True Colors (arr. Deke Sharon): SATB Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement takes a pop standard that already carries emotional weight and reimagines it for a cappella voices without sacrificing the song's vulnerability. The result feels both contemporary and timeless, giving singers genuine musical material to dig into rather than a safe, predictable adaptation.

Stripped of instrumental accompaniment, this arrangement lets the intimacy of the original songwriting come through. Voices create warmth and texture where production once lived, and the SATB voicing allows for subtle harmonic color that catches listeners off guard in the best way.

Choirs ready to perform a cappella material with genuine interpretive responsibility will find this arrangement rewarding. It works for intermediate to advanced high school ensembles or college groups seeking a pop selection that doesn't underestimate singers' musicianship.

• Anchor the piece with a solid alto line; this arrangement relies on that voice part to provide harmonic foundation while sopranos float the melody.
• Find the legit breath points rather than breathing whenever convenient. The phrasing here serves the text, and rushing for air breaks that intention.
• Balance the blend by listening for how each part supports rather than competes. This song lives in subtlety, not volume.
• Shape dynamics across entire phrases, not just individual moments. The journey matters more than any single note.

This pairs naturally with concerts celebrating songs that define generations, or programs exploring how pop songwriting holds up under acoustic scrutiny. It also serves as an accessible entry point for ensembles new to a cappella singing, since the melody remains clear even as harmonies develop complexity.

• Singing a cappella with harmonic independence
• Balancing melody and supporting voice parts
• Shaping long vocal phrases without instrumental cues
• Creating ensemble blend across SATB texture
• Interpreting pop material with choral sophistication