Heathens (arr. Frank de Vreeze): SAB Choral Octavo

Frank de Vreeze's arrangement captures the song's brooding intensity while keeping the voicing accessible for developing singers. The SAB texture preserves the song's contemporary edge rather than diluting it, and the 7-page format suggests smart pacing that doesn't overstay its welcome. Your students will engage with material they actually want to sing.

Dark, reflective, and edgy. The song sits in a minor tonality with a contemporary angst that's earnest rather than forced. There's a catchy hook beneath the surface darkness, which is exactly what makes Twenty One Pilots so effective at reaching listeners.

Choirs looking to program contemporary repertoire that feels authentic without sacrificing musicality will find a strong option here. Middle school through adult groups can tackle this arrangement, and it works equally well as a concert feature or as part of a set that mixes genres and eras.

• Shape the dynamic arc carefully from the verses through to any climactic moments. This song lives in restraint initially, so resist the urge to push too hard early.
• Pay attention to rhythmic precision in the rhythmic sections, especially any places where the arrangement locks into a driving pulse. Tight ensemble work here elevates the whole performance.
• Let the soloists or featured voices shine on the melody. The song's emotional core depends on clarity and directness up front.
• Consider how the arrangement handles the bass line if you have strong low voices. That foundation matters as much in choral pop as it does in the original recording.

Slot this into a concert that explores how rock and pop have influenced modern songwriting, or use it as a standalone feature that speaks to your ensemble's own tastes. It pairs well with other alternative pop arrangements and offers a sharp contrast if you're building a concert that moves between classical, jazz, and contemporary idioms.

• Singing contemporary pop/rock idioms with stylistic authenticity
• Balancing independent voice parts in a three-part texture
• Handling minor key harmonic language and darker emotional content
• Sustaining tone and connection in lower dynamic contexts