Monsters, Unite!: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Dugger's writing here strikes the balance that makes beginning band so rewarding to teach: the piece is straightforward enough that students hear themselves succeeding immediately, but quirky enough that they're genuinely excited about it. The theremin (or flexatone as an alternative) and timpani glissando aren't just sound effects; they're percussion players getting real responsibility, and the tuba solo at the end turns your lowest brass into stars. Every section gets a moment to shine, and that final surprise scream gives you a teaching tool for dynamics, character, and the pure joy that made students want to play music in the first place.

Playful and slightly spooky without being genuinely scary. The piece bounces with personality as monsters of all shapes and sizes lurch and flutter toward each other. Pizzicato strings, creeping low brass, and those unsettling theremin tones create atmosphere, but the overall mood is one of mischievous fun that builds toward a gloriously silly finale.

Beginning band directors looking for a novelty piece that delivers musical substance alongside entertainment value. This works perfectly for players in their first or second year, whether you're programming a fall concert, a Halloween-themed performance, or simply a day when students need to remember why they chose this instrument.

• Balance the melodic content in the upper woodwinds with your inner voices so the harmonic foundation stays clear; beginning bands often let the top line overshadow the chords beneath it.
• Rehearse the theremin (or flexatone) part independently before adding it to full band. The pitch control requires a different listening skill, and isolating it first prevents it from throwing off the ensemble's intonation during early rehearsals.
• Let your tuba player own the solo at the end. Give them space in sectionals to build confidence and tone quality; this is their moment to be heard.
• Shape the final march section with a clear accelerando in mind, even if it's subtle. The piece builds momentum toward that last surprise, so maintain forward energy rather than settling into a steady tempo.

This anchors a fall concert or October pep rally. Pair it with another Dugger beginning band piece for a strong opening set, or use it as a crowd-pleaser sandwiched between more straightforward educational repertoire. The 1 minute 35 second length makes it ideal for a program that needs energy and variety without eating up rehearsal time.

• Reading simple melodic lines and supporting harmonic parts in unison and two-part textures
• Responding to dynamic and stylistic cues (staccato, legato, accents) in a narrative context
• Balancing ensemble sound while maintaining individual part clarity
• Executing percussion effects (timpani glissando, theremin/flexatone control) that require focused listening
• Building confidence in featured solo passages (tuba solo)