Trying Too Hard (from Central Park) (arr. Roger Emerson): Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Emmy Raver-Lampman and Michael James Scott / Arranged by Roger Emerson
Item: 35-PK01528702
$28.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
"Central Park" is an animated musical sitcom on Apple TV+, telling the story of the Tillerman-Hunter family who live in the famed NY park. Daughter Molly, who likes to draw comic books about herself as a superhero, sings this upbeat multi-layered song, complete with themes about the pressures of living up to high expectations and the journey of self-discovery.
Trying Too Hard (from Central Park) (arr. Roger Emerson): Choral Instrumental Pak isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01528702
More about this title
About the Artist: Emmy Raver-Lampman and Michael James Scott
Emmy Raver-Lampman is a Tony Award-nominated performer whose Broadway credits include Hadestown and Six, bringing theatrical depth and vocal precision to every role. Michael James Scott has established himself as a versatile stage actor and vocalist, known for his work in musical theatre including Be More Chill on Broadway. Together, they bring the energy and comedic timing of contemporary musical theatre to their performances on Central Park.
Why we love this
Roger Emerson captures the song's infectious optimism while keeping the arrangement accessible for rhythm section singers, making it genuinely fun to perform without requiring advanced reading skills. The piece works as a standalone concert moment that immediately resonates with younger singers and audiences who know the show, plus it programs smartly alongside other contemporary pop and musical theatre selections.
What to expect
Bright, propulsive, and self-aware. The song balances genuine emotional stakes about perfectionism with a buoyant pop sensibility that keeps everything from getting heavy. It's earnest without being overwrought.
Who it's for
Choirs looking for engaging, accessible pop repertoire that connects with younger singers and contemporary audiences. Directors programming for concerts that include musical theatre or want to capitalize on TV recognition without sacrificing musical substance.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the groove with your rhythm section early; the syncopation in this arrangement drives the whole energy, so precision in the percussive parts elevates everything around it.
- Let the multi-layered texture shine by balancing each vocal line so no single part disappears, especially in the sections where themes layer over one another.
- Lean into the humor and comic timing of Molly's character; this song works best when performers commit to the playful attitude beneath the lyrics about pressure and expectation.
How to use it
Pair this with other contemporary musical theatre selections for a second-act finale that appeals directly to younger audience members, or anchor a pop-inspired set that bridges classical and current repertoire. Its length and energy make it ideal for concert closer slots where you want to leave audiences smiling.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic syncopation in contemporary pop contexts
- Layering and balancing multiple vocal lines simultaneously
- Performance interpretation of character-driven material
- Ensemble cohesion in groove-based textures