We Believe (arr. Heather Sorenson): SATB Choral Octavo

Heather Sorenson's arrangement transforms a contemporary anthem into something choral ensembles can sink their teeth into without sacrificing the original's infectious energy and conviction. The octavo sits at an accessible level while giving each voice part meaningful material, making this ideal for choirs that want to engage their congregation or audience with a song that actually lands emotionally rather than feeling obligatory.

There's an undeniable lift to this arrangement; it carries the earnestness and hope of the original while creating moments of harmonic richness that feel earned rather than overdone. The blend of contemporary songwriting with choral craft produces something that sounds both modern and timeless.

Sacred choirs at all levels will find value here, whether you direct a volunteer adult ensemble, a youth choir, or a church music program. The arrangement scales well across different vocal abilities and ensemble sizes, making it useful for festivals, worship services, and concert programming.

• Balance the declaration of faith in the text with genuine vocal beauty; these two things aren't in competition. Encourage singers to lean into the conviction of the words without straining or overshouting.
• Pay attention to rhythmic precision in any syncopated sections. Lock the ensemble together through deliberate subdivision rather than hoping the rhythm section will carry the pulse.
• Shape the phrase arcs with intentional breath placement. Young singers often lose momentum between phrases in contemporary arrangements; mark strategic breaths in advance and rehearse them consistently.

This works beautifully as a centerpiece for any worship-focused concert or service, particularly in spring programming when hope and renewal themes resonate. You might pair it with spirituals or hymn arrangements to create a thematic arc that shows how faith finds expression across different musical traditions.

• Singing contemporary harmonic language rooted in popular music conventions
• Balancing choral blend with the rhythmic drive of modern songs
• Text expression and emotional authenticity in devotional material
• Ensemble cohesion in syncopated passages without instrumental support