Sucker (arr. Mark Brymer): SATB Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original without losing the sophisticated harmonic movement that makes this song stick in people's heads. The SATB voicing stays singable across all parts while maintaining the contemporary pop aesthetic that students actually want to perform. Programming this gives your choir immediate credibility with audiences who know the tune, plus a legitimate teaching tool for understanding modern songwriting techniques.

The brightness and forward motion of modern pop, grounded in pop rock energy rather than ballad sentimentality. There's an earnestness to the melody that works across all four parts without requiring anyone to sacrifice their voice type. The arrangement feels current and alive without sounding overly simplified.

Choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that engages both singers and audiences. Directors building programs that include recognizable pop material without sacrificing musical substance. Ensembles comfortable with pop and rock idioms looking to expand their season beyond traditional classical or sacred work.

• Keep the rhythmic precision tight without sacrificing groove; these pop rhythms need the pocket more than classical precision
• Balance the melodic line clearly in the soprano while letting the lower parts define harmonic color; resist the urge to make everyone equally prominent
• Attack consonants together as an ensemble, especially in the driven sections, to maintain the contemporary energy
• Use dynamic contrast between verse and chorus sections to shape the arc; the arrangement likely builds intensity, so let that story unfold

Place this in a pop/contemporary set to break up a more formal program, or use it as a closing number to send audiences out with something immediately accessible and joyful. This works particularly well on a concert that includes other contemporary or crossover work, as it positions your choir as musicians engaging with the full musical landscape, not just classical canon.

• Singing syncopated pop rhythms with precision
• Balancing blend in a contemporary harmonic idiom
• Understanding contemporary songwriting structure and harmonic function
• Articulation and phrasing in a non-classical style
• Maintaining ensemble cohesion in a groove-based context