Counting Stars (arr. Mark Brymer): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original while making it genuinely singable for a three-part mixed ensemble. The chart respects the song's propulsive groove and memorable hook, ensuring your singers stay connected to what makes the tune work, not fighting against the arrangement to find their parts.

Propulsive and optimistic. The piece carries the narrative momentum of the original while the three-part voicing creates harmonic texture that feels fuller and more sophisticated than a unison pop tune. Expect a mix of rhythmic precision and soaring melodic passages that showcase ensemble blend.

Choirs at the middle school, high school, or community level looking for contemporary pop repertoire that engages singers and audiences alike. This works equally well for secular concert settings, spring shows, or festivals where a high-energy, recognizable tune strengthens your program.

• Keep the rhythmic pulse tight and consistent throughout; this song lives in its steady forward momentum, so lock in the accompaniment early and let your singers lock into that pocket.
• Balance the three parts so the soaring moments in the arrangement land with impact. Brymer likely features each voice part at different moments, so be intentional about dynamic shaping across sections.
• Speak the lyrical hook before you sing it. Getting comfortable with the phrasing and attitude of "Counting Stars" helps singers own the character of the piece, not just hit the notes.
• Use a bright, forward tone production; this arrangement thrives when voices feel present and energized rather than cool or detached.

This fits naturally into a concert celebrating contemporary songwriting or a program themed around inspiration and perspective. Pair it with a contrasting ballad to show range, or build an entire set around modern pop and rock hits to engage younger audiences and demonstrate the range of quality choral arrangements available today.

• Rhythmic precision in contemporary grooves with syncopated patterns
• Balancing multiple independent melodic lines without doubling
• Maintaining forward momentum and stylistic energy across a full piece
• Interpreting pop and rock phrasing naturally within an ensemble context