True Colors (arr. Jetse Bremer): SSAAA Choral Octavo

Jetse Bremer's five-part voicing opens up the melody and harmony in ways that make this anthem feel fresh without sacrificing what made the original so moving. The arrangement respects the song's emotional core while giving your singers the space to find their own voices within it. Programming this between more classical works reminds audiences that pop music belongs in concert halls.

Intimate and affirming, the arrangement invites singers into a personal moment before opening into something communal. The interlocking voices create warmth and harmony that feel earned rather than imposed, matching the song's message about acceptance and self-worth.

Choirs comfortable with five-part writing and interested in expanding beyond traditional classical repertoire. This works equally well for high school ensembles looking to connect with students through contemporary material and adult choirs seeking accessible, meaningful pop arrangements.

• Balance the top line carefully in the verses; this arrangement distributes the melody across voices, so clarity matters more than volume.
• Let the text drive your phrasing rather than pushing for a strict rhythmic grid. The song breathes when singers honor the emotional arc of each phrase.
• Experiment with slight dynamic shaping across the five parts in the chorus to create a sense of building energy without forcing it.

Place this in a concert focused on identity, resilience, or contemporary voices to give your audience permission to hear familiar songs in new ways. It pairs well with both classical and folk repertoire, serving as a bridge between concert traditions and the music your singers actually listen to outside rehearsal.

• Reading five-part choral voicing with independent melodic lines
• Balancing ensemble blend across distributed melodic material
• Sustaining phrasing and breath control in a cappella settings
• Connecting emotional text to vocal production and dynamic nuance