Astonishing: SSA Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's SSA arrangement captures the soaring optimism of this Broadway moment while keeping the vocal writing fresh and idiomatic for treble voices. It's the kind of piece that energizes a concert without demanding vocal heroics, which means your singers can focus on storytelling and ensemble blend instead of survival.

Bright, contemporary, and genuinely hopeful without veering into saccharine. The harmonies sit comfortably in the treble range, and the Broadway idiom keeps the performance grounded in character and storytelling rather than pure vocal display.

SSA choirs at the middle school through community level looking for Broadway repertoire that doesn't oversell the emotional stakes. The six-page length makes it manageable for groups with limited rehearsal time while still offering enough musical substance to feel substantial on a program.

• Anchor the harmonic foundation in your first sopranos early in rehearsal, then layer the second sopranos and altos once they understand how their lines support the melody.
• Shape the phrase endings with direction rather than letting them drop; this music lives on forward motion even in quieter moments.
• Balance the recorded accompaniment low enough that singers can hear each other across sections without straining.

Pair this with other contemporary musical theater selections for a Broadway-focused concert, or use it as a contrast piece in a mixed program that includes spirituals or art song. Its accessibility makes it a strong choice for spring concerts where you want audience connection alongside musical substance.

• Phrasing in contemporary musical theater idiom
• Blend and balance in a three-part treble voicing
• Lyrical storytelling in a popular music context
• Confidence with Broadway-style articulation and rhythm