As It Was (arr. Mark Brymer): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the reflective intimacy of this contemporary hit while making it genuinely singable for mixed choirs. The 3-part voicing preserves the song's emotional core without oversimplifying it, giving students a chance to perform a song they actually know and care about.

The arrangement unfolds with quiet reflection, allowing the introspective nature of the original to shine through three-part harmony. Underneath runs a current of emotional honesty that gives young singers something genuine to express beyond technical precision.

Choirs seeking to expand their repertoire with accessible yet musically satisfying contemporary material will find this valuable. It works equally well for concert choirs wanting to connect with student singers through familiar music and for programs aiming to bridge classical and popular styles.

• Emphasize the lyrical quality of the melody line; this song lives in its restraint rather than volume. Shape phrases around the emotional arc of the text.
• Balance the three parts carefully so no voice overpowers the others. The arrangement's effectiveness depends on blend and transparency.
• Lock in the rhythmic pocket early in rehearsals. Contemporary pop arrangements reveal themselves through groove and timing precision.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements to create a thematic set, or slot it into a mixed concert program as a moment of stillness and intimacy. It can also serve as an effective bridge repertoire for students transitioning between show choir and concert choir experiences.

• Sustaining long phrases with intentional breath placement
• Blending three distinct lines into unified harmony
• Interpreting contemporary songwriting through a choral lens
• Maintaining rhythmic precision within a contemporary groove framework