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

Emerson captures the playful defiance at the heart of this song while keeping the voicing singable across typical high school and middle school ranges. The arrangement lets the choir shine on a contemporary musical theater selection that audiences recognize immediately, making this an easy crowd pleaser that still demands genuine musicianship.

Spirited and determined, with a touch of theatrical sass. The song captures the voice of a dreamer with big plans, full of youthful optimism and mischief. It feels bright and forward-moving, never heavy or overly sentimental.

Middle school and high school choirs looking for contemporary musical theater material that connects with younger singers. This works equally well for concert programs, musical theater showcases, or pops concerts.

• Find the rhythmic pocket early in rehearsal. The accompaniment drives this piece forward, so lock your ensemble's attacks and releases to the piano part from day one rather than waiting until final rehearsals.
• Shape the dynamics to match the character's growing confidence. Start smaller and more tentative in the opening section, then gradually build conviction as the vocal line reaches higher.
• Articulate the eighth-note passages crisply without rushing them. Precision here creates energy and prevents the arrangement from sagging in tempo.
• Balance the parts so that melodic moments in inner voices come through. Broadway writing often hides countermelodies in the alto or tenor line, and exposing these details lifts the overall texture.

Program this as a centerpiece for a contemporary musical theater set, or use it to open a pops concert on an energetic note. The arrangement's 14 pages and straightforward voicing make it manageable even for ensembles with limited rehearsal time, so it works well when you need something polished but don't have months of preparation.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated passages
• Dynamic shaping that serves character and storytelling
• Balancing ensemble sound while maintaining part independence
• Singing with theatrical intent and personality
• Reading and performing contemporary Broadway voicing conventions