We Know The Way (from Moana) (arr. Roger Emerson): SAB Choral Octavo

Emerson's arrangement opens this soaring anthem to younger choirs without sacrificing the grandeur of the original film moment. The three-part voicing sits naturally in developing voices while the melody line carries the same emotional weight that made audiences lean forward in theaters. You'll find your singers connecting immediately to material they already know and love.

Expansive and hopeful, with the quiet authority of a people reclaiming their navigational legacy. The melody unfolds like a prayer or a promise, supported by voices that create warmth and depth without overwhelming the central line. There's both intimacy and grandeur packed into these eleven pages.

Middle and high school choirs seeking substantial material that engages singers emotionally and technically. It works particularly well for ensembles new to three-part voicing or those building confidence with contemporary repertoire. Audiences recognize and cherish this song immediately, making it ideal for concerts where you want emotional connection alongside musical growth.

• Shape the opening phrases with long, supported lines. This isn't a sprightly pop arrangement; it needs the breath control and legit tone of a genuine ballad.
• Balance the harmonic thirds and fifths in the SAB texture so the melody never disappears into the blend. The alto and bass parts should enhance rather than obscure.
• Let the text rhythm breathe naturally. There's no need to drive the tempo; the song's momentum comes from phrase direction, not quick note values.
• Consider how your recorded accompaniment sets the tone. This piece works equally well with full orchestral support or a stripped-back instrumental backing.

Place this as a concert centerpiece rather than an opener or closer. It carries enough musical and emotional substance to anchor a set and gives your choir a moment to demonstrate both vocal control and interpretive maturity. The cultural authenticity also makes it valuable for programming around themes of identity, heritage, or contemporary music composition.

• Sustained legit singing across phrase lengths
• Harmonic balance in three-part mixed voicing
• Interpretation of text with cultural sensitivity
• Breath management in longer melodic lines
• Blend and blend-shifting as vertical chords change