Break My Stride (arr. Mark Brymer): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement respects the song's pop DNA while building genuine ensemble moments that feel earned rather than forced. This is the kind of contemporary material that actually engages young singers because it lives in their cultural memory, yet the two-part texture keeps the focus on blend, balance, and musicality rather than complexity.

Energetic, optimistic, and propulsive. The arrangement captures the song's signature determination while keeping voices conversational and rhythmically engaged. There's a lightness here that invites your singers to perform with personality rather than formal restraint.

This arrangement suits intermediate choirs looking for contemporary pop repertoire that bridges accessibility with genuine musicality. It works particularly well for mixed-age groups or those building confidence in two-part singing without the demands of traditional harmony.

• Keep the groove conversational and speech-like, especially in the verses. The lyrical rhythm matters more than metronomic precision.
• Balance the two parts carefully during the hook; neither line should dominate, even when the melody sits in one voice.
• Build energy gradually through repetition. The song's power comes from cumulative momentum, not sudden dynamic shifts.
• Consider whether your recorded accompaniment needs adjustment for your choir's tempo preference. Wilder's original track has a specific pocket that may or may not match your rehearsal tempo.

Pair this with other contemporary hits to frame a full set around modern pop songwriting, or use it as an accessible opener that immediately connects with your audience. Its eleven pages make it substantial enough to anchor a short program or strong enough as a mid-set energizer between more formal selections.

• Rhythmic independence between two parts moving in similar and contrasting patterns
• Maintaining a groove-based pulse while singing melodic lines
• Blend and balance in a pop context rather than traditional four-part harmony
• Lyrical diction and rhythmic speech patterns in contemporary music