Trying Too Hard (from Central Park) (arr. Roger Emerson): SSAA Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the witty, self-aware humor of this duet while making it accessible for mixed choral ensembles. The SSAA voicing opens this piece to a broader range of choirs, and the pop sensibility keeps singers engaged without sacrificing musicality. Programming contemporary musical theater material this well-crafted gives your ensemble a chance to perform something their audiences actually know and love.

The piece pulses with self-aware humor and genuine affection, capturing that specific brand of musical theater comedy where characters acknowledge their own ridiculousness. It's simultaneously lighthearted and emotionally sincere, with moments of warmth breaking through the comedic surface. The pop-influenced harmonic language and contemporary lyrical sensibility make it feel immediate and relatable rather than formal or distant.

Choirs comfortable with contemporary musical theater repertoire and pop sensibility will find this arrangement approachable yet musically rewarding. It works well for groups seeking programming that connects with current audiences while maintaining solid vocal writing. Directors looking to rotate in newer material without scaling down musicianship will appreciate both the arrangement's quality and its theatrical appeal.

• Shape the phrasing around the lyrical content rather than the bar lines; let the conversational back-and-forth between the soprano parts feel natural and unforced.
• Balance the text clarity carefully in the tutti sections so that the wit and self-deprecating humor come through without sacrificing blend.
• Record a rehearsal run-through early and listen back for any rhythmic inconsistencies, particularly in passages where voices move independently.

This works beautifully as a concert opener or closer, setting a playful tone that audiences respond to immediately. Pair it with other contemporary musical theater or pop arrangements to build a set that showcases your ensemble's range and personality. It's equally effective as a spring concert selection or a fun addition to a pops program, where the humor and accessibility become real strengths.

• Sustaining conversational phrasing in pop and contemporary styles
• Balancing independent soprano lines while maintaining ensemble blend
• Communicating comedic timing and textual nuance in a choral setting
• Sight-reading passages with syncopation and contemporary rhythmic patterns