One Day More (from Les Miserables) (arr. Mark Brymer): SATB Choral Octavo

Brymer captures the defiant energy of this moment without requiring your singers to navigate the original's demanding vocal lines. The arrangement sits comfortably in the mid-range, which means more voices get the melody, and the harmonic underpinning keeps the dramatic tension intact even when parts aren't in unison.

Restless and forward-moving, with an undercurrent of urgency. The music propels you forward; there's no time to sit back or settle into comfort. Underneath the drive sits a thread of solidarity, of people bound together by something larger than themselves.

Choirs at the high school or collegiate level who want to tackle a contemporary musical theatre standard without stepping outside the bounds of what's musically feasible in rehearsal. Singers and directors drawn to repertoire with immediate emotional impact will find the familiar tune and story work in their favor.

• Build the intensity gradually through the verse sections rather than starting at full volume; let the harmony underneath do the work before the full ensemble enters with the main theme.
• Shape the dynamic arc around the lyrical content. This is about determination and hope under pressure, so avoid letting sustained notes flatten out or feel static.
• Balance the soloists carefully if the arrangement includes them. They should cut through the ensemble without overpowering it; this song belongs to a group.

Pair this with other Les Misérables selections for a thematic concert, or use it as a palate cleanser between classical or art song repertoire to remind audiences that contemporary musical theatre writing has real substance. It works especially well mid-concert when energy needs a boost.

• Sustaining energy through repeated melodic phrases
• Balancing ensemble blend when multiple parts share the main theme
• Shaping dynamics to serve storytelling rather than following notation automatically
• Navigating rhythmic drive without sacrificing vowel clarity