When I Grow Up (from Matilda: The Musical) (arr. Roger Emerson): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Emerson captures the defiant optimism of this showstopper while keeping the vocal writing singable for young performers. The 2-part texture opens the door to singing contemporary Broadway without requiring the vocal chops of a professional production, making this a genuine entry point into musical theater repertoire for middle school and early high school choirs.

Matilda's quiet determination turns into bold declaration. The arrangement breathes with her growing confidence, moving from introspection into a kind of joyful assertion that life is hers to shape. It feels both intimate and empowering, allowing singers to inhabit a character's mindset rather than simply performing notes.

Choirs looking to program contemporary musical theater that feels fresh and energized rather than archived or dated. Middle school through early high school ensembles gain confidence performing a recognizable title that audiences genuinely enjoy. Directors seeking a piece that builds morale while maintaining musical standards will find this arrangement earns its place in rehearsal time.

• Anchor the rhythmic drive with a solid accompaniment take; the groove matters more than perfection in the vocal line, so lock the groove early in rehearsal.
• Distinguish between Matilda's assertive phrases and the ensemble responses by adjusting vowel space and dynamic weight in each section.
• Let the accompanying vocalist lean into storytelling mode rather than pure tone production. The narrative voice of this song is what connects with an audience.
• Play with tempo flexibility in the final measures to land the emotional button of the text; rushing through the ending flattens the message.

Place this in a contemporary or musical theater-themed concert where it can anchor the second half and send the audience out energized. It pairs naturally with other Stephen Sondheim or current musical theater selections and works equally well as a concert opener that establishes an accessible, engaging tone for your program.

• Singing with character and intentional text delivery
• Balancing two-part independence while maintaining ensemble cohesion
• Responding rhythmically to contemporary pop-influenced accompaniment patterns
• Sustaining focus through a mid-range tessitura over 15 pages
• Interpreting dynamics and phrasing to serve narrative arc rather than purely technical demands