Creepy-Crawly Creatures: Concert Band Conductor Score

$10.00 USD

Creepy-Crawly Creatures: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: Creepy-Crawly Creatures: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-51954S
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Brian Balmages

Level:.5-1

Item: 00-51954S

$10.00

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One moment…

"Creepy-crawly creatures, often out of sight. Snoozing all throughout the day and partying all night..." So begins the accompanying poem to this delightful work by Brian Balmages, celebrating those friends with whom many of us have "complicated relationships." A clever work playable by the youngest of bands! (1:40)

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Series: MakeMusic First Performance Band

Publisher: MakeMusic Publications

ISBN10: 1-4706-7667-2

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-7667-4

UPC: 038081599007

SKU: 00-51954S

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages has established himself as a composer and conductor whose output spans orchestral, band, and chamber works performed in some of the world's most prestigious venues, from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. His accolades include the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association, first prize in the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest, and election to the American Bandmasters Association. He has conducted all-state and regional ensembles across the globe and served as a guest conductor at the Midwest Clinic, College Band Directors Conference, and other major conferences.

Balmages holds degrees from James Madison University and the University of Miami, receiving the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award from JMU's School of Visual and Performing Arts. His recent commissions have included works for university inaugurations, and his music was performed at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service. He currently serves as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.

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Why we love this

Balmages writes with a gift for capturing young players' attention through narrative and humor. The accompanying poem gives students a reason to care about the musical content, making rehearsals feel like storytelling rather than drill. A piece this accessible at Level 0.5-1 that doesn't sacrifice musicality or clever orchestration shows exactly why beginning bands should sound good from day one.

What to expect

Lighthearted and mischievous, with the feel of a musical game about creatures most people try to avoid. The accompaniment poem creates a narrative arc that pulls listeners in, while Balmages's orchestration dances and skitters around the melody in ways that keep young musicians engaged and delighted.

Who it's for

Beginning concert bands at the middle school level or younger advanced ensembles looking for a piece that teaches musicianship without overwhelming the players. Directors seeking repertoire that entertains both the band and their audience while building foundational skills in a way that feels rewarding rather than remedial.

How to get the most out of it

Establish a steady pulse in early rehearsals by tapping the poem's rhythm patterns before diving into the score; this locks in the ensemble's sense of forward motion.
Balance the playful articulations across sections so the "creepy-crawly" character stays light and dancing rather than sloppy.
Use the poem as a rehearsal tool to anchor phrasing and help younger students understand where musical phrases breathe.
Shape the musical gestures around the text's rhyme scheme to keep the piece engaging without requiring excessive conducting.

How to use it

This works beautifully as a concert opener or closer, setting a playful tone that puts the audience at ease before moving into more serious repertoire. Its brevity (1:40) and accessibility make it an ideal piece for young bands making their first public performances or for festival showcases where you want to demonstrate musicality at the earliest levels.