Rather Be: SSAA Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the essential charm of this modern pop standard while building in genuine choral texture. Rather than relying on rhythmic gimmicks, the writing creates real four part harmony that rewards careful attention to blend and balance. The piece gives your singers a contemporary song that audiences recognize immediately, yet demands the vocal control and musicianship that makes choral performance worthwhile.

Lush and contemporary, with a wistful quality that sits somewhere between indie pop and orchestral arrangement. The harmonic landscape feels open and spacious, built on the kind of sophisticated chord progressions that reveal new layers with each rehearsal. There's an elegance here that contradicts the song's straightforward pop origins.

Choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that balances accessibility with genuine musicianship. This works for groups that range from developing high school ensembles to experienced adult choirs who want material their singers will connect with emotionally.

• Balance the melody line with supporting harmonies; the arrangement's strength lies in how the accompaniment shapes the phrase rather than doubling the tune throughout.
• Lean into the pop rhythmic feel without rushing. This style sits between legit singing and contemporary groove, so anchor your beat on where the arrangement naturally lands.
• Pay attention to dynamic shape within individual phrases. The original recording uses subtle swells and pulls, not dramatic changes, to build emotional momentum.
• Treat the lower voicing with care when you have an SSAA configuration. Those parts support the structure even when they're not carrying the melody.

This works beautifully as a showcase piece on a concert where you're mixing classical and contemporary repertoire, or as the anchor for an entire program built around pop and musical theater arrangements. The nineteen pages give you enough substance for a meaningful performance without consuming excessive rehearsal time. Consider programming it where you want to demonstrate that your singers can bring the same musicality to modern hits that they bring to traditional classics.

• Balancing independence within four part SSAA/SSAA voicing
• Maintaining rhythmic stability in contemporary groove settings
• Navigating the harmonic language of modern pop composition
• Singing with emotional directness while maintaining vocal technique