A Monster Under My Bed!: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Mischievous and animated, with an undercurrent of genuine suspense. The monster's theme has teeth, but the surrounding material bounces with a kid's-eye view of the world; by the end, you're rooting for resolution rather than fleeing the stage.

String orchestras at the upper elementary through middle school level will find both the technical demands and the story accessible. This works equally well for programs seeking concert openers that engage audiences beyond the typical school community.

• Establish a clear pulse in the opening; younger players can lose shape when the texture thickens around the monster's entrance.
• Let the pizzicato passages breathe. They're funny only if the rhythm feels conversational, not rushed.
• Balance your violin sections so the melodic material stays audible when the lower strings add harmonic support during the climactic moments.
• Encourage the ensemble to listen for the emotional arc. This isn't a novelty piece; it's about a kid's journey from fear to courage, and the music reflects that.

Open a family concert with this piece to establish immediate audience connection. Young siblings in the audience recognize the scenario instantly, while the musical storytelling holds adult interest. It pairs well alongside more abstract concert works on the same program, offering relief and relatability.

• Dynamic contrast and shaping within sustained passages
• Coordinating rhythmic entrances across multiple string sections
• Responding to dramatic tempo and character changes
• Maintaining intonation during pizzicato and arco transitions
• Reading and executing articulation markings that define the monster's musical character