Counting Stars (arr. Mark Brymer): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the infectious energy of this chart-topping hit while keeping the vocal writing accessible for developing singers. The 2-part voicing lets you build this into your program quickly without sacrificing the modern sensibility that makes students actually want to sing it.

Uplifting and driven, with the kind of rhythmic snap that makes students sit up straighter when they find the groove. The song carries an optimistic momentum that feels both modern and genuinely musical.

Directors building contemporary pop repertoire for treble, mixed, or male choirs at the middle school through early high school level. This works especially well if you're looking for something current that doesn't require a large ensemble or complex arranging.

• Keep the eighth-note rhythmic drive steady and slightly pushed; this song lives in forward momentum, and any hesitation will deflate its pop energy.
• Balance the melody between your two parts so the primary hook remains audible without drowning out the harmonic support underneath.
• Work the dynamics intentionally. The contrast between quieter verses and fuller choruses drives the emotional arc and keeps the arrangement from sounding monotonous.
• Nail the unison moments if they exist in the arrangement. These act as moments of unity and impact in a 2-part setting.

Pair this with other contemporary pop covers to showcase your choir's range beyond traditional repertoire, or use it as an accessible entry point in a concert that mixes periods and styles. The ten-page length makes it manageable for a concert slot without overshadowing other selections.

• Singing contemporary pop phrasing and rhythmic precision
• Balancing melody and supporting harmonies in a 2-part texture
• Interpreting dynamic contrast to shape musical lines
• Connecting with modern repertoire that resonates with student singers