Treat You Better (arr. Ed Lojeski): SAB Choral Octavo

Ed Lojeski's arrangement respects the song's original intimacy while opening it up for three-part voices. The result feels neither overly simplified nor patronizing; it captures what makes the song work in the first place: a clear emotional arc that students can actually invest in.

Vulnerable and hopeful in equal measure. The song builds from quiet reflection into something fuller and more assured, creating a satisfying arc that feels earned rather than manipulated.

Directors seeking contemporary material that doesn't condescend to students' musical intelligence. This arrangement works for developing choirs and advanced ensembles alike because the emotional content transcends technical difficulty.

• Build the emotional narrative from stillness. The opening requires restraint; let the arrangement's dynamics do the work rather than oversinging early phrases.
• Balance the three parts so the melody always reads clearly without the supporting voices fading into accompaniment texture.
• Pay attention to vowel shape across parts, especially where voices move in parallel motion; unified vowels strengthen the harmonic blend.
• Use the recorded accompaniment as a learning tool first, then pull it back during rehearsals to develop ensemble independence.

Use this as a bridge piece between classical and musical theater programming, or pair it with other contemporary songs to anchor a thematic concert around relationships and personal growth. The 11-page length makes it substantial enough to anchor a smaller set or complement larger works.

• Maintaining phrase shape across ensemble texture
• Balancing melody against supporting harmony
• Interpreting contemporary lyrics with musical intention
• Working with pop and rock stylistic elements in choral context
• Developing independence within SAB voicing