Building Momentum (from How To Dance In Ohio) (arr. Mark Brymer): SAB Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the driving optimism of this song while making it singable and energetic for SAB choirs. The three-part voicing sits naturally across the ranges without sacrificing the propulsive quality that makes the original so effective; this is the kind of arrangement that feels fresh to performers while remaining accessible.

The piece radiates purposeful forward motion; there's an infectious quality that builds naturally from verse through chorus. It has the kind of theatrical directness that makes singers feel the story they're telling, without requiring elaborate staging or interpretation.

This arrangement works for upper middle school through high school choirs seeking contemporary musical theater repertoire with substance. It's equally at home in concert settings and pops programs, and it engages singers who respond to modern songwriting and theatrical context.

• Maintain a consistent forward motion through the middle section; resist the urge to let dynamics dip between phrases, as the momentum of the title is literal.
• Shape the SAB balance so the soprano line can lift above without straining; mark your sectional entrances clearly so no part gets buried.
• Build the final section gradually by bringing in dynamics at different points rather than all at once, creating a swell rather than a sudden jump.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the tempo first, then allow small rubato in the ensemble phrasing once confidence is solid.

Pair this with other contemporary choral theater selections for a pops or spring concert that appeals to younger audience members. It also serves well as a concert opener or placement song that energizes the room and establishes a modern, engaging tone for your programming.

• Sustaining forward motion across longer phrases
• Balancing three-part voicing with clear line hierarchy
• Connecting contemporary text to musical storytelling
• Managing rhythmic precision in a driving tempo