Roar (arr. Deke Sharon): SSA Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's SSA setting captures the propulsive energy of this mega-hit while remaining singable for the widest range of ensemble sizes and experience levels. The arrangement honors the song's motivational core—that defiant, unshakeable confidence—without requiring elaborate staging or backing tracks to land its impact. Programming a contemporary pop arrangement this accessible opens doors with singers who need to see themselves in your repertoire choices.

Propulsive, confident, and built for momentum. The arrangement maintains the song's infectious groove while emphasizing the vocal interplay between parts, creating moments of texture and color that shift the energy without losing sight of the central message. Singing this feels like stepping into something bigger than yourself.

Any choir seeking contemporary pop material that doesn't talk down to singers or audiences. SSA voicing makes it accessible for middle school through adult community choirs, treble-focused ensembles, or mixed choirs looking to feature upper voices.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in the opening sections. The groove relies on locked ensemble articulation, so mark every breath and consonant attack during early rehearsals.
• Balance the lead voice carefully if you're doubling the melody. This song needs a clear focal point, not a wash of unison sound.
• Let the dynamics breathe. The song builds from restraint to release, so resist the urge to sing at full volume from measure one.
• Consider how your choir's tone color serves the material. A brighter, forward sound plays to this song's pop sensibilities better than a classical, rounded approach.

Place this on a concert where you're mixing classical and contemporary work—it bridges those worlds and gives audiences permission to enjoy pop repertoire as legitimate choral art. Works equally well as a set closer that leaves people energized or as a statement piece early in the year to signal that your program takes student interests seriously.

• Rhythmic precision and groove awareness in contemporary idiom
• Dynamic shaping and phrasing in pop-influenced arrangement
• Blend and balance in multi-part SSA writing
• Articulation and diction clarity at moderate to fast tempos