When You Believe (from The Prince Of Egypt) (arr. John Leavitt): 2-Part Choral Octavo

John Leavitt's arrangement captures the soaring optimism of this Oscar-winning song while making it genuinely singable for developing voices. The 2-part voicing doesn't sacrifice the emotional weight of the original; instead, it focuses the power and lets young singers feel like they're delivering something that matters.

This arrangement radiates hope and resilience. The interplay between the two parts creates moments of intimacy and moments of unified strength, mirroring the song's message that belief itself is powerful. Students will feel the difference between singing alone and singing together.

Middle school and early high school choirs seeking repertoire that speaks to students' experiences and emotions without oversimplifying the music. Directors programming concerts around film, pop, or contemporary music will find this both engaging and musically substantial.

• Balance the melody between parts carefully during the unison sections so both lines feel equally important and present.
• Work the dynamic arc across longer phrases rather than hitting every peak at maximum volume; this builds believable intensity and prevents fatigue.
• Treat the rhythm with rhythmic precision in the syncopated moments, especially where the parts move in different directions.
• Layer in the accompaniment early so singers anchor their pitches and grasp where the emotional climaxes land.

Pair this with other uplifting contemporary pieces for a concert celebrating film music and popular song, or use it as an emotional anchor in a program exploring themes of courage and perseverance. It also works beautifully as a closing number when you want students to leave the stage feeling like they've accomplished something meaningful.

• Singing in two-part harmony with textural independence
• Interpreting dynamic contrast to shape emotional arcs
• Balancing unison and divided sections within the same phrase
• Sustaining longer melodic lines with proper breath management
• Connecting lyrical content to musical expression