You Raise Me Up (arr. Larry Moore): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Larry Moore's arrangement translates Groban's soaring vocal line into a string texture that feels orchestral without demanding advanced technical facility. At Grade 2, it's accessible enough for developing orchestras yet retains the emotional weight that made the original performance unforgettable. Directors get a piece that engages student musicians emotionally while remaining achievable in a single rehearsal block.

Expansive and yearning. The arrangement unfolds with a quiet dignity that builds gradually, letting younger musicians experience how restraint and patient phrasing can create profound expression. This is music that rewards attentive listening and rewards the effort of precision.

String orchestras at the high school or advanced middle school level looking for accessible repertoire with genuine emotional impact. Any program seeking a contemporary piece that connects with students outside the traditional classical canon.

• Shape the melodic line with consistent vibrato across the section; the beauty of this piece depends on a singing, sustained sound rather than precise technical display.
• Balance accompaniment parts so the primary melody voice emerges clearly. Younger string players often struggle with the restraint required for inner harmony.
• Maintain a steady, unhurried tempo. The piece gains power from its breadth, not from rushing the emotional moments.
• Use the recording as a reference for phrasing and dynamic contour, but encourage students to breathe with the natural musical phrases rather than strictly mimicking timing.

Place this near the end of a concert program where it can serve as a moment of reflection. It pairs well with spiritual arrangements or contemporary classical works, offering audiences a recognizable touchstone while showcasing what your orchestra can achieve musically. Consider performing it as the centerpiece of a pop or crossover concert.

• Sustaining long phrases with consistent tone production
• Reading and executing dynamic shape across entire passages
• Balancing ensemble sound between melodic and accompaniment voices
• Applying vibrato expressively rather than mechanically
• Maintaining intonation during extended held notes