Feel It Still: SSA Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's SSA arrangement captures the infectious swagger of the original while giving your singers genuine harmonic material to dig into. The texture sits comfortably in the choir's range while maintaining the funk-pop energy that draws students to contemporary repertoire.

Groovy and purposeful, with a retro-soul foundation that feels both nostalgic and current. The arrangement sits in that sweet spot where pop sensibility meets real harmonic interest, giving singers the satisfaction of sounding polished while having fun.

Choirs at the middle school level and above who want contemporary material with genuine musicianship demands. Directors seeking funk and soul repertoire that engages singers while holding their respect will find this a solid addition to the library.

• Commit to the rhythmic pocket. The groove only lands when the choir locks in with precision; rehearse the syncopated rhythms separate from the melody until they feel inevitable.
• Layer in the vocal percussion strategically. Whether you're using body percussion or instrumental support, the rhythm section texture matters as much as the vocals themselves.
• Balance the SSA writing to keep each line audible. The arranger likely uses the upper voices for the main hook, so resist the urge to let sopranos carry the entire sound; midrange definition keeps the arrangement from getting muddy.
• Pay attention to the dynamic arc of each section. Modern pop arrangements live and breathe through contrast, so shape your dynamics across the entire form rather than settling into one volume.

Drop this into a pop or soul focused concert, or use it as a palate cleanser between more classical repertoire. The relative accessibility makes it ideal for late-season programming when you want something with energy and style without extensive rehearsal runway.

• Singing syncopated rhythms with confidence and precision
• Maintaining a steady rhythmic pocket within a groove-based arrangement
• Balancing individual vocal lines within three-part homophonic texture
• Interpreting dynamic and stylistic nuance in contemporary vocal music