Christmas in L.A. (arr. Mark Brymer): Choral Instrumental Pak

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the groove-first DNA of the original while giving choral singers and instrumentalists room to lock into a unified pocket. The energy is genuinely infectious without veering into novelty territory, and audiences respond immediately to music this groovy and well-crafted.

Immediately uplifting and playful. The funk groove feels effortless and fun, with that specific warmth of a song that makes you want to move, even in a concert setting. It strikes the rare balance of being both sophisticated and joyfully accessible.

Choirs seeking contemporary holiday material that actually engages singers and audiences. Directors programming concerts that reach beyond traditional carols, particularly at the high school and college levels.

• Lock the rhythm section (bass and drums) into a tight feel first. Everything else will sit on top of a solid foundation once this pocket is locked.
• Keep the vocal lines rhythmically clear and articulate. Funk hinges on precise rhythmic delivery, not legato singing.
• Balance the funky elements with the holiday message. Let the groove breathe; don't oversell the Christmas angle.
• Use dynamics to underscore the groove. Small dynamic shapes within phrases will emphasize the syncopation and keep the energy fresh.

Pair this with one more upbeat holiday selection and a ballad to create a complete contemporary holiday set. It also works beautifully as a closer on a general concert, holiday or not, since the infectious groove sends audiences out feeling energized.

• Funk rhythmic vocabulary and syncopation
• Locked ensemble grooves across sections
• Articulation precision in rhythmic contexts
• Contemporary arrangement interpretation