Dentist! / Suddenly, Seymour: Marching Band Conductor Score

Mike Story's arrangement captures the comedic snap of "Dentist!" while preserving the emotional weight of "Suddenly, Seymour" at a level that Grade 2 bands can execute with confidence. The short, accessible solos for trumpet and trombone give your section leaders featured moments without demanding virtuosity, and the arc from humor through tenderness to that poignant final statement gives your band real dramatic material to work with.

The piece moves from the campy delight of the dental office scene into intimate, heartfelt territory. You'll hear the brightness and comedic energy of "Dentist!" give way to the warmth and vulnerability of "Suddenly, Seymour," then build into a sweeping, emotional conclusion that lands with real impact.

This score works well for directors programming a Little Shop of Horrors show or concert selections who need reliable, engaging material that doesn't demand advanced technique. Marching bands at the Grade 2 level will find the arrangement accessible while still offering musical substance and storytelling.

• Shape the "Dentist!" section with crisp articulation and clear rhythmic punch; let the humor live in the precision of the attack rather than rushing the tempo.
• Balance the trumpet and trombone solos in "Suddenly, Seymour" so they sing over the accompaniment without overpowering the lyricism of the moment.
• Bring the buildup to the final section with gradual dynamic growth and controlled energy; resist the urge to peak too early before that gorgeous finish.
• Use the contrast between the two sections as a teaching tool for phrasing: help your ensemble hear how the transition mirrors the emotional shift in the story.

Place this in a concert devoted to Broadway favorites or musical theater repertoire, where it serves as both entertainment and a chance to explore character and dramatic arc. It also works as a centerpiece for a show-themed program, allowing you to build a full concert around Little Shop selections at varying difficulty levels.

• Contrasting articulation styles (crisp staccato vs. legato singing)
• Dynamic shaping across longer phrases
• Balance and blend in sectional vs. solo passages
• Phrasing and interpretation based on lyrical content
• Ensemble cohesion during tempo changes and key moments