What A Man Gotta Do (arr. Mark Brymer): SAB Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement translates the song's infectious hook and rhythmic drive into an engaging SAB texture that lets singers feel the fun rather than fight the arrangement. The voicing sits naturally across middle voices, giving every section the confidence to carry memorable material without requiring a soprano section to drive the piece.

Confident and radio-ready, with the kind of rhythmic momentum that makes singers want to move. The arrangement captures the original's swagger while staying accessible, giving your ensemble the chance to perform something recognizable that still requires real musicianship.

Choirs looking to program contemporary pop that feels genuinely singable across all three parts, and directors who want to build student engagement without sacrificing musicality. This works equally well for middle school choirs hungry for current repertoire and high school groups seeking a crowd-pleasing concert moment.

• Lock into the rhythmic pocket early by isolating just the percussion parts during sectional rehearsals; the groove is fundamental to making this arrangement swing.
• Treat the recorded accompaniment as a full band, not just a backing track. Match the energy and articulation you hear in the drums and bass line.
• Shape phrases by listening to where the original recording breathes. Your singers will respond better to song instincts than purely technical markings.
• Balance the altos and basses in harmony sections so neither voice disappears; both carry essential color in Brymer's voicing.

Consider this a natural bridge between your concert program and pops show, or program it as your closer on a concert where you want the audience to leave energized. The familiarity of the song makes it an excellent recruitment tool for younger singers considering choir next year.

• Rhythmic precision in contemporary pop idioms
• Balancing blend and clarity across three-part harmony
• Matching vocal tone and articulation to recorded accompaniment
• Performing with groove and ensemble pulse rather than metronomic precision
• Building confidence with recognizable, modern repertoire