You'll Be In My Heart (from Tarzan) (arr. Roger Emerson): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Roger Emerson's 2-part setting captures the warmth and sincerity of Collins's original while remaining genuinely singable for developing choirs. The arrangement respects the melody's inherent beauty without oversimplifying it, giving singers a song that feels substantial rather than juvenile despite its youth choir voicing.

The arrangement radiates genuine tenderness without sentimentality. There's an earnestness here that invites singers to invest emotionally in every phrase, creating a moment of connection between performers and audience.

Middle school through early high school choirs will find this accessible yet musically rewarding. It works equally well for honor choirs, festival performances, or community groups seeking contemporary repertoire with immediate appeal.

• Shape the phrases through the text rather than stopping at bar lines; "you'll be in my heart" functions as one complete thought despite the lyrical repetition.
• Balance the two parts so neither line dominates; this arrangement works best when both voices carry equal weight and presence.
• Allow the emotional arc to build gradually across the piece rather than forcing intensity too early in rehearsals.

This pairs beautifully in a concert celebrating film music or in a program featuring contemporary songwriters. It also serves as an excellent bridge between classical and pop repertoire, helping younger choirs build confidence with material they already know and love.

• Sustaining legit vocal tone through extended phrases
• Voice independence in 2-part writing
• Emotional expression and text interpretation
• Blend and balance between soprano and alto lines