Christmas In L.A. (arr. Mark Brymer): SAB Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the laid-back sophistication of the original while making it genuinely singable for three-part choirs. The funk groove stays present throughout without overwhelming young or developing singers, and the holiday context gives you permission to program something that feels refreshingly contemporary.

Smooth and soulful with understated cool. The arrangement channels West Coast ease and minimal aesthetic, creating a holiday track that feels more like hanging out with friends than a formal celebration.

Choirs comfortable with contemporary harmony and rhythmic precision, typically grades 7 and up. This works equally well for high school or adult ensembles looking to add funk and modern sensibility to their holiday programming.

• Lock into the groove early in rehearsal. Have singers speak the rhythm of their parts before singing to internalize the pocket that makes this arrangement breathe.
• Keep the feel relaxed and behind the beat rather than pushing ahead. This style demands patience and space between the notes.
• Balance the parts so no single line dominates; the arrangement thrives on how the three voices interact rhythmically, not on soloistic showcase.

Pair this with traditional carols or heavier choral works to show the range of what holiday music can be. It's ideal for concerts where you want to signal that your choir embraces contemporary styles, or for a set that captures modern holiday vibes.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated funk grooves
• Singing jazz/contemporary harmonies with blend and balance
• Maintaining groove and pocket in non-classical contexts
• Part independence and awareness of how individual lines create texture