True Colors: SATB Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement captures the song's emotional core while making it accessible for a cappella choirs of varying experience levels. The piece sits naturally for SATB voices and gives singers a chance to connect with a universally recognized anthem about self-acceptance and authenticity.

Honest and inviting, like a conversation about belonging. The arrangement unfolds naturally, building from intimate moments to fuller harmonic textures that celebrate rather than overwhelm.

This arrangement works for intermediate to advanced high school and college choirs, as well as community and adult ensembles. It's ideal for programs seeking contemporary repertoire with heart and social meaning, performed without instrumental accompaniment.

• Shape the melody through dynamic shaping rather than volume alone; the song's power comes from emotional honesty in the phrasing.
• Balance the inner voices carefully in the harmonic passages so the arrangement doesn't feel muddy or overdirected.
• Let sections breathe at phrase endings; resist the urge to rush through to maintain the song's conversational intimacy.
• Encourage performers to own the message of the text fully, as conviction in delivery matters more than technical polish here.

Consider programming this on a concert exploring identity and social themes, or as a humanizing closer that leaves audiences with something to carry with them. It also pairs well with other contemporary pop or secular choral selections in shows built around modern songs with substance.

• Singing with emotional intent and text expression in contemporary music
• Blending voices within four-part a cappella harmony
• Maintaining steady pitch and intonation across changing harmonic centers
• Phrasing in pop-influenced melodies while preserving choral coherence