True Colors (arr. Tim Brent): SSA Choral Octavo

Tim Brent's arrangement captures the emotional core of this anthem while making it accessible for developing choirs. The SSA voicing preserves the song's intimacy and power without sacrificing the vulnerability that makes "True Colors" so meaningful to singers and listeners alike.

Intimate and earnest, with moments of quiet reflection that shift into powerful affirmation. The arrangement respects the song's message of acceptance and self-worth, creating space for singers to connect authentically with the text.

Choirs seeking contemporary material that connects with students on a personal level and doesn't require extensive prior pop arranging experience. This works equally well for high school choirs building confidence in the genre and community or church choirs wanting accessible, meaningful modern repertoire.

• Balance the soprano and alto lines carefully during the main melody; both voices carry essential harmonic color, so neither should dominate.
• Allow space for the text to breathe, especially in moments of vulnerability. Resist the urge to push the tempo forward through held notes.
• Tune the unison sections with particular care, as exposed passages will immediately reveal pitch issues in a pop arrangement.
• Work the dynamic arc gradually from verse to chorus. This song builds emotional power through restraint before it builds through volume.

Open a concert with this piece to set an emotional tone and welcome your audience into a meaningful evening. Alternatively, pair it with other contemporary pop arrangements to demonstrate how your choir engages with music from the last few decades.

• Phrasing and breathing in modern song structures
• Balancing melody and harmony in SSA voicing
• Text expression and emotional communication in performance
• Singing sustained tones with consistent intonation
• Responding to pop arranging conventions while maintaining choral blend