Christmas In L.A. (arr. Mark Brymer): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the sophisticated groove and contemporary vibe that makes Vulfpeck distinctive, translating it into a two-part setting that doesn't require a massive ensemble. This is a genuine holiday option for choirs looking to move beyond traditional carols without losing the seasonal warmth. The arrangement proves funk and Christmas can coexist naturally.

Cool, urban, and effortlessly groovy. The arrangement carries the relaxed confidence of L.A. cool while maintaining genuine holiday spirit through its melodic content. It's Christmas that doesn't need to announce itself loudly.

Directors programming contemporary holiday concerts or choirs that want to explore beyond traditional seasonal repertoire. This works equally well for secular ensembles seeking repertoire with personality and for groups comfortable with modern idioms.

• Lock in the rhythmic pocket early in rehearsals. Funk lives or dies by precision timing, so spend time isolating the kick pattern and having singers feel it in their bodies before layering harmonies.
• Let the groove breathe. Resist the urge to oversing these lines; the arrangement thrives on restraint and pocket playing rather than vocal power.
• Balance the two parts so neither disappears. In a funk context, both lines carry equal weight in the overall groove, so check mix frequently during rehearsal.

Slot this into a winter concert that mixes generations of holiday material, or lead a set of contemporary seasonal pieces that show your choir's range. It pairs well with other modern arrangements and offers a refreshing contrast to traditional carols without stranding your audience outside the holiday context.

• Funk rhythm vocabulary and pocket awareness
• Maintaining rhythmic independence in two-part settings
• Approaching contemporary commercial music with stylistic authenticity
• Balancing groove-based singing with harmonic precision