Nowhere To Go But Up (from Mary Poppins Returns) (arr. Roger Emerson): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the optimistic spirit of the original without overwhelming young singers. The 2-part voicing sits comfortably for middle school and early high school choirs while retaining the sophisticated harmonic language that makes the song memorable. Adding this to a spring concert or end-of-year program gives your students a contemporary Disney number with genuine theatrical warmth.

Bright and buoyant, with an undercurrent of quiet determination. The melody has the kind of forward-moving quality that keeps singers engaged and audiences smiling. There's a theatrical generosity to the arrangement that makes young performers feel like they're part of something larger than a school concert.

Middle school and early high school choirs looking for accessible yet engaging contemporary material. This works equally well for groups new to part singing and those seeking a confidence-building piece with immediate appeal. Directors programming concerts with a mix of classic and modern repertoire will find this fills a real programming need.

• Tap into the song's inherent hopefulness by encouraging singers to shape phrases with gentle dynamic lifts on the word 'up' throughout the piece.
• Balance the two parts carefully during unison passages so individual lines remain clear before the voicing separates.
• The recorded accompaniment should anchor your rehearsals early, but pull it away gradually so the choir owns the rhythmic momentum and doesn't rely on it.
• Pay attention to lyrical diction, especially the clarity of text in faster sections, so the message about resilience lands with your audience.

Pair this with other contemporary Disney or musical theatre selections for a themed concert that attracts families and younger audience members. It also works beautifully as a concert opener, setting an uplifting tone before moving into more varied repertoire. Consider using it late in the school year when students have built confidence in part singing and can handle the 15-page score without anxiety.

• Sustaining melodic lines across longer phrases
• Balancing two independent vocal parts while maintaining blend
• Interpreting theatrical expression and character in choral music
• Responding to recorded accompaniment with secure rhythm and intonation
• Shaping musical phrases with dynamic intention