Fly / I Believe I Can Fly (Choral Mash-up from Glee) (ed. Mark Brymer): SATB Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's mash-up captures the uplifting spirit that made Glee such a phenomenon in choral spaces, pairing two songs with complementary emotional arcs. The arrangement balances singability across all four parts with moments of genuine vocal interest, avoiding both oversimplification and unnecessary complexity. A choir performing this gets to feel the contagious optimism of the material while working on solid contemporary arranging craft.

Soaring and determined, with lyrics that celebrate personal strength and possibility. The arrangement moves between intimate moments and full-voiced celebration, creating emotional peaks that feel earned rather than forced.

Choirs seeking repertoire that connects with students' actual musical taste will find an eager audience for this one. It works equally well in educational settings where bridging popular and concert music is part of the mission, and in community or show choirs where contemporary material is expected.

• Establish the rhythmic pocket early in rehearsal by locking into the groove's feel before worrying about precise note accuracy; this arrangement thrives on forward momentum.
• Color each section distinctly when the two songs blend together; subtle dynamic and articulation choices help audiences hear both melodies clearly.
• Lean into the theatrical nature without overdoing it; genuine conviction in the lyrics carries this arrangement further than exaggerated performance choices.
• Check the accompaniment file for tempo and style cues; Brymer's arrangement likely benefits from the recorded version as a reference for phrasing and energy.

This pairs naturally in a concert exploring themes of resilience or personal growth, or in a pop showcase where you want material with substance beneath its accessibility. It's substantial enough (13 pages) to anchor a mini-set of contemporary arrangements, and the dual-song structure keeps the piece from feeling like a novelty mash-up.

• Singing in contemporary pop style with attention to rhythm precision and groove
• Blending vocal lines when two melodies are performed simultaneously
• Maintaining energy through longer phrases without sacrificing intonation
• Responding to theatrical interpretation cues embedded in the arrangement