally with other Disney or contemporary film arrangements, or stands on its own as a powerful closer that leaves audiences uplifted.

• Performing contemporary material with vocal maturity
• Managing extended harmonic movement in three-part writing
• Connecting emotional content to musicality and phrasing
• Balancing individual voice lines within ensemble texture