As It Was (arr. Mark Brymer): SATB Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement respects the song's intricate production while creating something genuinely singable for mixed voices. The reflective quality of this track gives choirs access to a song their singers know and love, without sacrificing the harmonic depth that makes it rewarding to teach and perform.

Introspective and grounded, with moments of quiet intensity. The harmonic language has enough sophistication to reward careful listening while remaining accessible, creating a sense of intimate reflection rather than spectacle.

Choirs ranging from strong high school ensembles to community and collegiate groups seeking contemporary repertoire that engages singers emotionally without requiring extensive vocal gymnastics. This arrangement works equally well for concert programming or as a refreshing alternative to standard pop choir fare.

• Pay attention to the inner voice independence, especially in passages where Brymer voices the accompaniment. Each section needs to hear their own line as melody, not just filler.
• Balance the production's intimate character with choral resonance. The song's strength lies in its vulnerability, so resist the urge to overdrive dynamics.
• If using recorded accompaniment, dial in tempos carefully during rehearsal. This piece lives in precise rhythmic space, and ensemble cohesion matters more than personal tempo preferences.
• Shape phrase endings with intention. The song's reflective mood depends on singers landing cadences with awareness rather than simply stopping.

This pairs naturally with other contemporary pop arrangements in a concert centered on music singers care about, or sits effectively as a solo piece in a mixed-repertoire program seeking a moment of stillness and sincerity. Consider programming it after more energetic selections to showcase dynamic range.

• Balancing independence of individual voice parts within a cohesive harmonic texture
• Performing contemporary popular music with musical intention rather than surface imitation
• Sustaining and shaping long phrases with legit tone production
• Responding to intimate arrangement choices that emphasize clarity over volume