Renegades (arr. Alan Billingsley): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Alan Billingsley's arrangement captures the propulsive energy of the original while making it genuinely singable for developing choirs. The 2-part voicing opens this contemporary hit to groups that might otherwise skip it, and the stripped-down choral approach actually sharpens what makes the song work: its commitment to a simple, powerful message.

Defiant and driving, with an undercurrent of hope. The arrangement captures the original's restless energy while creating space for voices to shine, letting the choir inhabit the song's spirit of standing up and pushing back.

Choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that lands with pop-savvy students without sacrificing musicality. This works equally well for middle school singers who connect with the song's message and high school groups building modern concert programs.

• Nail the rhythmic precision of the main hook from the start. This arrangement depends on unison clarity during those repeated sections, so lock the rhythm early and often in rehearsal.
• Let the dynamics breathe. The song builds from restraint to release, and your choir will feel that arc only if Part 1 and Part 2 balance differently at key moments.
• Treat the text with directness. These lyrics demand conviction, not prettiness. Encourage your singers to commit to the emotional stakes rather than smooth over the raw edges.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish the groove, then pull back gradually so singers can hear themselves as the arrangement becomes familiar.

Pair this with other contemporary hits to create a concert that speaks to current students, or use it as a bridge piece that shows how modern songwriting translates to choral settings. It lands particularly well in spring concerts or as a closer that leaves the audience energized.

• Rhythmic precision in pop-inflected material
• Balance between 2-part textures
• Text expression and lyrical commitment
• Singing with contemporary style and groove