I Want You Back / ABC (arr. Mark Brymer): SATB Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the irresistible momentum of this Motown classic while keeping the four-part texture clean and singable. The piece works equally well as a concert opener that gets audiences immediately engaged or as a rehearsal tool for teaching students to lock into groove and maintain ensemble energy across a full arrangement.

Bright, propulsive, and irresistibly groovy. The arrangement maintains the Motown sparkle of the original while giving each voice part distinct melodic interest, creating moments of four-part unity that feel earned rather than forced.

This arrangement suits choirs looking to program contemporary pop alongside traditional repertoire, particularly groups comfortable with rhythmic precision and ensemble blend. It works for high school choirs and college groups seeking accessible material that still demands musicianship and attention to detail.

• Establish the groove in rehearsal before worrying about perfect diction. Let the rhythm section feel locked and confident first; the vocals will follow naturally.
• Balance the Soprano and Alto lines in the verse sections. These parts dance around each other frequently, and both need audibility without one dominating.
• Commit fully to the syncopated rhythms. Half-hearted attacks on the off-beats will flatten the signature Jackson 5 energy that audiences expect.

Place this early in a concert to establish energy and goodwill with your audience. It pairs naturally with other Motown or pop standards, or use it as a contrast piece in a program that leans classical. The 11-page length keeps it manageable for rehearsal time.

• Groove-based rhythmic precision and syncopation
• Balancing individual voice parts within a unified ensemble sound
• Maintaining consistent articulation across repeated rhythmic figures
• Reading and executing contemporary pop arranging conventions