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

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the propulsive energy of this number while keeping the vocal writing singable for developing SSA ensembles. The piece builds genuine excitement without sacrificing musical substance, making it a standout choice when you need something that energizes both singers and audiences.

This piece pulses with forward motion and theatrical drive. It lives in the intersection of pop sensibility and choral craft, creating a sound that feels modern and urgent while remaining rooted in ensemble singing.

SSA or SSAA choirs seeking contemporary Broadway repertoire with genuine theatrical energy. Directors looking for a piece that engages singers in a full-voiced, rhythmically driving arrangement will find immediate appeal here.

• Establish a strong rhythmic foundation in rehearsal by isolating the percussion parts and having singers internalize the groove before layering vocals. This grounds the momentum and keeps the piece from feeling scattered.
• Differentiate the dynamic arcs between your soprano and alto lines; the arrangement likely features distinct intensity levels that, when executed clearly, create the sense of acceleration the title promises.
• Pay close attention to diction clarity through the faster passages. Crispness in consonants will magnify the propulsive quality of the music.

Position this in a pop or contemporary set where it can anchor the middle section with momentum and lift. The theatrical DNA makes it particularly effective in spring concerts or multi-genre programming where you want to demonstrate your singers' range and contemporary fluency.

• Rhythmic precision in contemporary pop and musical theater idioms
• Layering and blending contrasting vocal lines
• Sustaining energy and ensemble cohesion through dynamic builds
• Diction clarity in faster, rhythmically complex passages