Once Upon A December (arr. Mark Brymer): Choral Instrumental Pak

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the nostalgia of the original while giving choirs a sound that feels current and sophisticated. The Swingle Singers reference signals an arrangement built on craft rather than gimmick: clean voicing, crisp rhythmic definition, and the kind of counterpoint that keeps every section engaged. Optional instruments give you flexibility to match what your ensemble actually has available without sacrificing the musical integrity.

The piece opens with the intricate, crystalline texture of a Renaissance madrigal, then gradually softens into something more intimate and personal. There is real warmth here without sentimentality, and the vocal layering creates shimmer and depth that feels almost orchestral. By the end, you are sitting with the singers in their memories, not watching them perform a song.

Directors seeking a winter concert piece that works for strong intermediate to advanced choirs without requiring a full instrumental section. It appeals to singers who connect with contemporary a cappella sounds and audiences tired of overly sentimental holiday arrangements. This is equally at home in a concert of mixed choral repertoire or as part of a seasonal show featuring Pentatonix and similar pop-influenced material.

• Shape the opening madrigal section with restraint. The beauty lies in clarity and space between voices, not in pushing volume. Let the intricate arranging shine through.
• If using the optional instruments, have them enter gradually rather than all at once. This preserves the reflective quality before the piece opens up.
• Find the emotional core in the text about remembering happy holidays. Singers should think about specific memories, not just sing pretty notes.
• Balance the contemporary vocal style (closer to pop blend) against the madrigal structure. Neither tradition should dominate completely.

This works beautifully as the closing piece before intermission, offering a moment of reflection and beauty that sends the audience into the break emotionally invested. You could also program it alongside other arrangements of film music or contemporary standards to show range and style diversity within the choir. Consider it for winter/holiday concerts where you want to move beyond traditional carols while still honoring the season.

• Reading and executing complex rhythmic patterns across multiple vocal lines
• Balancing blend between madrigal counterpoint and contemporary a cappella vowel shaping
• Interpreting text with emotional specificity and restraint
• Maintaining rhythmic independence while listening for harmonic resolution
• Adapting vocal production to shift between distinct musical styles within a single piece