Ex's Oh's: SSA Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the swagger and attitude of the original without losing the song's infectious energy in the translation to SSA voicing. Your singers will gravitate toward material this contemporary and recognizable, and the vocal writing sits comfortably while still giving each voice part something engaging to sing.

Confident and playful, with an undercurrent of swagger. The arrangement maintains the original's modern edge while keeping the vocal writing grounded and singable across all three parts. It feels contemporary without trying too hard.

Choirs seeking accessible, contemporary material that bridges pop and rock sensibilities. Works well for treble-voiced ensembles at the high school and college level who want to program something their audiences will recognize.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in the pre-chorus sections; the syncopation gives the arrangement its drive, so lock it in during sectionals.
• Bring attitude to the lyrics without oversinging. The song works best when the delivery feels conversational and confident rather than belted.
• Balance the S1 and S2 lines during the hook so neither disappears. They need to sit as a unified sound without one shadowing the other.
• Use the dynamic range Brymer has written. Contrast between verse and chorus matters more here than in many pop arrangements.

Pair this with other accessible pop or rock-influenced pieces for a concert that reaches beyond your traditional classical audience. It works especially well as a contrast piece in a mixed repertoire program or as a concert closer that leaves listeners smiling.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated passages
• Blending in three-part harmony without doubling
• Stylistically appropriate diction and delivery in contemporary pop
• Dynamic control and phrasing in shorter melodic units
• Confidence performing recognizable, modern material