Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars) (arr. Mark Brymer): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the infectious energy and modern groove of this contemporary hit while making it genuinely singable for 2-part choirs. The funk foundation stays intact, and the arrangement gives singers real rhythmic and harmonic material to work with instead of diluting the song into something generic.

Sleek and modern, with the propulsive funk groove that made the original such a radio staple. The arrangement brings that urban, confident swagger into the choral context while maintaining enough musical substance to give singers something real to perform.

Choirs looking to program contemporary repertoire that connects with student energy and audience familiarity. The 2-part voicing makes it accessible for mixed-ability ensembles, younger choirs, or any group where full SATB writing would be limiting.

• Lock the rhythmic pocket early. The groove is the song, so spend rehearsal time on rhythmic precision and forward motion before worrying about perfect pitch or blend.
• Balance the rhythmic speaking or spoken sections carefully; these need clarity and comedic timing to land with an audience, not just accuracy.
• Let the low voices anchor the low-end feel. In a 2-part voicing, the bass part carries enormous weight for the overall funk sensibility.
• Lean into the syncopation. This arrangement likely sits outside students' comfort zones rhythmically, which is exactly the point; embrace that slightly off-kilter energy rather than fighting it.

This works perfectly as a concert closer or second-half opener where you want to shift energy and remind an audience why your singers love music. It also pairs naturally with other contemporary pop or funk arrangements if you're building a themed set.

• Reading and maintaining syncopated rhythms in a contemporary pop context
• Singing in a 2-part texture with independent vocal lines
• Rhythmic precision and groove awareness
• Balancing articulation and diction in funk and pop styles
• Interpreting and performing rhythmic speech or spoken sections with timing and clarity