I Won't Give Up (arr. Marshall Webb): TTBB Choral Octavo

Marshall Webb's barbershop arrangement transforms a contemporary pop ballad into a vehicle for four-part vocal blend and chord color. The 10-page score gives singers enough repetition to lock in the jazz-influenced harmony while maintaining the song's emotional directness, making it accessible for singers who might otherwise shy away from classical repertoire.

Earnest and grounded. The melody carries the sincerity of Mraz's original while the four-part harmony adds sophistication and warmth. Barbershop voicing gives each chord a ringing quality that feels generous and full, even at softer dynamics.

Male choir directors seeking contemporary material that bridges pop and barbershop traditions without sacrificing musicality. Singers comfortable reading jazz voicings will find the harmonic language natural, while those new to barbershop style will build foundational skills through a recognizable, emotionally engaging song.

• Let the bass line anchor the harmonic progression; it's the foundation that allows the upper voices to float and blend. Spend rehearsal time locking the bass with the second tenor line so the chords sit cleanly.
• Balance the solo moments (likely the lead or first tenor) against the block chords by thinking of the accompaniment voices as a cushion rather than a competing texture.
• Find the rhythmic pocket early. Modern pop ballads live in subtly laid-back phrasing, so resist the urge to push toward the beat.
• Tune the major 7th and 9th chords that likely appear in this arrangement; they're signature barbershop colors and need precision to land with warmth rather than brightness.

This works beautifully as a contemporary set opener or as a bridge between classical and pop repertoire on a concert. Pair it with other acoustic or folk-influenced choral arrangements to showcase your singers' range and versatility.

• Reading jazz harmony and extended tertian chords (major 7ths, 9ths)
• Balancing solo lines against harmonic blocks
• Tuning non-traditional chord qualities with precision
• Interpreting laid-back, rhythmically flexible phrasing in a choral context
• Four-part blend and blend in a barbershop harmonic framework