Like, Totally '80s (arr. Mark Brymer): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Neon nostalgia wrapped in accessible harmony. The arrangements bounce with the optimism of '80s production while staying firmly grounded in the sound of acoustic voices. Singing this feels current precisely because the era has become retro enough to enjoy without irony.

Directors building pops concerts, end-of-year spring shows, or all-school assemblies where students actually want to sing. This collection works equally well for intermediate choirs and advanced ensembles looking for something fun that doesn't require soloists.

• Lock the rhythmic groove early. These songs live or die by their pocket, so nail the subdivision before worrying about blend.
• Lean into the synth textures suggested by the accompaniment. Letting singers hear those synthesizer lines helps them understand the harmonic landscape.
• Balance the lead line against the support voices. '80s production typically features a strong vocal hook, so resist the urge to make everything equally prominent.
• Use the recorded accompaniment liberally in rehearsal. Hearing how parts interact with the full arrangement accelerates learning and keeps the feel authentic.

Pair this collection with a thematic concert exploring pop across decades, or use individual selections as palate cleansers between classical works. The compilation format makes it ideal for building a short pops set without programming a full medley.

• Reading syncopated rhythms common to pop idiom
• Balancing lead and harmonic roles in 3-part texture
• Responding to contemporary language and diction in singing
• Maintaining rhythmic precision against a steady pulse
• Interpreting style markers specific to 1980s production