Run Like The River (arr. Roger Emerson): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the driving energy of the original while keeping it manageable for developing singers. The 2-part voicing balances harmonic interest with accessibility, making it ideal for choirs that want contemporary pop material without sacrificing musical substance.

Forward-moving and energized, with the propulsive quality of water in motion. The arrangement honors Trainor's pop sensibility while creating space for vocal blend and ensemble cohesion within accessible ranges.

Middle school through early high school choirs seeking contemporary pop repertoire that doesn't compromise on arranging craft. This works equally well for secular choir programs and entertainment-focused concert programming.

• Maintain rhythmic precision in the unison sections. The arrangement relies on clean ensemble attack to mirror the original's pop production style.
• Shape the phrase contours dynamically even within the simplified voicing. Avoid letting 2-part writing become rhythmically flat.
• Lean into the character of the text. The imagery of flowing movement should inform how you approach the arc of each phrase.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements to build a modern pop-focused concert set, or use it as a lighter moment in a mixed-repertoire program. The 14 pages suggest this works well as a showcase piece without requiring extensive rehearsal time.

• Balancing rhythmic precision with stylistic interpretation in pop music
• Blending in 2-part voicing while maintaining individual line independence
• Shaping contemporary material with dynamic control and phrasing intent