Creepy Crawlies: Score
By Michael Story
Grade: 1 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0002080
$10.00
Pickup currently not available
Description
Well, you've probably heard of tributes to almost everything, but how about a tribute to bugs? Yes, with tongue very much in cheek, Michael Story has penned this original novelty to bring more than just a snicker from your audiences. Hear the insect as it approaches (your trumpet section playing on mouthpieces) and a resounding "slap" as the culprit is sent to greener pastures. Add some visuals from the band as the insect "circles," and you have yourself a guaranteed successful concert moment. For you environmentalists: No harmful pesticides are included. (Oh my, that's "OFF"-ful!) (1:45)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Creepy Crawlies: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
Open in the Player
Jump straight in and assign it today.
Start Your Free Trial
Open this title and explore the full library in minutes.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Beginning Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
144
SKU:
00-PR-0002080
More about this title
About the Composer: Michael Story
Michael Story is a prolific composer and arranger whose work spans concert band, jazz ensemble, and educational music. His output is characterized by accessibility without condescension, making him a trusted voice in beginning and intermediate band literature. Story has built a reputation for pieces that engage both musicians and audiences, balancing musical substance with entertainment value.
Why we love this
This piece delivers genuine novelty writing that doesn't rely on cheap tricks. The mouthpiece articulation for the trumpet "buzz," the percussive "slap" moment, and the strategic use of visual movement create a multi-sensory concert experience that Grade 1 bands can execute convincingly. It's the kind of opener or closer that reminds audiences why live band concerts matter.
What to expect
Playful and mischievous, with moments of theatrical surprise. The piece moves through the "approach" of an insect with genuine tension, builds toward an inevitable conclusion, and lands its comedic punctuation with satisfaction. Students hear themselves making intentional musical humor rather than just playing notes.
Who it's for
Beginning concert bands seeking repertoire that combines musical learning with genuine audience engagement. This works equally well for groups building confidence in standard instrumentation or for ensembles introducing students to the fun side of band playing.
How to get the most out of it
- Coach the trumpet section on consistent mouthpiece buzz articulation before adding it to the full ensemble. A clear, unified approach to the sound effect will land harder with the audience.
- Establish clear visual cues with the band for when the insect "circles." This choreographed moment transforms the piece from novelty into theatrical experience.
- Time the final percussive "slap" crisply by anchoring it to your timpani or bass drum player. The comedic payoff depends on rhythmic precision.
- Keep the tempo brisk and energetic. The 1:45 duration works only if the piece maintains forward momentum throughout.
How to use it
Pair this as an opener to energize a concert or tuck it into the middle of a program when audience attention needs a reset. It's also a natural fit for family concerts, pep band performances, or any context where you want the band to show its personality alongside its musicianship. The Halloween connection makes it ideal for fall concert programming.
Skills your students will build
- Articulation control and precision (mouthpiece buzzing)
- Visual ensemble coordination and movement
- Rhythmic accuracy in ensemble context (Grade 1)
- Dynamic contrast and comedic timing
- Listening and responding to cues across the ensemble