We Know The Way (from Moana) (arr. Roger Emerson): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's two-part arrangement opens this powerful anthem to younger singers without sacrificing its emotional core or the distinctive Pacific Island flavor that makes the original so compelling. The accessible voicing means your singers can focus on the song's driving rhythm, soaring melody, and the authentic cultural energy that audiences recognize instantly.

The piece radiates purposeful movement and cultural pride. Singers feel the pull of an ocean voyage, the weight of ancestral connection, and the determination in the text as it builds toward something inevitable and hopeful.

Young choirs, middle school and elementary ensembles, and any choir looking to expand beyond traditional choral repertoire. This arrangement welcomes singers who may be newer to part singing while offering familiar material that holds their engagement.

• Anchor the rhythm section (piano or drums if available) to the propulsive groove that carries the song; this gives singers confidence and locks the ensemble into the infectious momentum.
• Shape the melody with forward motion rather than dwelling on individual notes; the song's power comes from its narrative drive and cumulative energy.
• Let the two parts support each other's phrasing rather than compete; Emerson's voicing works best when both lines feel like they're part of the same journey.

Slot this into a contemporary music set, a Disney or film music concert, or a program exploring world music and cultural expression. Its high recognition factor makes it an effective crowd-pleaser while introducing your audience to thoughtfully arranged film music that respects its sources.

• Sustaining a driving rhythmic pulse across a full phrase
• Blending two independent melodic lines without losing harmonic clarity
• Interpreting text with cultural awareness and emotional specificity
• Building stamina in a propulsive, energetic arrangement