Times Like These (arr. Dan Pate): TBB Choral Octavo

Dan Pate's arrangement captures the driving energy of the original while building the kind of linear, singable voicing that keeps men's voices engaged and rewarded. The song's refrain carries enough melodic weight that students feel the payoff of their preparation, and the harmonic foundation stays rooted enough that intonation challenges remain manageable rather than overwhelming.

The piece radiates the kind of controlled confidence that defined early 2000s alternative rock. There's propulsion and drive in the harmonic movement, yet the familiar melody grounds the listener and makes each phrase feel inevitable. Singing this arrangement delivers the satisfaction of a song that knows exactly where it's going and invites singers along for a journey that feels both assured and emotionally honest.

This arrangement works for any men's choir seeking repertoire that energizes student singers without requiring advanced musicianship. High school and college ensembles will find material that sits comfortably in the voice while still offering genuine musical substance.

• Anchor the rhythm section (bass and baritone parts) early in rehearsal. This arrangement relies on rhythmic precision to maintain its forward momentum, so lock those voices first before layering the melody.
• Shape the dynamics toward the refrain, resisting the urge to sing full volume from the start. The original's power comes from restraint and building intensity, not from immediately belting at full throttle.
• Address the contemporary language and casual tone of the text with singers directly. This isn't concert hall formality, and your interpretation should reflect that authenticity without sacrificing vocal production.
• Layer the parts gradually during sectionals. Men's choirs often benefit from learning melody and bass as anchors, then building tenor and middle voices into the texture once those foundations solidify.

Consider this for a concert where you're reaching beyond the traditional concert repertoire without abandoning musicianship. Pair it with a rock-influenced closer or a more classical piece earlier in the program to create programming contrast. It also serves well as a festival or regional honor choir selection where audiences and adjudicators expect contemporary repertoire that engages without gimmickry.

• Rhythmic precision in contemporary pop structures
• Balancing vocal production in men's ranges across TB/TTB/TBB/TTBB voicings
• Sustaining harmonic integrity while maintaining groove and forward motion
• Performing text with conversational authenticity rather than classical formality