Bad Habits (arr. Mark Brymer) Sheet Music Preview

Bad Habits (arr. Mark Brymer): SATB Choral Octavo

As performed by Ed Sheeran / Arranged by Mark Brymer

Item: 35-DS01048014

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 10
SKU: 35-DS01048014

More about this title

About the Artist: Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran emerged as one of the defining singer-songwriters of the 2010s, building his reputation on meticulously crafted melodies and emotionally direct lyrics. His ability to convey vulnerability through accessible, radio-friendly compositions has made his work a natural fit for choral arrangements, where the emotional core of his writing translates powerfully to ensemble singing.

For choral directors, Sheeran's catalog offers contemporary material that resonates with student singers and audiences alike. His songs balance harmonic sophistication with memorable hooks, creating arrangements that challenge ensembles without requiring extended ranges or extreme vocal acrobatics.

Why we love this

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the reflective introspection of "Bad Habits" while crafting an SATB texture that feels both modern and genuinely singable. The arrangement respects the intimacy of the original without sacrificing the harmonic interest that keeps singers engaged and audiences invested.

What to expect

Introspective and candid, with the kind of emotional directness that makes a large ensemble feel like it's sharing a confidence with the audience. The piece carries a gentle melancholy throughout, building from quiet confession to fuller expression without ever losing its sense of vulnerability.

Who it's for

This arrangement works for choral programs seeking contemporary repertoire that challenges singers musically while remaining accessible to both performers and listeners. It suits intermediate to advanced high school choirs, college ensembles, and community groups looking to program music that bridges classical technique and modern sensibility.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the soprano line against the harmonic foundation in the lower voices; the melody should emerge naturally rather than overshadow the underlying chord progression.
  • Find the restraint in this arrangement. Let silence and space serve the emotional arc rather than filling every moment with volume.
  • Shape phrases around the lyrical content. The confessional nature of the text demands singers treat each phrase as a moment of honesty, not just a melodic contour to execute.

How to use it

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements to create a thematic concert block exploring themes of self-reflection and personal responsibility. It also serves effectively as a closer for spring concerts, where its honest emotional tone provides a satisfying final statement that lingers after the final chord.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing soprano melody against supporting harmonies in four-part writing
  • Interpreting contemporary popular music through choral technique
  • Shaping lyrical phrasing in a modern harmonic context
  • Maintaining ensemble cohesion in sparse textures with exposed lines

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