Man In The Mirror (arr. Kirby Shaw): TTBB Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the anthem quality of this Michael Jackson classic while writing idiomatically for men's voices. The flexible voicing (TB/TTB/TBB/TTBB) means you can perform it with whatever ensemble size you have, and the inspirational message gives your choir a song that resonates beyond the performance itself.

Motivational and reflective. The arrangement honors the original's earnest emotional core while giving it a choral warmth. Singing it feels purposeful, like your group is speaking something important together.

Men's choirs looking for contemporary repertoire with genuine depth. Directors who want to program something students already know and love, combined with an arrangement that challenges musicianship and builds ensemble cohesion.

• Build the dynamics gradually throughout the piece. The arrangement gains power as more voices layer in, so resist the urge to sing full volume early.
• Lock the homophonic sections with precision, especially in the final chorus, where block harmony will feel most impactful.
• Balance the lead line against the supporting voices. The soloist or section melody must cut through without the ensemble overwhelming it.
• Lean into the rhythmic drive of the pop idiom. Crisp articulation on repeated figures will energize the arrangement and prevent it from dragging.

Save this for a spring or end-of-year concert where you want to leave the audience with a positive message. It pairs well with both classic and modern repertoire, and works as either a standalone statement or part of a set that includes other inspirational or contemporary pieces.

• Interpreting pop and rock idioms in a choral context
• Balancing solo or section leads against ensemble harmony
• Managing dynamic control in extended phrases
• Rhythmic precision in syncopated figures
• Adapting to flexible voicing for different ensemble sizes