Shake It Out: SSA Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original without losing the emotional core that made this song resonate so widely. The SSA voicing keeps the piece accessible for developing choirs while maintaining genuine musical interest across all three parts. This is the kind of contemporary pop arrangement that actually works in a concert setting because it respects both the source material and the singers performing it.

Propulsive and empowering, with moments of vulnerability woven through the build. The arrangement balances celebratory pop energy with genuine emotional sincerity, creating something that feels both accessible and substantial.

This arrangement works for concert choirs, show choirs, and festival-bound groups looking for a contemporary piece with mass appeal. Singers who grew up watching Glee or know the song already will be instantly engaged, while those discovering it fresh will appreciate its straightforward vocal writing and modern energy.

• Balance the rhythmic unison passages carefully; these moments drive the song forward, so lock them in without letting them feel mechanical.
• The energy needs to build throughout. Map out your dynamic arc before rehearsal so singers know whether a section sits at mezzo-forte or needs to climb toward forte.
• Pay attention to the text and what it conveys. This song carries emotional weight alongside its pop appeal, so encourage singers to connect with the lyrics about resilience and moving forward.
• If using the recorded accompaniment, start rehearsing with it early and establish a steady tempo everyone trusts. The rhythm section groove is essential to the arrangement's feel.

Slot this into a spring or end-of-year concert where you want contemporary music that audiences will recognize and enjoy. It pairs well with either classic repertoire (providing contrast and accessibility) or with other pop arrangements if you're building a thematic set around resilience and personal growth.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated pop idioms
• Blending three distinct vocal lines with equal presence
• Sustaining energy and engagement in repetitive section structures
• Interpreting pop phrasing and articulation in a choral context